THE OWL After the Last Curtain Call: Dancers In Transition - Forecasting Success: 20 Years of Innovative Admissions
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THE OWL
T h e A lum n i M a g a z i n e of C o lum b i a U n i v e rs i t y S c h o o l of General Studies
After the Last
Curtain Call:
Dancers
In Transition
Forecasting Success: Remembering
20 Years of Innovative Dean Emeritus
Admissions Peter J. Awn
2019-2020
Table of Contents THE OWL The Alumni Magazine of
Letter from the Dean
Columbia University School of General Studies
Lisa Rosen-Metsch ’90
Dean
Curtis Rodgers
Vice Dean
Jill Galas Hickey
Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations
Aviva Zablocki
Director of Alumni Relations
18 14 12
Editor Dear GS Alumni and Friends,
Allison Scola
In This Issue Communications, Special Projects
As I reflect upon the heartbreak and challenges we have faced her network in the fashion industry to produce and donate PPE
Feature Story 14 The Transitional Dance since the last printing of The Owl, I am struck by my feelings of to frontline medical workers, to name just two of our alumni who
Since childhood, most professional dancers sacrificed, showed Contributors pride in how our amazing and resilient GS community has risen have made significant contributions.
discipline, and gave themselves over dreams that required laser Adrienne Anifant to meet these moments. When I step back, our school motto, Lux
focus on their goals. But what happens when their dream careers Meanwhile, the accomplishments of members of our community
Eileen Barroso in Tenebris Lucet—the light shines in the darkness—is taking on
are closer to the end than the beginning? extend across industries and causes. Poet Louise Glück, who
Nancy J. Brandwein new meaning. From the tragic loss of our beloved Dean Emeritus
attended GS in the 1960s, recently was awarded the Nobel Prize
Cover Story 18 Forecasting Success Hannah Brassord Peter J. Awn in the winter of 2019 to the difficult circumstances
in Literature. The work of Eliza Factor ’97 and Akiva Zablocki
For more than 20 years, GS Admissions has used a distinctive Eric Butterman of the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to express
’07 is impacting families with children with special needs (see
process to successfully evaluate prospective students’ potential David Dini my deepest gratitude and admiration for the strength and tenacity
Alumni Notes).
impact on the greater good at Columbia and beyond. The stories of Skylar Failla of the Columbia University School of General Studies alumni,
four alumni who are now well established in their chosen careers The leading stories of this issue illustrate the legacy GS
Gilda Fasullo students, and staff.
illustrate the powerful results of this holistic, time-tested process.
Sara Fox has established over recent decades and the outstanding
As you read through the pages of this issue, I hope you will
Alexander Gelfand professionals our graduates have become. “The Transitional
understand my sentiment. The articles, photos, and stories herein
Bruce Gilbert Dance” recounts how a Columbia education has helped formulate
4 GS, Columbia, and COVID-19 capture the vibrant spirit of who we are. From the March 2019
Christina Gray ’15 the next moves of alumni who came from the world of professional
Military Ball’s final roll call ceremony that recognized our fallen hero
12 Remembering School of General Studies Dean Emeritus Kathrin Havrilla-Sanchez dance, while “Forecasting Success” not only explains how our
Dean Awn (described on page 39) to the remarkable contributions
Peter J. Awn Ashley Kuitunen distinctive admissions process expertly identifies the potential
A beacon of healing and redemption for so many, GS Dean Emeritus our alumni and students have made to the greater good—related to
Noah Kutzy of nontraditional prospective students, but it also details the
Peter J. Awn was one of the most beloved and impactful people in the global pandemic and beyond—your light shines.
Kristen Lykins achievements of four alumni who may not have been considered
the history of Columbia University School of General Studies. for admission by our traditionally-minded peer institutions.
April Moorhouse In the face of COVID-19, GS saw a 20 percent increase in applications
42 Kikka Hanazawa ’00 Employs Her Smarts Jennifer Pellerito for fall 2020. We enrolled more than 800 new undergraduate
I hope as you read The Owl you too will garner a sense of pride
Tokyo native Kikka Hanazawa uses her knowledge of the fashion Sirin Samman and Postbac Premed Prehealth students and moved our support
and embrace our motto, Lux in Tenebris Lucet, with new fervor.
industry and her passion for social change to make a difference Allison Scola services online. Before the era of social distancing, alumni and
for the world.
The sense of resilience, professionalism, and thoughtfulness that
Aviva Zablocki current students were engaged more than ever—and now, finding
exists in our community is evident, and as a result, I am inspired
opportunity instead of obstacles, they have shared hundreds of
every day to work on your behalf. I have so much admiration for
interactive conversations and events virtually, thanks to the creative
each of you, and I send you my thanks and appreciation for your
Sections contributions and tireless organization of the GS staff and so many
light. Keep shining!
generous graduates (learn more on pages 39 to 43).
4 In General: Campus News Published December 2020 All the best always,
17 Faculty Spotlight Members of our community have contributed their talents and
24 The General View Questions, Comments,
know-how to many COVID-19 causes. Faculty of Mailman School
26 G
iving and Change of Address of Public Health, Columbia School of Social Work, and the School
28 Graduation: GS Class Day Gallery, Postbac Premed Office of Alumni and Development
of General Studies collaborated to establish the new Justice and
Class Day Gallery, and New Grad Notes 408 Lewisohn Hall, MC 4121 Pandemics Preparedness Academy (learn more on page 5). Military
2970 Broadway
37 General Interest: Alumni News New York, NY 10027-9829
veteran students served patients and doctors at field hospitals in
gsowl@columbia.edu Manhattan. Andrew Satz ’15 used data science to help develop Lisa Rosen-Metsch ’90
44 GS Alumnus Spotlight
Tel 212-851-7432 Dean
45 Postbac Alumna Spotlight Fax 212-851-1957
effective treatments for COVID-19, and Kikka Hanazawa ’00 used
46 The General Direction: Alumni Notes
The Owl is designed by
53 In Memoriam Di Vision Creative Group
56 Last Look New York, NY
2 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES 2019–2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 3
In General Campus News Campus News In General
Rosen-Metsch Establishes
In General GS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce
GS Dean Lisa Rosen Metsch appointed eight staff members, four current students, and
GS LAUNCHES
four alumni to the new GS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce. The committee is
GS, Columbia, and COVID-19 meeting regularly to develop its overall goals, identify initial areas of work, and implement
JUSTICE AND
a plan and timeline to work towards an anti-racist, multicultural school that builds on GS’s
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to the common cause of more than long-term commitment to educational access and equity for students of all backgrounds.
