On Friday, May 11, 2018 at Faculty House, the New York Delta Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society initiated more than 50 GS students at its annual Induction Ceremony.

Professor Deborah Mowshowitz, President of the Delta Chapter, began the ceremony, welcoming the candidates, faculty, family, and fellow members of Phi Beta Kappa. “We meet here today to receive into our Society those who, having qualified for election, now wish to be admitted to its privileges and undertake its responsibilities,” said Mowshowitz.

GS elects no more than 10 percent of its graduating class to Phi Beta Kappa. Students are selected on the basis of their character, integrity, and academic achievement. With grade point averages above 4.0, they are among the top in their class. As Secretary of the Columbia Phi Beta Kappa Chapter Dean Victoria Rosner pointed out, there is much more to the inducted students than the numbers on their transcripts.

“The academic accomplishments of our Phi Beta Kappans are second to none, and yet many of these students have faced and surmounted extraordinary personal challenges. Remarkably, a number of these now highly distinguished scholars were, at one point, high school or college dropouts…One of our graduates raised her younger sisters because her mother had to travel extensively for work to support the family. Another had to be homeschooled through her middle and high school years because of chronic debilitating illness and was told she might have to abandon her education.”

Further expanding on this year’s class, Rosner said, “One of our graduates started his own company and received Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Award when he was not yet 20 years old. Another created an online social platform to activate young peoples’ involvement in politics. Yet another helped manage a company that organizes screenings of classic and cult films at a Hollywood cemetery.”  

Inductees included students from the Joint BA program between GS and the Jewish Theological seminary, the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po, the Joint Bachelor's Degree Program between City University of Hong Kong and Columbia University, in addition to students who began their undergraduate educations in community college before transferring to Columbia.

Inductee Queenie Luo received the Phi Beta Kappa Prize, which is awarded to the candidate who best represents the ideals of the society—intellectual integrity, tolerance for other views, and a broad range of academic interests. Luo was honored for her extraordinary academic record and contributions to the GS community.

Upon pledging to “be true and faithful to Phi Beta Kappa, uphold its standards, obey its laws, and seek to reflect credit upon [their] affiliation with this venerable fellowship of learners,” the exceptional candidates became full-fledged members of Phi Beta Kappa.

Class of 2018 Phi Beta Kappa Members:
Yarden Amsalem
Mark Tongshuai Bao
Steven Wesley Barker
Stacy Roseanna Bernt
Justice Betty
Maxime Theo Jacques Capron
Minh-Thu Vu Che
Sylvia Lee Deaton
Christopher Hamilton Durham
Trevor Giel Felixbrod
Thomas Germain
Lucas Didrik Haugeberg
Ariel Hillman
Yihao Huang
Tinatin Japaridze
Sean Michael Jarvis
David Ellis Jeter
Erika Breanna Kawaguchi
Judith Kilzer
Kiryung Kim
Mi Yeon Kim
Nikola Kiro Kondovski
Madeleine Isabelle Leddy
Yao-Chen Lin
Irina Liu
Queenie Luo
Wai Shan Ma
Colin Anthony Muller
Natasja Haydee Naarendorp
Brittany Nagy
Yi Da Jeremy Ng
Juliana Nitis
Rose Adrienne Orenbuch
Erin Lee Patak
Kimberly Ann Pizzutti
Jane Hunter Pope
Sona Armenouhi Quigley
Donnie Keith Rada
Anne-Julie Vanille Revault
Jacquelyn Shea Rudich
Roy Segal
Yuan Song
Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong
Kimberly Caroline Viders
Anna Vladymyrska
Jingyun Wang,
Michael George Wedd
Shenghao Wu
Polina Vladimir Yamshchikov
Marysol Yoo
Hyun Bin Yoo
Augustine Siyu Zhou
Shengling Zhu
 

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest academic honor society, and its initials represent the society's motto: "love of learning is the guide of life." Roughly 10 percent of U.S. institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta Kappa chapters, and among those institutions, only about 10 percent of arts and sciences graduates are selected for membership, making it one of the highest academic honors for undergraduate students in the nation.

To be inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society, students must be recommended by faculty who work closely with them and are members of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Recommendations are based on the students' academic programs and their ability to support the society's ideals of academic, social, and community-based programs.

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Annie Whitney, a student the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po, was recently admitted to the Junior Deferral Program (JDP) at Harvard Law School. This is the first year that students outside of Harvard College have been accepted into the Program.

The Program allows students to apply during their junior year of college, and if admitted, defer enrollment at Harvard for a minimum of two years, allowing them to pursue other interests immediately after graduation.

“Once I decided that wanted to go to law school, I knew that I did not want to go directly out of college. I was planning on spending at least a couple of years gaining work experience before applying, so I was excited to find a program like the JDP that afforded me the security of not having to go through the application process while working and the flexibility of taking time to gain some field experience before matriculation,” Whitney said.

Whitney’s interest in law school developed during her first two years in the Dual BA Program studying on the Menton campus, located on the French-Italian border. She describes witnessing firsthand the dire circumstances faced by asylum seekers crossing the border, and feeling a deep sense of injustice at the fact that as an American passport holder, she could easily move overseas when others could not.

Since then, she has been deeply involved in immigration issues, volunteering with the Red Cross at a migrant camp in France, and this past summer, working with the International Rescue Committee’s Refugee Youth Summer Academy in New York City, which focuses on teaching English literacy, math, and learning skills to newly-arrived refugees, asylees, and other vulnerable immigrant youth.

