Barnard College has been awarded $1 million dollars by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to launch the Public Engagement Initiative, a social justice-oriented project that will facilitate collaborations between Barnard faculty, students, and partner organizations to develop real-world solutions for challenges faced by local communities. The organizations will center around the general themes of immigration, poverty, and labor rights.

The 103rd Annual Pulitzer Prizes— the highest national honors in journalism, literary achievement, and musical composition— were awarded by University President Lee Bollinger on Tuesday in Low Library.

For Robrenisha Williams, BC ’19, attending the Sadie Tanner Conference for Economics in February helped her discover her ability to advocate for her own community, to educate and be educated by women who she admires.

Award-winning actress and humanitarian Viola Davis told graduates to find an “elixir” that drives them to work for causes bigger than themselves at Barnard commencement at Radio City Music Hall on Monday night, emphasizing that intersectionality is crucial for empathy and inclusivity.

For Valerie Jaharis, BC ’19, sending impassioned and frustrated emails as a Barnard first-year was only the beginning.

At the School of General Studies Class Day, fashion model and labor rights activist Sara Ziff, GS ’11, encouraged students to use their Columbia education to advocate for equality and equity outside of the classroom. In light of ongoing bargaining negotiations, she also spoke on the graduate student union and the need for protections against harassment through a strong contract.

Students presented independent research findings on Columbia University’s ties to slavery and the slave trade on Wednesday, marking the fifth year of the Columbia University and Slavery project, a seminar offered every spring. At the event, professor Thai Jones, who now teaches the seminar, discussed and displayed recommendations requested by University President Lee Bollinger in light of the research done this semester.

Lawyer, journalist, and media innovator Umbreen Bhatti, BC ’00, will serve as the new Constance Hess Williams ’66 director of the Athena Center for Leadership Studies starting next fall, Barnard President Sian Beilock announced in an email to the student body on Thursday.

MoniQue Rangell-Onwuegbuzia, CC ’22, stood alone outside of the entrance to the John Jay Lounge for two hours last Friday night.