PANDEMICS
on March 11, all course instruction at reducing the transmission of 115 countries.
Columbia moved online. On March 16, all COVID-19 within and around
In a written
GS administrative offices moved to remote the University community. MOLLY OLA PINNEY ’09 WAS AWARDED
operations. A pass/fail grade policy was
implemented for the spring semester and
The Compact works in
concert with a significant effort
address
the University
to
PREPAREDNESS THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MEDAL FOR
ACADEMY
c o m m u n i t y,
students were offered emergency funding by the University to encourage
University President
to transition out of Columbia housing. social distancing through touchless
Over 400 GS students took advantage of a technology and reservation systems
Lee C. Bollinger said, EXCELLENCE FOR HER WORK AROUND THE
“Thanks to the tireless work of many, I am
$500 grant offered by the University. alongside with sanitizing enhancements The COVID-19 pandemic has raised urgent WORLD WITH THE GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT.
10
fully confident we can provide a meaningful
throughout all facilities.
256 dual degree students living and academic experience no matter where our questions about the failure of the public
studying in France and Ireland were There are approximately 4,400 students students reside. And so today I welcome health and political systems in the United
supported in moving to safe environments, living in and studying from off-campus all Columbia students, faculty, and staff States and throughout the globe to protect
and the GS Board of Visitors raised more Columbia residences, and approximately to this new era with a full heart and 2020 marks the 10-year
all people, especially those in vulnerable
than $200,000 to create a COVID-19 15,400 students living and studying enormous appreciation for your patience,
emergency fund to assist GS students. remotely, including those based in resilience, and determination.” and marginalized groups. As a call to action, anniversary of the Dual BA
Rent-abatement initiatives were put into together with Mailman School of Public Health
place and educational financing was and the Columbia School of Social Work, the
Program with Sciences Po.
enhanced. School of General Studies created the Justice There are currently over 300
Courses for the 2020 summer session and Pandemics Preparedness Academy, a co-
students in the Program.
were conducted remotely and a normal curricular activity for undergraduates across
grading policy was restored. The ability to the University.
study remotely attracted a record number
of students. Enrollment for the summer The Academy is an interdisciplinary experience More than 2,500 students are currently enrolled across all of
sessions was up 57% over summer 2019. consisting of introductory lectures, a weekly GS’s programs. For entrance in Fall 2020, GS received 20% more
During June, July, and August, faculty journal club, and production of an individual or undergraduate degree program applications than in 2019.
reconceived their course instruction for fall collaborative project. It offers an opportunity
2020, redesigning teaching methodology for for undergraduates to collaborate with one
an online environment and integrating novel
technologies to facilitate remote learning.
another and faculty mentors on service and Louise Glück Awarded The Nobel Prize In Literature
research projects while exploring the history
All undergraduate courses for the fall of pandemics, scientific epidemiological In October, Louise Glück, who spent years in the 1960s studying at
semester were administered online and will and social justice concepts, and frameworks Columbia GS, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. On behalf
remain online or will be offered as a hybrid of the University, President Bollinger extended his congratulations
of effective public health and social justice
for the spring 2021 semester. Faculty
research and practice. to Glück, writing, “At risk of appearing to celebrate—or even claim
members are employing synchronous and
asynchronous teaching concepts. The some credit for—the achievement of anyone with a Columbia tie
With successful completion of the program,
academic calendar was modified to three (which I am, in fact, always happy to do), I want to extend the
shorter terms featuring an array of new students will strengthen their skills in critical
University’s warmest congratulations to this year’s Nobel laureate
seven-week immersive courses. There is thinking and reflection, research, speaking,
in Literature, poet Louise Glück. Ms. Glück took classes at
an ongoing effort to create co-curricular and and writing and be able to analyze the
Columbia’s School of General Studies and our School of the Arts,
extra-curricular programming to support relationship between illness and the ways
community building, even if at a distance. and she later taught at SoA. In 1993, Columbia and the Pulitzer
social, cultural, economic and political factors
Board awarded her the Pulitzer Prize for The Wild Iris. Ms. Glück
About 1000 students who are living in shape health outcomes.
was a treasured traveler through our gates, and we delight in her
Columbia residences and faculty and
staff who are working on campus are The Academy will be offered each of the three extraordinary moment of richly deserved, international recognition.”
required to participate in weekly testing for semesters in the 2020-2021 academic year While at GS, Glück was published in Quarto, the School of General Studies literary
COVID-19. Anyone participating in campus and will seek to accept 20 undergraduates magazine that went on to become Columbia’s official undergraduate literary magazine.
activities must abide by the Columbia each semester. In Fall 2020, the Academy She attended night classes with the poets Léonie Adams and Stanley Kunitz, teachers
Compact, an agreement that represents a she credits with helping her find her own voice.
welcomed 24 students.
commitment by each person to contribute
4 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES 2019–2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 5
In General Campus News Campus News In General
100
In General
“I am thrilled to have
Online joined the School of
4
Arts & Sciences General Studies. I made
a commitment when
courses offered I began my career in
in Fall 2019 higher education to join
institutions that believe
Online in transforming education
with a profound interest
Arts & Sciences
2,476 courses offered
in the overall student
experience.” Before she graduated, Soo Lee ’19, an
in Fall 2020 advocate for people with disabilities,
– Marlyn Delva, EdD
Dean of Students at Columbia GS
In 2020, the Columbia Core Curriculum celebrated its successfully petitioned CU Facilities to
centennial year. Today, all GS students take University have the wheelchair lift in Lewisohn Hall
Writing, Art Humanities, Music Humanities, and the
upgraded. Lee is currently a student at
Global Core. In Fall 2020, for the first time, GS students
were able to enroll in Columbia College sections of Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.
Literature Humanities and Contemporary Civilization.
On June 1, Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz was Current student James Van Hess served as Vice President of summer 2020, he interned at Honda R&D as a simulation CAE
selected to be the eighth chancellor of External Operations of Columbia University Formula SAE in engineer working with driver-in-the-loop simulations. In spring
The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). 2019-2020. As a part of the group, he helped design, fabricate, 2021, Van Hess will matriculate at SEAS for a master’s in
Prior to serving as chancellor, Schwartz assemble, and pilot a formula-style open-wheel vehicle. During mechanical engineering.
served as provost at JTS and dean of the
Gershon Kekst Graduate School. For 25 THE NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATES
JAMES
VAN HESS
years, she was dean of List College, GS’s IN THE INAUGURAL PROGRAM
undergraduate Joint Program partner. OF THE JUSTICE AND PANDEMICS
PREPAREDNESS ACADEMY.