Whitney is now a senior in the Dual BA Program, and will graduate this May with a degree in human rights. She is currently applying to be a Fulbright Scholar, and is considering Americorps.

“Take advantage of the graduate school support that GS offers—they’re the ones with good advice—especially the Grad School Coaching Series run by Dean Tiffany Decker. It’s all thanks to her that I was able to navigate the law school application process,” Whitney said.

For more information about Graduate School Coaching, and to register for this semester’s workshop series, visit the website. The first workshop will be held Friday, September 14. Registration is required, and students must attend the full series of workshops to participate.

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More than 700 incoming GS undergraduate and Postbac Premed students, along with GS staff and Orientation Leaders, convened on the steps of Low Library to kick off the fall semester at the New Student Welcome and begin the week-long New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). NSOP is designed to introduce new students to campus, provide an overview of University policies, and facilitate socializing in small groups.

Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch opened the ceremony by welcoming new students, as well as their family and friends, before recognizing two special guests, Dr. Maya Tolstoy, Interim Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Sciences, and University President Lee C. Bollinger, who addressed guests.

“Here you will encounter faculty in discipline after discipline, field after field, who are the leading experts. Not only will they introduce you to their specialty better than anyone else can, but they will also be able to do something that very, very few people can, which is to bring you to the edge of our knowledge—where it ends and our ignorance begins. The best education is one that prepares you for your own venture into the unknown,” President Bollinger said.

Dean Rosen-Metsch spoke next, emphasizing the unique qualities of GS and its student body, and how GS contributes to the larger University community.

“The Columbia undergraduate classroom is unlike that of any other Ivy League university because of you and what you bring to the intellectual discourse on campus. Our students prove time and time again that the classroom is far more engaging with GS students, when your diversity of life and academic experiences are brought together with students from traditional backgrounds to benefit and engage one another intellectually and socially in creative ways,” Dean Rosen-Metsch said.

Acting Dean of Students Ivonne Rojas later led a GS Orientation tradition by asking members of the audience to rise as she described different categories of students beginning their studies at Columbia, including the 80 students having served in the U.S. military, 184 international students from 35 foreign countries, to being a parent, working full-time, or being a native New Yorker. In addition, she acknowledged the 135 students belonging to one of the School’s innovative joint- and dual-degree programs—with Sciences Po, Trinity College Dublin, City University of Hong Kong, or List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary—who are beginning their studies at Columbia.

Each of these identities—and several students belong to more than one—emphasize the broad definition of diversity at the School of General Studies. The array of experiences among GS students contributes invaluably to the undergraduate experience at Columbia University, as acknowledged by faculty, administrators, and students alike.

Incoming students also heard from Raisa Flor, General Studies Student Council president, Jacquie Viggiano, GS NSOP Student Chair, Sarah Haiken, List College Student Council President, and Catherine Jennings, VP of Communications for the Premedical Association. All described the supportive community at GS, extending a warm welcome to new students.

The School of General Studies New Student Welcome highlighted the diversity of students and their experiences, and celebrated the beginning of their journey as undergraduate students at Columbia University. Throughout the week, students attended social mixers, workshops about campus resources and academic practices at Columbia, and outings throughout New York City.

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On Monday, October 15, faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the induction of 86 students into the Honor Society of the School of General Studies at its fall 2018 Induction Ceremony in Low Memorial Library. The GS Honor Society, created in 1997 to celebrate the academic achievement of exceptional GS scholars, inducts students who have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8 in more than 30 points of academic coursework at Columbia University.

The ceremony opened with a welcome from Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch, followed by remarks from Dean of Academic Affairs Victoria Rosner.

“Honor Society students continuously demonstrate the ability of untraditional students to thrive and succeed as part of a population of high-achieving Ivy League undergraduate students.” Dean Rosner said.

Among those inducted this spring are students enrolled in the School’s dual-degree programs with List College of Jewish Theological Seminary, Sciences Po, and the City University of Hong Kong, as well as students from countries all around the world, including Russia, Greece, China, Israel, France, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Georgia, Sweden, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and Morocco.

“Diversity is the hallmark of the GS student – diversity of age, experience, gender and sexual identity, national and ethnic origins, and every other axis of human definition. Some of our students are still in their teens, while others are decades older, and some are parents themselves, including students raising children with special needs while attending GS.” Dean Rosner said.

The chief aim of the GS Honor Society is to cultivate interaction among those committed to intellectual discovery and academic excellence. The only group of its kind at the University, the Society offers opportunities throughout the year for its student and alumni members to interact with one another, as well as with the faculty who enjoy working with who enjoy working with such outstanding scholars.

Fall 2018 GS Honor Society Inductees

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Earlier this month, Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch traveled to Tel Aviv to visit with GS alumni and the families of current GS students, in an ongoing effort to strengthen the GS and Columbia communities in Israel.

Dean Rosen-Metsch met individually with several Columbia and GS alumni and parents in order to better understand their goals and desires as we work toward a more vibrant, engaged community. Additionally, the Kolber family hosted a wonderful dinner that was attended by more than 70 parents of GS students.

