Freedom-of-expression

Somewhere between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, amid the bustling urban rush, lies a little world of peace. Located at 521 W. 134th St. between towering residence buildings, a garden welcomes visitors, enclosed by stout green bushes and a gray wired fence. Inside, children play games, adults grow and water various plants, and senior citizens lounge about on wooden benches. This is the Space of Grace Community Garden—a sanctuary for many residents of West Harlem amid the quick pace of city life.

On Saturday, the Society of Professional Journalists announced the recipients of its 2021 Mark of Excellence Awards, which honor the best of collegiate journalism at the national level. Spectator, which submitted eight articles and its editions for consideration, won in three categories—including best all-around student newspaper—and had four finalists.

Mike Smith, CC ’20, a former star for the Lions who transferred to the University of Michigan last year, has announced that he will enter the NBA Draft. Smith was a key contributor to the Wolverines, who earned a spot in the Elite Eight in the NCAA March Madness tournament this year before being knocked out by UCLA.

Columbia-Barnard Young Democratic Socialists of America’s tuition strike, which organizers claim mobilized at least 1,000 student strikers at its peak, ended on Monday, April 5.

The School of General Studies’ 2021 Class Day ceremony will feature Elegance Bratton, GS ’14, as keynote speaker and Christopher Thompson, GS ’21, and Qimeng Shi, GS ’21, as the class of 2021′s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Bratton, Thompson, and Shi will each address the General Studies class of 2021 virtually on Wednesday, April 28 during Class Day.

Jeh Johnson, Law ’82; Adam Pritzker, CC ’07; and Sheena Wright, CC ’90, Law ’94, have been elected to Columbia’s board of trustees, the University announced on Tuesday.

Shih-Fu Chang has been named interim dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, according to an email sent by University President Lee Bollinger Friday. His term will begin on July 1,as the school’s current dean, Mary Boyce, transitions to her new role as University provost.