RECOGNITION
With nearly 500 veterans
LEADING THE WAY
enrolled at GS, Columbia
University boasts the highest
GS students were recently awarded prestigious scholarships
undergraduate veteran
and fellowships including:
student enrollment in the
Ivy League—enrolling more Belfer International and Global Affairs Fellowship at Harvard University
than all other Ivy League
Kathryn Davis Fellows for Peace
schools combined—while
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
maintaining a graduation
rate above 90 percent
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
and a record of job and Pat Tillman Scholars Program
graduate school placement Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University
that equals Columbia’s
non-veteran graduates.
6 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES 2019–2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 7
In General Campus News Campus News In General
In General
Vice Dean Curtis Rodgers New Public Health
Honored For His Service To Veterans
On March 29, 2019 at the 9th Annual Columbia University Military
Concentration Prepares
Ball, Vice Dean Curtis Rodgers was honored with the Peter J. Awn
Lifetime Service Award by members of U.S. Military Veterans of
Columbia University (MilVets). The award honors a lifetime of
a “Global Citizenry”
outstanding support for military veterans and service members.
COLUMBIA
By Nancy J. Brandwein
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for recognizing me for
this work that I’ve been called to,” Rodgers said. “But I have to It is easy for college students to feel helpless in the face of
ask one thing—be there with me as we go forward because there
are so many great accomplishments ahead and there is so much
UNIVERSITY GS ever-mounting crises: gun violence, the opioid epidemic, climate
change, mass incarceration, healthcare inequities. However, a
more work to be done.” LAUNCHES DUAL DEGREE new special concentration in public health gives Columbia and
Barnard undergraduates the perspective and tools with which to
As vice dean, Rodgers is the senior administrative officer of GS.
During his time at Columbia University, he has gained broad PROGRAM WITH address these and other pressing national and global problems.
The number of public health programs for undergraduates has
TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
experience identifying a variety of top-performing adult, returning,
veteran, nontraditional, and traditional students, as well as more than doubled since 2007, according to a study by the
developed innovative enrollment and retention strategies for Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, but almost
all of these programs are pre-professional. Victoria Rosner, Dean
Sciences Po Dedicates Reims Campus these distinct populations. Rodgers’ impact on the workings of
the School over the past two decades is profound. By Christina Gray of Academic Affairs for the School of General Studies, emphasizes
Library to Late Dean Emeritus Peter J. Awn “It was truly a heartwarming and an electrifying moment to see
that this expressly liberal arts concentration aligns perfectly with
Last December, Columbia University School of General Columbia’s Core Curriculum because, “Public health courses focus
In September 2019, Sciences Po President Frédéric Mion hosted Curtis awarded the Peter J. Awn Lifetime Service Award,” said Lisa on meta level thinking. They focus on reasoning, analytical and
Studies (GS) announced a new dual degree program
Rosen-Metsch ’90, Dean of Columbia University School of General between Tel Aviv University and Columbia University. critical thinking skills, and, most importantly … using knowledge
a ceremony in Reims to dedicate the French university campus’
Studies. “It is because of all that Curtis has done over the past to help solve problems from multiple perspectives.”
main library in honor of late Dean Emeritus of the Columbia 20 years that GS is the destination for student veterans. He is The program, which welcomed its inaugural class in the fall
the reason why Columbia is a national leader in veteran transition of 2020, transcends traditional study abroad opportunities Dana March, Director of Undergraduate Studies at Columbia
University School of General Studies Peter J. Awn. The newly-named
by providing the chance to pursue a rigorous undergraduate Mailman School of Public Health, considers public health key to
Bibliothèque Peter Awn will hold the beloved dean’s personal book and integration.
liberal arts education spanning two continents. Upon
developing a “global citizenry,” and after seeing undergraduate
collection and serve as an intellectual commons for students. “Curtis is an exceptional, incredibly talented, brilliant, and kind completion of the four-year program, graduates earn two
public health courses become ever more popular on campus, she
leader who has mentored countless students, alumni, and staff bachelor’s degrees, one from each institution.
Relatives of Awn and numerous students, staff, faculty, parents, proposed the concentration and teaches its foundation course:
over his 20 years at GS,” continued Rosen-Metsch. “When we “I am especially excited about our partnership with Tel Introduction to Public Health: Population Health and Society. Other
and alumni of both institutions were present at the ceremony.
announced his recognition, the room, in which Peter’s family was Aviv University, which is consistently ranked among the required courses are Fundamentals of Global Health, Social History
Speakers included President Mion, GS Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch present along with dozens of MilVets who Curtis had personally best academic institutions worldwide. By giving students of American Public Health, Your Longer Life: Biology, Person and
’90, past Vice President for International Affairs at Sciences Po recruited to Columbia and supported over the years, exploded the opportunity to study full time at a top-tier university in
Society, and Environmental Justice. Students must take five required
with joy and thunderous applause, for it was so meaningful for the Middle East before bringing them to study in the Ivy
Francis Vérillaud, Vice Dean of the School of General Studies Curtis courses and three electives to complete the concentration.
Curtis to receive this award just one month after the loss of our League, they will not only benefit from being immersed in a
Rodgers, and Norman Laurila, a lifelong friend of Awn. wide range of cultures and experiences, but will also make March notes that Columbia GS students, many of whom have
beloved Dean Awn.
an immense contribution to the Columbia undergraduate witnessed the HIV and, now, coronavirus crises, and who come to
“Peter was never one to seek the spotlight, but somehow the “He truly deserves such recognition.” classroom,” said Lisa Rosen-Metsch, Dean of the School school with more life experience, are “really well poised to take
spotlight always found him,” Rodgers said. “While he was always of General Studies.
what they’re learning in the classroom and do even more with it.”
the first to thank everyone else and give credit to everyone else Students will spend years one and two at Tel Aviv University One such student is Jeffrey Scott Bailey ’17, who came to GS
and was a reluctant recipient of all the honors and accolades he (TAU), Israel’s largest and most comprehensive higher after a career in TV and film acting and three years as a surgical
education institution, studying within one of eight academic first assistant. March’s course, Introduction to Public Health, was
received during his life, this honor—the naming of the library on this programs, after which they matriculate at Columbia to crucial to helping him choose his life’s path. Bailey is currently
campus—would be the one he would embrace most.” complete a major and the University’s Core Curriculum in completing an MS in nursing at Columbia Presbyterian, after
years three and four.
which he will pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on
PHOTO: SIRIN SAMMAN
The notable distinction preserves Awn’s legacy of belief in the
“This is the first time that an Israeli university partners with women’s health and oncology.
power of nontraditional, innovative education. a leading American university such as Columbia University
Vice Dean Curtis Rodgers
in a joint undergraduate program of this kind,” said Prof. “The most important thing was having a snapshot of where you are
(pictured left) with Mark currently,” said Bailey. “It prepares you for the problems you’re going to
Franklin ’19 (right), former Raanan Rein, Vice President of Tel Aviv University. “This
program represents a milestone in Tel Aviv University’s face not only with American populations but also globally. March [and
President of MilVets
globalization strategy.” the public health coursework] inspire you to meet those challenges.”