Along with Vice Dean Curtis Rodgers, Dean Rosen-Metsch attended academic meetings at Tel Aviv University, engaging in discussions on ways in which the two institutions can best partner in the future and continue to build a strong, lasting relationship. In addition, new connections were established with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which will help GS better support and engage IDF members who may be thinking about applying to GS once their service is complete.

The trip was a great success, allowing the opportunity for members of the community to connect with each other, celebrate our incredible School, and discuss ways to continue to grow our connection with Israel.

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Earlier today, the following message was sent to GS, CC, Engineering Students.

Dear Undergraduate Students,

We write with shock and anger to share the below message regarding a deplorable act of antisemitism that took place at one of our affiliate professional schools, Teachers College.

In light of the recent tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the Baraboo, Wisconsin high school prom photo as well as other recent events, we are deeply troubled by the rise of hate speech and crimes against the Jewish community.

Together with University leadership, we stand firmly against all acts of violence and discrimination on Columbia’s campus. Our community will not waver in its support for those of any faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, background or identity.

We understand this may be a difficult time for you and your classmates. Your safety and well-being are our highest priority. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your school's support network or to utilize the resources listed in the University Life message.

We encourage you to take care of yourself, to talk to friends and family who bring you comfort and to hope and strive for peace in our communities.

Sincerely,

Mary C. Boyce
Dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science

Lisa Rosen-Metsch
Dean of the School of General Studies

James J. Valentini
Dean of Columbia College and
Vice President for Undergraduate Education

___________________

Denouncing Anti-Semitism and Supporting Our Community

A Jewish faculty member’s office at Teacher's College was vandalized yesterday afternoon with swastikas and an antisemitic slur spray-painted on her office walls. The University strongly denounces this antisemitic act that seeks to create fear and to intimidate members of our community.

In light of last month's horrific shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and this hateful act closer to home, Jewish students and others in our community may be feeling especially vulnerable right now. Please know that there are a number of University-wide resources that we encourage students to use for support. 

Morningside Campus: Counseling and Psychological Services - 212-854-2878

http://health.columbia.edu/

Medical Center Campus: Mental Health Services - 212-305-3400

http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/student-health

The Office of the University Chaplain offers faith-based support and spiritual counseling - 212-854-1493

http://ouc.columbia.edu/

Columbia Barnard Hillel - Kraft Center for Jewish Life – 212-854-5111

https://columbiabarnardhillel.org/about/staff/

If you have a safety concern or want to report a potential bias incident on campus, Columbia University Public Safety is available:

Morningside Campus – 212-854-555

Medical Center Campus – 212-305-7979

http://publicsafety.columbia.edu/content/report-crime

Please don't hesitate to contact your dean of students, any of the above resources, or the Office of University Life (universitylife@columbia.edu). Below is a message from Teachers College President Thomas Bailey.

With care, support and respect for our community,

Suzanne B. Goldberg
Executive Vice President for University Life

___________________

Regarding Anti Semitic Vandalism 

To the TC Community:

As you may already have heard, the office of a Teachers College faculty member has been defaced with swastikas.

We unequivocally condemn any expression of hatred, which has no place in our society. We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community.

Please rest assured that we are working with police to discover the perpetrator of this hateful act. I also want to reaffirm the College’s commitment – and my own – to providing a respectful and welcoming environment for all, and to protecting the safety and dignity of all members of our community.

Thomas Bailey
President

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Today, more than 230 incoming GS undergraduate and Postbac Premed students, along with GS staff and Orientation Leaders, convened in Roone Arledge Auditorium in Lerner Hall to usher in the beginning of the spring semester and begin the weeklong New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). NSOP is designed to introduce new students to campus, provide an overview of University policies, and facilitate socializing in small groups. 

The first to speak, Lisa Rosen-Metsch, Dean of the School of General Studies, opened the ceremony by welcoming new students, as well as their family and friends.

“As an alumna of GS, I am honored and proud to be the Dean of this school, and so very pleased to start the spring 2019 semester together,” Rosen-Metsch said.

She later praised GS for its diverse student body as being “a true jewel in our crown here at Columbia, celebrated by the senior administration and Board of Trustees, whose Vice Chair is a GS alumnus, and by our president, Lee C. Bollinger.” 

Dean Rosen-Metsch next introduced Dr. Maya Tolstoy, Interim Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences of Columbia University. Dr. Tolstoy spoke to GS’s unique role in diversifying the academic environment by integrating nontraditional students into the same courses taken on by students at the other undergraduate colleges.

“In this regard, Columbia is truly a leader amongst elite institutions—welcoming high-performing students with non-traditional educational backgrounds to our campus and embracing your contributions to the academic discourse in a truly integrated way,” Dr. Tolstoy said.

Incoming students later heard from Dean of Students Ivonne Rojas, GS Student Council President Raisa Flor, Vice President of Community Relations for the Premedical Association Ashley Seidensticker, Co-Chair of the GS Alumni Association Jesse Dean ‘08GS, and GS NSOP Student Chair and Crew Chief Jacquie Viggiano. In their speeches, each emphasized to the incoming students how proud they should be of the accomplishment of being accepted to Columbia, while urging them to embark on this new journey with confidence, emphasizing the unique and supportive nature of the GS community.

The incoming GS students make up a diverse body, which boasts 37 U.S. military veterans, 15 veterans from foreign militaries, and international students representing 24 countries. This class also includes teachers, designers, entrepreneurs, dancers, venture capitalists, musicians, real estate investors, and workers in the non-profit, healthcare, global affairs, law, hospitality, technology, and security industries.

