Galil Bids Farewell to SEAS in Ceremony

Outgoing School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean Zvi Galil said goodbye to Columbia as he presided over his last class day ceremony on Monday.

Galil is leaving the University after 25 years-including 12 as dean of SEAS-to take over as president of his alma mater, Tel Aviv University, this fall. Galil addressed the seniors by placing himself in their shoes.

"I too am starting a new job," he said, before quickly adding. "Of course, I am starting at the top."

"For each new generation of students, the school has adapted to create the best possible foundation for success," Galil told the graduates. "An educated citizen must have a grasp of engineering. ... We have given you the skills you need to flourish."

"He is a dean without borders," University President Lee Bollinger said about Galil. "He is someone who we have all come to admire tremendously, but also feel very affectionate towards. Zvi is always somebody who we will think of part of Columbia."

In honor of his departure, Engineering Student Council President Dan Okin, SEAS '07, announced the creation of the Zvi Galil award for Engineering and Improvement of Student Life. The $1,000 award will be given annually to the student who has most-improved the engineering student community in the past year.

"He [Galil] is our embodiment of Columbia engineering, our idol, our dean," Okin said, calling Galil "the heart and soul of SEAS." He added, "We have all been so lucky for everything that he has given us that it is high time that we gave him something back."

In his keynote address, world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava entreated the graduates to carry on the tradition of engineering.

"Never forget that the principle of the professional begins in the love of the natural," Calatrava said. "Work with patience and passion, knowing that engineering is based in the knowledge of the natural, ... that a good engineer must work with nature and not against it."

Calatrava will be given an honorary degree as a doctor of humane letters at University Commencement today.

According to organizers, 100 percent of seniors contributed to this year's class fund. The gift, which was presented at Class Day, will be dedicated toward improving the school's financial aid contributions. "We have set the standard for participation," one of the co-chairs for the senior gift said.