8 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES 2019–2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 9
In General Campus News Campus News In General
Dual Duos:
JTS’S 21ST CENTURY Sibling Pairs Share
CAMPUS PROJECT Their International Dual
“All of our spaces Degree Experiences
By Nancy J. Brandwein By Nancy J. Brandwein
In 2015, the Jewish Theological Seminary students and scholars alike to engage with
are designed The Dual BA Program Between Columbia time to pursue extracurricular interests,
(JTS) embarked on an ambitious capital
improvement plan not only to bring the
JTS’s unique, special collection. to encourage University and Sciences Po is such an
exceptional undergraduate degree program
so Julia was drawn to Reims, where there
were many ways to explore photography,
According to Gary, “All of our new spaces
campus into the 21st century but also to
make it a global center for Jewish life and
are designed to encourage not only shared not only shared that it is surprising when two members of
the same family matriculate; yet, three
art, and fashion. A student of psychology
at Sciences Po and business management
Jewish living, but innovation, collaboration,
community for decades to come. This 21st
Century Campus Project includes a modern
and the exchange of ideas.” In keeping Jewish living, sibling pairs have this Program in common. at Columbia, Julia put on the first fashion
show at Reims and thinks this spurred
with JTS’s long history of hosting enriching Marie-Sophie ’16 (Reims) and Julie-Anne
residence hall located within the flagship
quadrangle at 122nd Street and Broadway
community events, the performance but innovation, Revault ’18 (Menton) grew up in New York
Elisa to apply and participate in student
life, too, albeit in a way that aligned with
space’s design will allow the school to City as French citizens to French parents
as well as a state-of-the-art library,
performance space, and conference facility.
present cutting-edge work by Jewish collaboration, and and attended high school at the Lycée
her studies in law at Reims and in human
rights at Columbia.
theatre, music, and performing artists, as Français. “I always enjoyed comparing and
During the Fall 2019 semester the first well as discussions by leading thinkers, exchage of ideas.” contrasting both cultures,” said Marie- While their enrollments never overlapped,
List College students trundled wheelie bins writers, and public figures on Judaism Sophie. Her sister Julie-Anne concurred Elisa “got the perks of having some
of their belongings into the residence hall, and significant issues of the day. The new that growing up as a Frenchwoman in New great course, professor, and restaurant
which opens directly onto the JTS campus. 200-seat auditorium will feature a larger York played a significant role in her decision recommendations,” along with common
Designed to encourage community among stage, excellent acoustics, and advanced to apply to the Dual BA Program, for when friendships from the Reims class of 2018.
students and allow them to grow together streaming technology, enabling events to Julie-Anne attended her sister’s political Furthermore, Elisa devilishly said, “I learnt
with shared Jewish values, the residence reach an increasingly global audience. science class at Sciences Po, the visit some fun orientation stories about my
features large common areas for cooking, Joining all the buildings—old and new—a convinced her that the Program “was the sister’s debut in Reims!” But she keenly
studying, and sharing meals on each floor. light-filled atrium will welcome visitors, place I needed to be.” remains mum about what those were.
The residence hall also features a large light- encourage relationships, and reflect the
“We were bathed
Both share a keen interest in social With a Cuban father and an Irish mother,
filled “moadon,” Hebrew for gathering space, inclusive, open, dynamic spirit of JTS in the
sciences, a specialty of the French university. Ignacio ’16 (Menton) and Monica ’20
where students can meet, work, relax, and 21st Century.
Marie-Sophie majored in economics at (Reims) Villalon spent their early years
hold holiday celebrations and social events.
Sciences Po and Columbia, and she earned in Senegal, and returned for summers in two cultures
“All of our new spaces are designed to law degrees at Sciences Po and University while living in Gainesville, Florida during
encourage not only shared Jewish living, but of Pennsylvania. At Menton, Julie-Anne the school year. As friends stayed in that at home and a
innovation, collaboration, and the exchange immersed herself in Mediterranean-Middle college town after high school, the siblings
of ideas,” said Marc Gary, Executive Vice
Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer of
East Studies and double majored in Middle
Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies
gravitated to an international experience
and similar studies. Ignacio studied Middle
third [at school]
JTS. This is especially true of both the
new library and auditorium. The library’s
(MESAAS) and political science at Columbia.
Enrolling after her older sister meant
East and Mediterranean political science
and history at Menton and MESAAS at
... so we were
entire rare materials collection, including
11,000 manuscripts and 25,000 rare
Julie-Anne met a lot of people who knew
her sibling, and they consequently had
Columbia, which Monica pursued as well,
along with the Africa program in economics
really attracted
printed books, among thousands of other
artifacts, will be stored on site at the
common friends, especially at Columbia. at Reims. Both siblings agree that
Ignacio’s expanded worldview influenced
to the Dual BA’s
Sisters Julia ’17 and Elisa ’19 Sisto
new facility. However, in order to create
larger collaborative spaces, JTS is moving
both studied at Reims. Born to an Italian
Monica’s decision to apply. “His points of
cultural, social, and intellectual reference
international
father and American mother in Monaco,
many of its current books off campus and
digitizing them. A dynamic exhibit area for
“a country smaller than Central Park
grew exponentially … and I wanted to
understand those … too.” outlook.”
IMAGES COURTESY OF JTS
with many international residents,” the
displaying rare treasures will highlight one
of the world’s oldest surviving decorated
sisters attended a strict French lycée and For Ignacio, studying abroad had one - Julia ’17 and Elisa ’19 Sisto
explained that they “were bathed in two unexpected effect. “Paradoxically it was
ketubbot and a wedding poem in the world’s
cultures at home and a third [at school] … through this program that I realized just
oldest and most important manuscript of
so we were really attracted to the Dual BA’s how American I was … My sister and I talk
the “Machzor Vitry”—the earliest record
international outlook.” about this quite a bit.” As with all “Dual
of Ashkenazic Jewish practice. Rotating
Duos,” conversation is enriched by their
exhibits of rare materials will encourage Long hours at the lycée did not permit them
shared transatlantic experiences.