Throughout the remainder of Orientation Week, NSOP Orientation leaders will guide the new GS students through social mixers, workshops about campus resources and academic practices at Columbia, and outings throughout New York City. NSOP is instrumental to new students’ integration at the University and provides numerous opportunities to meet new and returning students, as well as alumni before classes start. 

An Overview of the Spring 2019 Entering Class

The School of General Studies continues to be one of the most diverse undergraduate colleges in the Ivy League, and this year’s incoming class is no exception, counting among them a former classical pianist, military veterans, former professional actors and musicians, first-generation Americans, professional athletes, to name only a few.

The presence of GS students in the Columbia classroom enables the University, already one of the most ethnically and economically diverse undergraduate communities in the Ivy League, to define diversity on much broader terms—a truly global diversity of socio-economic background, age, life and career experience, and perspective.

• 33% of the incoming students are international students
• 36% of the incoming students are first-generation college students
• 32% of the incoming students are eligible for a Pell Grant
• 21% of the incoming students are U.S. military veterans

Enrollment

Undergraduate: 175
Postbac Premed: 57

Demographics

Age range: 17 - 64
Women: 51%
Men: 49%
Students who are married: 18%
Students with children: 17%
U.S. residents from 21 states and the District of Columbia

Citizenship

Twenty-four foreign countries are represented, including Australia, Benin, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

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For one to be met with adversity only makes the accomplishment of one’s goals that much more rewarding. Economics major Joan Bolanos Martinez can back this statement up with his account of a path that started in a small town in Venezuela and has led him to the financial epicenter of the world.

For as long as he can remember, Bolanos Martinez had the urge to leave the small town of Guanare in search of new opportunities. However, for Joan’s father, the notion of family superseded academic opportunity. Initially, his father was hesitant to accept his pursuit of academics so far from home at the Central University of Venezuela.

“It did not matter what subject I studied as long as I was close to my brothers and my family,” Bolanos Martinez said.

However, at the age of 21, and after much disagreement with his parents, he left for Caracas to pursue his education, where he juggled both studying engineering and working to support himself in his new city.

Joan’s most enduring challenge was still awaiting him. In 2007, he was involved in a serious car accident, which left him with a broken leg. Surgery was performed, and unfortunately, led to a major infection that eventually required amputation.

Bolanos Martinez faced impending bankruptcy from his vast medical expenses, but with the assistance of a trusted financial advisor who went beyond to help, Bolanos Martinez and his family were saved from economic despair. He credits the work of this financial advisor as being the inspiration that pushed him toward the field of economics.

After his finances were in order, Bolanos Martinez spent two years recovering from his injuries. He attempted to return to studying engineering but found his performance was not where it once was. He knew that he needed a change of pace in order to reignite his academic excellence, and his passion for economics was growing. Upon realizing that English was a skill needed to be successful in the business world, Bolanos Martinez came to the United States and managed to save enough to cover his enrollment at the ESL program at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York.

Upon completing the program, he intended on returning home to his motherland. However, an increasingly non-democratic Venezuela compelled Bolanos Martinez’s parents to encourage him to remain in the United States. With an established foothold at Suffolk County Community College, he decided to pursue further education.

“When I decided to make the US my home, I was determined to succeed no matter what obstacles I was about to face,” recalled Bolanos Martinez.

Bolanos Martinez racked up an impressive resume that included leadership work in various organizations, membership in various honor societies, and a GPA of 3.9. Nevertheless, he wanted more.

“I learned about the amazing work that GS does to open opportunities for people like me, who are eager to succeed regardless of the adversities we have faced to truly achieve the American Dream,” Bolanos Martinez said.

Although Bolanos Martinez was excelling in the world of academics, the results of his earlier car accident prevented him from pursuing another passion rooted in his upbringing: soccer. However, in May 2016, the US National Amputee Soccer Team contacted him. He then began an intense series of training to get him in shape for the team and competed in a 2017 tournament in California.

Fast forward a year and Bolanos Martinez’s work ethic and ambitious nature have brought him further success. This past summer, his goals of breaking into the world of finance came to fruition as he made a big impression as an intern in wealth management J.P. Morgan Chase. Even with starting two weeks behind his peers, Bolanos Martinez rose to the challenge of learning his role at an expedited rate. He credits his work ethic with being the reason that he was the only intern on his team who was invited to a client meeting by a senior banker. He was so successful that the company asked him to return this coming summer in a similar position but with expanded responsibilities.

“After my amputation, I learned that every day counts to achieve my dreams, so I maximize every opportunity to make things happen,” Bolanos Martinez said.

After graduation, he wishes to take both his economic experience in the workforce and academic knowledge of the subject back to his home country in order to help make Venezuela’s future a bit brighter. For this reason, he is now weighing out the idea of obtaining a Ph.D. or MBA in economics.

“All options are on the table,” Bolanos Martinez said.

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The 2019 GS entering class comprises a truly diverse body, boasting 37 U.S. military veterans, 15 veterans from foreign militaries, and international students representing 24 countries. It includes teachers, designers, entrepreneurs, athletes, dancers, musicians, real estate investors, and workers in the non-profit, healthcare, global affairs, law, hospitality, technology, and security industries, to name a few.