10 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES 2019–2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 11
Remembering Remembering
Peter J. Awn (1944 – 2019) was one of the eyes,” yet behind “the soft, deep chuckle
most beloved and, as Columbia University which signaled his delight at the turn of the
President Lee C. Bollinger eloquently conversation,” was, as John H. Coatsworth,
stated, impactful people in the history of then- Columbia University Provost, described
Columbia University School of General him, a maverick—a strong manager with
Studies. No one cared more for our entire razor sharp logic and a clear vision of what
school community—students, staff, alumni, would best benefit Columbia students.
friends, and family—than Dean Awn.
Peter was motivated to serve others,
Peter served as Dean of the School of Lawrence explained. He possessed “a
General Studies from 1997 to 2017. selfless devotion … first as a priest, then
When he passed on February 17, 2019 as a scholar and teacher, then as the leader
from injuries sustained when he was of a block of nontraditional students, a
struck by a car weeks before, the loss to role in which he exemplified the concept
our community was overwhelming. “Peter of leadership as service rather than as
personified the School’s character, its a quest for any form of individual glory or
values, and its mission,” wrote President recognition.”
DEAN
Bollinger in a letter to the community. “In
Frèdèric Mion, President of Sciences Po,
every way that mattered, he and the School
the French university with which GS has a
Remembering were one. This unmatched legacy, in
addition to his remarkable scholarship
cutting-edge dual degree program, said in
tribute, Peter’s “mentorship, charismatic
and teaching as Professor of Islamic
School of and Comparative Religion, made
Peter, without question, one of the
presence, and genuine kindness were an
inspiration to students and staff alike.”
General Studies essential leaders of Columbia “Dean Awn took on the bold issues from
PETER
University’s modern era.” fighting for the rights of transgender
students to supporting the opening of a
Dean Emeritus Bollinger went on to say,
“The rare gift [Peter] was
food pantry in Lerner Hall,” said Dean of
the School of General Studies Lisa Rosen-
able to bestow upon
Peter J. Awn generations of General
Studies students was
Metsch ’90. “It is only Dean Awn who could
have the gravitas, the elegance, and the
A beacon
courage to be the person who was a loud
his unconditional belief that
voice in both bringing ROTC back to campus
Columbia was better for their
AWN
and being the faculty member to cut the
presence and his insistence that
of healing and they believe this as fervently as he
did. Peter recognized that General
ribbon for the Donaldson Lounge for LGBTQ
students in Schapiro Hall.”
redemption Studies represented the “cutting edge
of undergraduate education,” as he put
A generous educator, Peter was known to be
completely invested in his students. Najam
it, and under his stewardship the School Haider, Associate Professor in the Department
for so many has been able to fulfill its promise. For him,
that meant a student body heavily comprising
of Religion, explained that Peter, who taught
Introduction to Islam for decades, was famous
student veterans, first-generation students, for grading and commenting on every single
1944–2019
and international students, whose age and life paper himself. “He had a thoroughly unique
experiences would further diversify and enrich presence and an amazing knack for presenting
our undergraduate classrooms.” information without losing the interest of an
audience,” Haider said.
Peter was a rare and special person who
leaves many legacies. President Bollinger Over the years “Dean Awn gave us so many
said during the May 14, 2019 celebration gifts and tied so many bows for thousands
of Peter’s life, “He was a mix of personal of us at Columbia,” waxed poetic Rosen-
qualities and life experiences: an ex-Jesuit Metsch. “There are few people in this world
priest, a scholar of Islamic studies—his life, that I can say have had such a tremendous
like his socks, was always a surprise. He was impact through his personal relationships,
the very embodiment of a humanist in the true teaching, scholarship, service, and to our
sense of that word, as a person who relished social structure here at Columbia. As we
the realities of the diversity of humanity.” reflect on Peter’s legacy and heal from our
loss, I encourage all of us to honor his
PHOTO: SARA FOX
Larry J. Lawrence ’69, ’71BUS described
memory by embracing the opportunities to
Peter’s personality as effervescent and
reevaluate our beliefs and to celebrate the
slightly mischievous, saying there was
amazing possibilities that occur when we
“a twinkle almost always present in his
open our minds and our classrooms.”
12 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES 2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 13
F E AT U R E S T O R Y
THE
“It was a hard
decision to move on,
but I hadn’t been
TRANSITIONAL home in eight years,
and I knew I wanted
DANCE
to come back to the
United States. I felt
returning to college
emphasized,” he says, explaining that was part of doing Higgins’ Place in the World
partly because of his liberal arts degree, “I
have the confidence I can do this job. Now the first step right.” Larissa Higgins ’10 traveled the world
since she was a teen, dancing for the
it’s so much more about what I can help
others to do.” –Larissa Higgings ’10 Hartford Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, and
Dresden Semperoper Ballet, but always
Novak knows that one day the curtain knowing that eventually, her world of
Since starting to dance, Michael Novak ’09, who tried many popular
sports in those northwest Chicago suburbs will fall for the last time for him as a “I actually thought I would flunk out dance would stop spinning. Despite her
most professional dancers yet failed to find his ballplayer footing,
would ultimately succeed as an athlete on
performing dancer, and he feels fortunate
about having this second act in his career.
of Columbia because you’re required
in classes to contribute to the
career success, she made the decision
to walk away in 2006.
sacrificed, showed discipline, an actual stage. “When I found dancing, I “I see the opportunity but also the trust
that [Paul] put in me when he chose me,”
discussions,” she says. “I was
so afraid to talk and share.
She has not danced
found a part of myself,” Novak says. And professionally since.
and gave themselves over after a failed audition with the famed Paul Novak says. “There’s a terrific history here,
and I want to honor it.”
But then I actually ended up
taking a public speaking “It was a hard decision to
to an immense dream. Taylor Company in 2008, Novak found he
had only just begun to compete for a spot. course which made the move on, but I basically
“The first time, I at least made it to the final Finding Her Voice difference—so much that hadn’t been home in
I took it twice.” eight years, and I knew I
A NZO
By Eric Butterman They required laser focus on their ultimate group—I looked at that as encouragement, Alicia Graf Mack ’03 has a resume that
not an exit.” wanted to come back to
OST
goal. But what happens when their dream flies through the air and causes all to take Graf Mack singled out
the United States,” she
YC
career is closer to the end than the notice. Both having been a principal dancer economics, accounting,
Then, the next time, in 2010, Paul Taylor says. “I felt returning to
OR
beginning? Or what if the music stops all at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin and finance classes as
EG
R
himself would choose Novak—but not for :G college was part of doing
together? They rely on the foundation of Ailey American Dance Theater, she now particular standout courses. P HO
TO
the last time. that first step right.”
their Columbia education to help formulate calls The Juilliard School her home. As Not exactly unrelated when you
their next moves. In 2018, at age 87, Taylor thought he director of its dance division since July of consider fundraising is a key part of While at Columbia, Higgins found a
should find a successor to lead his modern last year, she inherently knows the hunger her current job description. Of course, way to still be involved in her old life—a
Life is a dance. And for those who live to
dance company. After years of dancing for to succeed that student dancers face— the most important part of her position is move that not only helped quench her
move, the tempo of life may change, but
him, Novak, much to his own surprise, was because for her too, that fervor came from working with students. “Getting to know thirst to share her enthusiasm for dance,
their desire for motion keeps beating long
selected to become the second artistic within, when she could barely walk. the dancers has been very special, and, but also inspired her career aspirations. A
after the stage lights dim.
director since Paul Taylor Company’s with their performances, my heart bursts founder of Columbia Dance Collaborative
founding in 1954. “All my life, dancing is what I wanted,” she
with pride when I see how much work in 2007, together with fellow students, she
Stepping Into A Spot On A Different says. “Now, I want it for my students.”
they’ve put in,” she says. brought professional and amateur dancers
Big Stage “I didn’t expect it, and I knew I just had so
Though Graf Mack still occasionally from the University community together
much to learn,” Novak says. As Graf Mack’s performing career
The northwest suburbs of Chicago are a performs, mostly that life is left behind, to share the joy of this age-old art. “But,
gets closer to its final steps, she sees
hub of passion for sports—Da Bears, Da Yet he remembered, he had more than his and now she must inspire. “I’m just trying again, I made the decision not to dance,”
gratitude. “I wanted to be a ballerina since
Bulls … you get Da picture. So, when a experience as a dancer to reference, he to forward the ideals of being innovative, she says. “I needed to be done with it, so
I was a toddler, and it was unimaginable
local athlete arrives at the big time in one also had his Columbia education, which pushing boundaries, and finding talented I instead focused on the business side,
that it would happen,” she says, still with
of these sports, it is often a question of he immediately called upon. “Different students and helping them to get the such as public relations.
a sense of surprise. “I toured so many
whether they can handle “the big stage.” skills in communications were widely education they need to then generate
places, performed in major theatres, and Helping get Columbia Dance Collaborative
what it is to become the future of our
had a chance to inspire young people who off the ground showed me I loved being a
profession,” she says.
wanted to have a similar career.” And part of launching new things.”
With where she now stands, it may be hard now, from her position at Juilliard, she
She has continued to do just that.
to believe that Graf Mack once had trouble continues that work, yet from the other
finding her own voice. side of the curtain. Over the last few years through her roles
14 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES 2019–2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 15
F E AT U R E S T O R Y F ac u lt y F e at u r e
Spotlight on
James Colgrove
at ZX Adventures, owned by terms of seeing what was out from ballet—quite the opposite. “I started
’01MSPH, ’04GSAS
Anheuser-Busch, and now
her own business, Deadly
there beyond ballet. A world
where no one could tell me
to understand that ballet never really left
me,” she says. “[In ballet], you had to give
Examining the relationship between
Clean, she has exploited what I had to look like everything you had to succeed, and that’s individual rights and the collective well-being
both her professional physically and my career what I’ve done since.
dance experience and didn’t depend on it, and I By Allison Scola
“People ask me what investment banking
her Columbia education. leapt at that opportunity.”
can possibly have to do with ballet. The In the midst of the spring 2020 semester, of privacy and confidentiality, and government
“Ballet made me used to
That meant finding an long hours, the strong focus, the discipline, when the COVID-19 pandemic was measures to improve public health.
being in another country
answer to the question the will and determination—that’s ballet.” declared, faculty member and dean of the
and having to maneuver,” “Partly why I like to teach about these
of who she was separate Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program
she says. “You’d get used things is because it gives me an opportunity
from ballet. Columbia School It Moves Them James Colgrove ’01MSPH, ’04GSAS was
to your bearings and need to to spend a semester with a room full of
of General Studies, she says, teaching The Social History of American
get down to the job at hand.” Regardless of where their lives have taken smart people talking about challenging his notable guests as sociologist, activist,
helped reveal that. With every Public Health and Coercion and Persuasion
them, all four GS grads have a belief in issues,” Colgrove said. and author W. E. B. du Bois, nurse,
Higgins credits Columbia GS as the stimulating class, with every success, she in Public Health: Ethical and Historical
dance’s importance, which continues to social worker, and public health official
perfect partner for a life-altering change would find a new clue to answering her Perspectives. Having researched and Even so, he did not set out to be a professor,
this day. Lillian Wald, and workers-rights advocate
in her routine. “I just don’t know a better personal question. published many works about epidemics, nor a college administrator, yet in these
school for helping with this transition,” she “From my point of view, ballet is a unique vaccinations, and the relationship between roles, he has stepped into his element. and Secretary of Labor Francis Perkins.
She thought she would be a journalist. Such renowned diners would certainly
says. “The classes in psychology assisted art form because it is transcendent, public health policies and social, political,
An internship at a media company As an undergraduate at University of offer stimulating conversation and place
me in understanding what people respond both for the audience and for and legal processes, what unfolded before
gave her one of her biggest California, Davis, Colgrove studied Latin Colgrove in his ideal domain—a group of
to, and the school is what it says it is—it the dancers,” Higgins says. him in real time was all too familiar.
clues—the business side and English, and confesses, “I had smart people talking about challenging
understands the non-traditional student “There is a magic to ballet
of that company interested “When I look around at what is happening, absolutely no idea what I wanted to do issues that face humanity time and again.
and shows them a path to graduating and that still excites me to
her more. I see very little that’s new. These when I finished. It’s been a very circuitous
thriving.” this day, and I love when
themes of … the relationship between route, which is one reason why the job that
In 2006, Melamed others are moved by that
individuals and the state, about what are I now have as dean of the Postbac Premed
A New Start graduated as valedictorian magic.” JAMES COLGROVE
the appropriate limits of public health to Program speaks to me very much.”
with a bachelor’s in
AN
Eleena Melamed ’06, like Higgins, also For Novak, who spoke control the pandemic… these have always
DM
political science. In the 1980s and 1990s, while teaching Professor of Sociomedical Sciences
decided to make a clean break from dance. to us from a past tour in been the questions related to disease
WA
L IL English as a second language in San
Joining the famed American Ballet Theatre After Columbia, she was :B Germany, he has seen how control,” Colgrove explained.