“In this regard, Columbia is truly a leader amongst elite institutions—welcoming high-performing students with non-traditional educational backgrounds to our campus and embracing your contributions to the academic discourse in a truly integrated way,” Interim Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences of Columbia University Dr. Maya Tolstoy said.

Below, a few incoming students share their stories—from their experiences before coming to GS to now—all of it culminating in their enrollment at Columbia University.

JP Bouvet

My life as a professional drummer these past eight years has been split between performance and education. I’ve had the great fortune of touring with some legendary musicians and Grammy winners/nominees. My own band, Childish Japes, is a great source of creative freedom and fulfillment. I’ve done masterclasses, played drum festivals, and taught similar events in 34 countries on six continents. These experiences and the friends I’ve made along the way are among the things I’m most grateful for in my life. They have played an key role in shaping my values and opinions about the world.

I fancy myself a creative person, but the music industry has begun to feel more and more like an unlikely place for me to have ended up. While my musician friends tend to spend their down time writing music, learning new instruments, and digging deep into the history of music, I have always been far more interested in reading about the mind, neuroscience, psychology, meditation, and pretty much anything other than music. A lot of this information has found its way into my teaching, and students are consistently more responsive to and excited about these broader "life-relevant" ideas. Plus, anyone who teaches older students privately can tell you that half your lessons are therapy sessions anyway.

I returned to school because I have a hunch that my greatest potential might lie in a different field. One reason I plan on studying psychology is that it can be applied in combination with so many other fields. I don’t know where I want to end up, but I want to do work that helps spread well being to as many people as possible. Whether that is through research, writing, seeing private patients, or something else will be told in time.

Sylvia Gilsun Won

I moved to the U.S. to just learn English at first, but as I was taking classes at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, I fell in love with the subject of social justice. In general, the American approach to education was a culture shock, but I also found it was a way to self-actualization and mindfulness for me. Since I wanted to pursue more education and better myself, I joined the U.S. Army, where I served for four years.

I decided to apply to GS for many reasons. First, the communities at GS do not exist in other Ivy League universities, and Columbia is one of the most prestigious schools in the U.S. Since I had made up my mind on going back to school after my military service, I decided to apply for the best school I could possibly think of. In addition, I visited NYC once and fell in love with the location of the university, not to mention the diverse cultures and museums. Also, lastly and most importantly, Columbia was one of the few universities that offer a major in human rights, which is what I intend to pursue.

I hope to attend a law school after I graduate so that I can take a better part in changing the world. Methods can vary. I believe even a very small effort counts in the attempt to change anything. Also, I believe everyone should not lose hope about humanitarianism!

Amer Mneimneh

Before enrolling at GS, I was on the 11th year of my Army career as a Ranger, a linguist, and an analyst, with a combined 29 months split between combat and operational deployments. During this time, I was fortunate enough to see the effects of unconventional thinking on longstanding problems—the judicious use of economic, information, or political efforts often completely replaced the need to use any military force. I wanted to participate and expand the idea of engaging global problems with unconventional and innovative means of engagement: be that reducing extremist recruitment pools by ensuring increased economic and educational opportunity, or encouraging the growth of conservationism and shared mutual stewardship of natural resources in the Middle East.

Columbia University's School of General Studies provides an unparalleled opportunity to address the blind spots in my understanding of regional problems, and to combine my military experience with an extremely rigorous education, to produce effective, realistic means of impacting the world for the better. I hope to pursue a bachelors in either the policy or science of the environment and utility of natural resources, which I feel will be a crucial political factor in the years to come. From there, I would like to pursue additional education, and perform research in the Levant.

Sun Kim

Being a musician in South Korea for ten years (as half of the indie pop-duo, Lucite Tokki) gave me a lot of things to think about. Despite the decent success of my band’s first album, I had to navigate through a troubling path in the patriarchal industry as a young female musician. I had to undergo an unfair deal from my first label and faced countless discriminations that were rooted from gender hierarchy. Under such circumstances, I constantly felt the need to expand my intellectual capacity not only to become a better creator, but also to raise my voice as a person who experienced such inequalities that universally exist in our society throughout the world.

In this regard, GS is the perfect place for me with its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, and the cultural advantage of Columbia’s location will enrich my experience as a learner and a creator at the same time. It wasn’t an easy decision for me to be a college student again. Besides the financial burden of studying abroad, leaving behind the liberal lifestyle as a freelancer musician was something I’d never imagined before. However, as soon as I set off on this journey at Borough of Manhattan Community College two years ago, I realized that I am going to enjoy it rather than endure it. Learning new things allowed me space to process my past experience and to have a better understanding of the world. I am really excited to open this new chapter in my life at Columbia. I will gladly face the next level of challenges at the world’s finest academic institution, because I know I will grow further in the upcoming years.

George Williams

Prior to coming to GS I was a Sergeant, Force Recon-Scout Sniper in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. With them, I deployed to multiple countries in Southeast Asia. Since I was a reservist, I was able to attend community college in my free time thanks to scholarships and the G.I. Bill. And the money that I saved from military training made it possible to buy, renovate, and rent out two houses that were once abandoned in my grandparent's neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama. I decided to apply to Columbia because I heard about their strong initiative to recruit well-qualified veterans. I plan on majoring in economics because I believe it will set me up the best to one day give back to my community in real estate or possibly politics.