P HO
TO Francisco, Colgrove volunteered, conducting Dean of the Postbaccalaureate
at the age of 17, she loved the challenges recruited by Lehman Brothers it can bring people together
her career presented, but through much
Indeed, Colgrove has spent much of the HIV prevention work. Volunteering led to a Premedical Program at the School of
and embarked on a career as around the globe. “I’ve watched
better part of the past two decades writing staff position in a community public health General Studies
of her successful tenure, she dealt with an investment banker. She worked with from shows in different countries that
about the history of public health, infectious organization, which led to another staff
the personal battle of having an eating Lehman Brothers Private Equity, where dance communicates in a way that breaks Faculty Member Since: 2004
disease, immunization, and ethics, and as position, and after about a dozen years,
disorder. she helped them through bankruptcy language barriers,” he says. “The visuals
a result, he sees history repeating itself, if he decided to move to New York City to Dean of the Postbac Premed Program
during the financial crisis. Eventually she speak in their own way.”
Melamed wanted to use her struggles to even not exactly. “Mark Twain is attributed pursue a Master of Public Health. He then since: August 2019
became vice president at Lehman Brothers
help others, and so she appeared in a Among other reasons, Graf Mack loves the as saying, ‘History doesn’t repeat itself, sought a PhD in sociomedical sciences.
Holdings Inc. and an associate client Education:
NOVA documentary on eating disorders response children have to the art. “You but it often rhymes,’” Colgrove said.
advisor for Bridgewater Associates, one Citing having worked with many talented
in the ballet world and became a see how their faces light up,” she says. “It “That’s true with coronavirus. PhD, 2004, Columbia University
of the most well-known hedge funds in the people throughout his career and
spokesperson on the subject, helping
country. She recently started as a
inspires like few things.” Mailman School of Public Health
“There were anti-mask societies in 1918. benefiting from the guidance of many
countless others with her
principal at KKR, working with And for Melamed? Well, it even brought [A century ago], there was much less of mentors himself, advising students as he MPH, 2001, Columbia University
outspoken advocacy. After 5
the firm’s strategic partners her something through a child. When a scientific foundation saying that masks does now was a logical next step in his Mailman School of Public Health
years with ABT, she took a
in the Customized Portfolio her daughter asked to go to the ballet, would work, but the underlying motivation career trajectory.
break from ballet to see MA, 1992, San Francisco State
Solutions Group. Melamed reluctantly agreed. of the anti-mask societies was, ‘I don’t
what a change might “I love mentoring students,” he said. University
want the government telling me what to
bring. She felt so much “I love working on deals, “She fell in love with it and—I never thought “Helping them realize the value of their
do,’ and ‘I don’t trust elites and experts.’ BA, 1984, University of California at
healthier physically and structuring investments, I’d say this—but we go very often now and prior preparation for what they are now
spiritually, she opted to and helping my clients she is following in my footsteps studying “There’s always some new feature of the doing is rewarding.” Davis
move on. achieve their goals,” she ballet herself!” Melamed shares. “It’s come context that gives things a different flavor, but
Although Colgrove describes himself as Favorite Movies:
says. “You can see all your back into my life in an extremely positive you definitely see similar scenes recurring.”
“Thinking about having painfully shy, when asked who he would The Godfather Parts I & II
hard work get results and it’s way through her. Through my daughter,
a career which didn’t Colgrove spent much of his early career choose if he could have dinner with anyone
very gratifying.” I remembered why I loved it so much to Fun Fact:
have anything to do with my working in the HIV field and examining throughout history, he responded, “Could I
appearance was liberating …” she begin with … and, just as importantly, I “I love baking desserts with fruits
Melamed eventually realized that she the socio-political issues surrounding its have a dinner party?”
says. “I saw the door slightly opened in remembered the joy it brings to others.” like apple cake and lemon cake.
did not succeed because she got away outbreak. He has always been fascinated by 9
Particularly interested in early 20th When I used to teach a seminar at
controversies around contact tracing, issues
century United States history, he named
Mailman, I baked something for my
16 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES students
2019–2020every week.”
I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 17
COVER STORY
FORECASTING
SUCCESS
For more than 20 years, GS
Admissions has used a distinctive
process to successfully evaluate
prospective students’ potential
impact on the greater good at
Columbia and beyond. The stories
of four alumni who are now well-
established in their chosen careers
illustrate the powerful results of this
holistic, time-tested process.
By Alexander Gelfand 2002 was a good year for Pavan Surapaneni “They ultimately took a risk on me—a huge
’06. risk, I think,” Surapaneni says.
A one-time high-school dropout, Surapaneni It paid off immediately.
had overcome his teenage struggles with
Surapaneni served in student government
substance abuse and was preparing to
and on the Ivy Council while double-
graduate from a therapeutic boarding
majoring in political science and MEALAC
school with stellar test scores and a brace
(Middle East and Asian Languages and
of college classes at a leading liberal arts
Cultures). He taught conflict resolution
college under his belt.
to fifth graders in Washington Heights
There was only one problem: the traditional through a volunteer program sponsored by
top-tier colleges and universities he had Community Impact, the University’s largest
applied to were not interested in a 21-year- student service organization. And he
old with a troubled past. graduated as salutatorian before going on
to Harvard Law School, where he landed a
“They felt like I was too big a risk,” says
coveted summer associate position at his
Surapaneni, who is now a partner at a
current firm following his first semester—
leading global law firm.
with only one semester’s worth of law
Risk was also on the minds of Vice Dean school grades in hand.
Curtis Rodgers, then Dean of Enrollment
“That opportunity came about almost
Management and Communications, and
entirely on the strength of what I’d done at
Peter Awn, then Dean of the School of
GS,” he says.
General Studies. But for very different
reasons. These days, Surapaneni spends his time
helping clients navigate complex high-
Rodgers and Awn were not sure if
stakes transactions such as multibillion-
Surapaneni was ready to jump into the
dollar real estate deals and sales of major-
academic pressure cooker of an Ivy League
league sports teams. Yet he continues to
school. But as Rodgers recently explained
volunteer, serving on the School’s Board of
from his office in Lewisohn Hall, the greater
Visitors and on the board of SavingTeens,
danger seemed to lie in passing over a
a nonprofit that helps troubled teens and
nontraditional applicant “with all kinds of
their families cope with anxiety, depression,
contributions to make.”
and addiction.
18 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES 2019–2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 19COVER STORY
THE LIFE OF A
GS Application
The GS Admissions Committee comprises six admissions officers.