For more stories about GS students and alumni, visit the School News section of the website.

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The following message was sent to GS students on Monday, February 18, 2019.

Dear GS Students,

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share with you the message below sent moments ago by President Bollinger regarding the passing of Peter J. Awn, who preceded me as dean of the School of General Studies—serving our school with compassion and dedication for twenty years.

Dean Awn was one of the most beloved and, as President Bollinger eloquently states, impactful people in the history of our School. No one cared more for our entire School community—students, staff, alumni, friends, and family—than Dean Awn. While I cannot make the pain, grief, and sadness you might feel disappear, I encourage all of us to rely upon something Dean Awn took great pride in—the strength and solidarity of the GS family—along with the united and overwhelming support of the entire Columbia community.

As ever, your academic advisor, the staff at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), and members of the Office of the University Chaplain are all available to provide you with their support as you process this heartbreaking news. I encourage you to reach out if you or one of your peers would benefit from meeting with or talking to them.

Over the last three weeks I have gotten to know Peter’s beautiful family and life-long friends. They have our deepest sympathies and will forever be part of our GS family. As President Bollinger noted in his letter to the community, we will find the time in the coming weeks to celebrate Dean Awn’s tremendous life and legacy, but for now take comfort in one another, the strength of our GS community, and please keep Dean Awn’s family and memory in your hearts.

With deepest sympathy,

Lisa Rosen-Metsch
Dean
Professor of Sociomedical Sciences

________________________________________

Counseling and Psychological Services
Lerner Hall, 5th and 8th Floors
212-854-2878

Office of the University Chaplain
212-854-1493

GS Office of the Dean of Students
212-854-2881

Please see below for a message from the family, as well as a link to the official statement from University President Lee C. Bollinger:

“We are deeply saddened to share that Peter Awn died yesterday evening, February 17, 2019. There will be an intimate memorial service for family and close friends in the coming days. Peter is survived by his sisters Claudette Maraziti and Louise Crowley, nine nieces and nephews, twelve great nieces and nephews, and his close lifelong friends Norman Laurila and Rob Westerberg. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Peter’s life to donate to the Peter J. Awn Scholarship Fund, here.”

Full Statement from the Office of the President

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On February 27, faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered at Columbia’s Faculty House to celebrate the induction of 70 students into the School of General Studies Honor Society. The GS Honor Society, which was created in 1997 to recognize the exceptional academic achievements of GS students who have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8 in more than 30 points of academic coursework at Columbia.

Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch welcomed the attendees with opening remarks, followed by the presentation of the new members by Victoria Rosner, Dean of Academic Affairs.

“These students are not everyone’s idea of ‘typical American college students.’ Many of them are international in their origins, and global in their outlook. They have a maturity derived from life experiences including military service, parenthood, career achievement, immigration, and artistic endeavor. Many have come back from significant challenges including serious illness, financial hardship, addiction, bereavement, and homelessness. A number of these students are the first in their families to attend college. Others have postponed their own educations to care for family members. Yet here they are at the pinnacle of undergraduate academic success at Columbia. Each one of them, whatever their backgrounds, has worked hard to earn a place here,” Dean Rosner said.

Among those inducted this spring are students enrolled in the School’s dual-degree programs with List College of Jewish Theological Seminary, Sciences Po, and the City University of Hong Kong, as well as students from countries all around the world, including Luxembourg, Armenia, and Japan.

“These students have practiced just about any profession you can name; they include: combat medic, pastry chef, accountant, rugby coach, nanny, ballet dancer, web developer, house cleaner, yoga teacher, sandwich shop manager, political campaign operative, model, resort attendant, taxi driver, makeup artist, real estate agent, minor league baseball player, military data analyst, model, hotel manager, entrepreneur, actor, nuclear engineer, restaurateur, dog trainer, and patent engineer, among others,” Rosner said.

The chief aim of the GS Honor Society is to cultivate interaction among those committed to intellectual discovery and academic excellence. The only group of its kind at the University, the Society offers opportunities throughout the year for its student and alumni members to interact with one another, as well as with the faculty who enjoy working with such outstanding scholars.

Spring 2019 GS Honor Society Inductees

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Hundreds of veterans, leaders, scholars, and guests came together last Friday to celebrate Columbia University’s distinguished student veteran community at the 9^th annual Military Ball.

An American tradition dating back to the 19^th century, this year’s black tie event featured a special tribute to the late Dean Emeritus of the Columbia University School of General Studies, Peter J. Awn. During his 20-year tenure, Awn built an unmatched legacy recruiting and supporting veterans at the School, which today enrolls more than 500 veterans pursuing a traditional Ivy League undergraduate degree.

In honor of this legacy, a final roll call ceremony was performed by past and current members of the U.S. Military Veterans of Columbia University (MilVets), representing the decades of commitment and support from Awn to the military. Rachel Ballew, President-elect of MilVets, then presented Awn’s family with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol for his lifetime of dedication to United States service members and veterans in their education, transition, and integration.

Later in the evening, Vice Dean Curtis Rodgers was honored with the Peter J. Awn Lifetime Service Award by members of MilVets. The award honors a lifetime of outstanding support for military veterans and service members.

“We have at the School General Studies the fortune to have a fantastic Dean, Lisa Rosen-Metsch, who stepped into the role as an alumna, and who is as dedicated to our mission as Peter Awn was. Thank you from the bottom my heart for recognizing me for this work that I've been I've been called to, but I have ask one thing—be there with me as we go forward because there are so many great accomplishments ahead and so much more work to be done,” Rodgers said.