Members of the Committee spend up to two hours evaluating each
A 10-year-old high and every application—three, if an interview is required.
school or college
THE APPLICATION
transcript might To apply to Columbia University School of General Studies, undergraduate
reflect an applicant’s degree applicants must submit the following:
One might argue that GS was willing to academic history, but Consider David Drury ’08, who currently “I lacked the confidence that I could 1 An online application form that seeks vital information about the applicant.
gamble on Surapaneni when its peer
institutions were not. But if GS took a risk
it is a poor guide to teaches history and classical literature
at Estancia Valley Classical Academy, a
handle this level of academic expectation,”
he says. 2 High school transcripts, secondary school records, or GED/TASC
with Surapaneni—or indeed with any of the
GS alumni profiled here, all of whom are
one’s current ability. charter school near Albuquerque, New
Mexico. After graduating from high school
Drury may have lacked confidence, but GS
Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Documents not in
on Staten Island in the late 1970s, Drury
did not. As Rodgers puts it, other schools 3
now eight to 15 years into highly successful tend to accept nontraditional candidates English must be accompanied by certified translations.
careers—it was a highly calculated one, opposite page”). Among other things, GS went straight to work on the docks at Port
like Drury in spite of who they are, whereas
the end result of a unique admissions requires candidates to submit a lengthy Mobil, a petroleum storage facility in the Test Score. If an applicant’s native and predominant spoken language is
GS admits them because of who they are.
process that is custom-tailored to gauge autobiographical essay explaining why southwest corner of the borough. At age
Rather than viewing their unconventional
4 English, or if the primary language of instruction in his/her high school or
the potential of nontraditional students. they have chosen to enter such a rigorous 22, he joined the FDNY; and he spent
backgrounds as liabilities, the School secondary education was English, the applicant must submit an official
academic environment at this point in their the next 20 years as a firefighter before
Evaluating nontraditional applicants poses sees these as assets: crucial elements in score report from a Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College
lives—and what in their past has prepared retiring in 2001 after working on the ruins
a variety of challenges. On the one hand, building a rich and varied student body.
them to handle it. of the World Trade Center. Testing Program (ACT) score or the Online General Studies Admissions Exam
the relevance of grades and test scores— “Our concept of diversity takes age and
Towards the end of his firefighting career, (College Board). If an applicant’s native or predominant spoken language is
the traditional measures of academic But it also involves an admissions team experience into account,” Rodgers says.
success used by most traditional that specializes in determining the Drury worked as an instructor at the FDNY not English and the primary language of instruction in his or her high school
undergraduate admissions offices— motivation, the potential, and the overall fit Academy, an experience that convinced The admissions team considers those or secondary education was not English, he/she must demonstrate proficiency
fades with time; a 10-year-old high school of applicants who present very differently him to pursue a second career in teaching. factors as it tries to determine what a in English by submitting official scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
or college transcript might reflect an than high schoolers, and who may be candidate might contribute not only to GS
Drury admits that coming to Columbia was
applicant’s academic history, but it is a very different people than they were as but to the broader Columbia community— One typed, double-spaced autobiographical essay of approximately 1,500-
intimidating—an ironic situation for a guy
poor guide to one’s current ability. SAT teenagers. It takes time to extrapolate a who once ran into burning buildings for a
something that is even more important 5 2,000 words that describes in detail the applicant’s educational history,
scores, for example, are less predictive of person’s current academic potential from now that GS students are fully integrated
living, but an understandable one given work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. The applicant
successful outcomes for GS students than their experiences outside of the classroom, into the University.
that he had been out of school for nearly is invited to address why one considers him/her/themself a nontraditional
they are for Columbia College enrollees— and the learning curve can be steep; three decades. “For a 17-or 18-year-old to engage in class student. A successful essay explains why the applicant wishes to pursue one’s
and less predictive still than the School’s according to Rodgers, it takes several
with someone like Dave Drury? That’s
own in-house assessment tools. admissions cycles to become adept at education at Columbia University School of General Studies and identifies
incredible,” says Marinaccio.
interpreting the files of GS applicants. But and describes specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise,
On the other hand, conventional metrics
completely ignore the rich backgrounds
the climb is worth it. “Rather than viewing Drury himself could not have been happier. that meet one’s needs as a nontraditional student.
By majoring in history and minoring in
that nontraditional applicants bring with
them. Weighing high school transcripts
That may be especially true of those
applications where the team must peer
their unconventional education, he was able to pick up real- Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources,
6
and standardized test scores, says Jessica
Marinaccio, Dean of Undergraduate
more deeply into a person’s history to
identify what Rodgers calls “the moment
backgrounds as world teaching experience at the Bronx
School for Law and Finance while fulfilling
requested and submitted via the application portal.
Admissions and Financial Aid at Columbia of transformation.” Unlike the more liabilities, the the coursework he needed for his New
York Social Studies Teaching Certification.
7 A nonrefundable application fee.
College, is “entirely different than obvious cases where applicants have
understanding someone’s job or their life demonstrated such extreme discipline School sees these “It was a really great trifecta,” he says.
THE REVIEW PROCESS
choices.” Consequently, while GS and
Columbia College are essentially looking
and success in their lives that there is a
clear connection to future success in the as assets: crucial After graduation, Drury earned a master’s
degree from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, Once an admissions file is complete, it is packaged for the admissions team
for the same thing—i.e., evidence that
applicants can succeed at Columbia—GS
classroom—the principal ballet dancer,
the Olympic athlete, the Navy SEAL—
elements in building digesting a curriculum of Great Books in
small seminar classes structured around
to review. Typically, a decision is released 6 to 8 weeks later.
admissions officers must dig deeper to
find it.
these candidates require more careful
consideration.
a rich and varied the Socratic method—something he says
he could not have managed without the 1
Two admissions officers evaluate and comment on each application package
Part of that involves an application “We look to understand how their time
student body.” education and work ethic he acquired at GS.
before sending it to the Admissions Committee.
process that is designed for students away from school has prepared them for Drury now uses the same methods and At Committee, the admissions team may spend between 10 and 25 minutes
who have spent time away from school
– School of General Studies materials to teach his students at Estancia 2
the rigors of the undergraduate classroom discussing a candidate before voting upon admissibility.
(See “The Life of a GS Application, at Columbia,” Rodgers says. Vice Dean, Curtis Rodgers Valley. “I am literally doing exactly what I
planned to do,” he says. The committee may vote to interview a candidate before a final decision is
3
made. Once an interview has been conducted, the application is brought before
20 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES the committee again for a final vote. 2019–2020 I THE OWL ALUMNI MAGAZINE 21You can also read