The experiences Rodgers has had working with military service members and veterans over the last 20 years led to his founding, along with Dean Peter J. Awn, the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration at Columbia University.

“We are going to realize the very ideas upon which the Center was founded and the very ideals that embody what it means to be a student at GS,” Rodgers said.

The award was presented by Mark Franklin ’19, former President of MilVets, and Michael Abrams, Executive Director of the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

“Look around the room at all of the veteran students and alumni who are here. Look at all the veterans who have been given an opportunity to receive a world-class education and reach their potential. They are here tonight because of you,” Abrams said. “We can all serve our country in meaningful ways. On behalf of all the veterans in this room tonight, Curtis, thank you for your service.”

The event was co-hosted by Columbia Veterans, U.S. Military Veterans of Columbia University, the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and the Columbia University School of General Studies.

You may view photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Save the Date! The 2020 Military Ball will be held on March 27, 2020.

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This spring, seven GS students, including three in the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po, have received competitive scholarships to study foreign languages over the summer. These students will be traveling to countries around the world to refine their language skills and immerse themselves in new cultures.

John Ballew '19, Genevieve Grant '21, Javier Moraleda '21, and Taylor Miller '19 have all received the Critical Language Scholarship for Summer 2019. The Critical Language Scholarship Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages.

Miller has also received a Fulbright Scholarship. Thus, after spending the summer in Brazil for the CLS program, he will be returning there in February 2020 as an English Teaching Assistant.

“My goal this summer is to become as fluent as possible. I've been studying Portuguese all year, and I will have eight weeks of intensive training in Brazil to really boost my level. I am also really excited to see a new part of the world. My time in the Navy afforded me with the opportunity to live abroad for six consecutive years in Japan, Italy, and Bahrain. I learned something about myself in each location and it's given me great perspective. I know Brazil as well. The CLS will be a great jumping off point for my time in Brazil with Fullbright,” Miller said.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Nicholas Mancini '19 and Ryan Zohar '19 will be studying Arabic in Jordan. Nicholas has been awarded the Boren Scholarship. The Boren Scholarship is offered to “U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world considered critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad.” Through this scholarship, Mancini will be able to immerse himself in Jordanian culture over the summer.

Zohar has been awarded the CASA fellowship. This fellowship offers advanced level training in Arabic language and culture to qualified American students at The American University in Cairo and at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman. After spending a year in Amman refining his Arabic skills, Ryan will be heading to the University of Michigan to pursue a P.h.D. in anthropology.

“While I was studying Arabic in Cairo during the past two summers, I met many other students who were studying Arabic in the city. From them, I began to hear about the CASA program. There are dozens of intensive Arabic programs in Cairo, many of which were known for their rigor. Among them, however, CASA seemed to have an almost mythical status. Its reputation was really unparalleled. If I was truly serious about Arabic, I couldn’t let the opportunity to participate in the CASA program pass me by,” Zohar said. “Dean Sara Remedios at GS and Jodi Zaffino, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Undergraduate Fellowships, were incredibly helpful throughout this process as were my professors in the MESAAS and Anthropology departments.”

To learn more about fellowship opportunities, visit our Fellowships page.

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In the early 2010s, Sumar Frejat began his university studies in Aleppo, Syria, where he attended medical school. However, due to the worsening situation, Sumar was forced to stop his studies, and move to Iraq, a place he had never been. He had to quickly adapt to a new environment, and after about 3 months, and attempting to transfer to medical school in Iraq in vain, Sumar moved back to Syria.

In Latakia, Syria, Sumar returned to school, despite the war. On the side, he began to teach himself Spanish, and worked to pay for his studies. By 2013 however, as the Civil War escalated, Sumar had to leave for Iraq again. Unable to transfer his academic credits, he began working as a scientific representative at a pharmaceutical company, while continuing to learn languages and work on his music.

In 2014, Sumar decided to change paths completely and auditioned for Season 3 of Arab Idol, the equivalent of American Idol for the Arab world. From the thousands of Iraqis who auditioned during the first phase in Erbil, he was one of the dozens who were chosen. During the second round, which took place in Beirut, Lebanon, he was one of 8 Iraqis who made it to the round preceding the live shows, which selected 80 contestants out of the thousands that had auditioned from all around the Arab world.

When Sumar moved back to Iraq after the competition ended, the show was being aired. Although he had some fans and supporters, his newfound fame became problematic as his liberal views began to be exposed. When this hostile environment caused simple tasks like commuting to his job too difficult, he decided to deactivate his fan page and flee Iraq. Shortly thereafter, Sumar decided it was time to return to academia, and moved to the United States, where he eventually applied for asylum.

While waiting for a decision on his asylum request, Sumar worked two jobs, all while getting accustomed to the American lifestyle. At night, Sumar would frequent the library at Rice University, where he read biology books, trying to decide whether he wanted to pursue a career in music or in medicine.

One of those jobs was working at a Starbucks located within a hospital, which allowed him to stay in touch with his interest in medicine, by constantly meeting doctors, nurses, and medical students. One day, a doctor who was a regular customer started speaking with him, and asking questions about his past and his interests. After learning that he was interested in medical school, the man introduced Sumar to some of his colleagues and promised to keep an eye out for any opportunities.

“By dedicating only a few moments of his time, he altered the course of my life. If you can help, help. You never know how much a small act can change” Sumar said.

After five days, one of the doctors contacted Sumar and pushed him to apply to a scholarship offered to students from Syria who had been displaced due to the war who wanted to attend the School of General Studies at Columbia University. Sumar did just that, and was eventually accepted to both the School of General studies and the scholarship program. Juggling his studies and working several jobs to support himself, Sumar found Columbia and New York City to be overwhelming at first.

“The GS staff was incredibly helpful during these stressful times, they were always helping me try and find a way to make this happen,” Sumar said.

Now a full-time student studying neuroscience, Sumar has not given up on his passion for music. He continues to play with groups both on and off campus, including the Columbia Arab Music Ensemble, and tutors students on the oud, a Middle Eastern and North African string instrument. Sumar also has a passion for other arts, including painting and acting (having acted in four short films so far), and foreign languages—having learned English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Hebrew, on top of Arabic, his native language. Upon graduation, Sumar plans to re-apply to medical school.

“My favorite thing about being a Columbia student is having the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced environment, where you can learn a lot in a short period of time, and that the professors push students to think critically and question the world around them,” Sumar said.

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President Lee C. Bollinger and Jean Magnano Bollinger invite the community to join them to celebrate the life of Peter J. Awn, Professor of Religion and Dean Emeritus of the School of General Studies.

The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the Roone Arledge Auditorium in Lerner Hall. Please register by May 7.

Register

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All School of General Studies offices will be closed Tuesday, May 14 from 2 - 5 p.m. as we join President Lee C. Bollinger and Jean Magnano Bollinger to celebrate the life of Peter J. Awn, Professor of Religion and Dean Emeritus of the School of General Studies.

The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the Roone Arledge Auditorium in Lerner Hall. Please register by Tuesday, May 7.

Register

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All School of General Studies offices will be closed Tuesday, May 14 from 2 - 5 p.m. as we join President Lee C. Bollinger and Jean Magnano Bollinger to celebrate the life of Peter J. Awn, Professor of Religion and Dean Emeritus of the School of General Studies.

The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the Roone Arledge Auditorium in Lerner Hall. Please register by Tuesday, May 7.

Register

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Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch has announced the featured speakers for the 2019 Columbia University School of General Studies Class Day ceremony and reception, as well as the receipt of the University Medal for Excellence by a GS alumna.

Class Day, which will take place on Monday, May 20 at 8 a.m. on South Lawn of the Morningside Campus, is a special event that celebrates GS graduates, and each one is presented by name to President Bollinger, Dean Rosen-Metsch, and assembled faculty and guests.

Class Day Keynote Speaker | Sara Ziff '11

This year’s Class Day keynote speaker is American fashion model, filmmaker, and labor activist Sara Ziff, GS Class of 2011. Sara is the founding director of the Model Alliance, a nonprofit research, policy, and advocacy organization that advances fair treatment, equal opportunity, and sustainable practices in the fashion industry, from the runway to the factory floor.

Born and raised in New York City, Sara has worked as a fashion model for the last two decades and has appeared as a face of Stella McCartney, GAP, Kenneth Cole, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. In 2009, she produced the feature documentary Picture Me, which chronicles her and other models’ experiences in their industry.

At GS, Sara was named to the dean’s list, and graduated magna cum laude in 2011 with a degree in political science. After graduation, she received her M.P.A. from Harvard Kennedy School.

Sara collaborated with researchers at Harvard to conduct the largest study to date on the prevalence of eating disorders in the modeling industry, and worked with lawmakers to champion the Child Model Act in New York and the Talent Protections Act in California. To curb sexual harassment in New York’s modeling industry, she has also worked to introduce the Models' Harassment Protection Act. Most recently, with the support of more than 200 models, she developed the RESPECT Program, a private sector initiative that invites businesses in the fashion industry to commit themselves to creating and maintaining safe, inclusive, and accountable workplaces.

In addition to improving labor conditions for fashion’s creative workforce, she has also collaborated with local and international labor rights organizations to raise awareness for garment workers’ concerns, including fair pay and factory safety. Ziff is a recipient of the National Organization for Women's Susan B. Anthony Award and was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People” of 2018.

Class of 2019 Valedictorian | Brittany Summer

The valedictorian of the Class of 2019 is Brittany Summer. Brittany grew up in Gastonia, NC, and from an early age fell in love with dancing. She attended high school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and after graduating, joined the Boston Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet. During her more than nine years in Boston, she had the opportunity to dance on international stages in London, Spain, and Finland, and on acclaimed stages around the U.S. including the Boston Opera House, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the David H. Koch Theatre in New York City. On the Boston Ballet’s 50th anniversary, she performed a leading role in front of 50,000 people at Boston Common, which she describes as a career highlight.

Outside of dance, Brittany kept busy working with the Boston Ballet’s Education and Community Initiatives division on programs seeking to bring empowering, high-quality arts education and exposure to diverse populations within and around the Boston community. She also began taking classes at Northeastern University while continuing to perform.

At GS, Brittany has been an involved student, serving on the membership committee of Columbia Women in Business, as well as volunteering for the GS Mentor Program. Outside of her activities at Columbia, she worked as an intern at the private equity firm KKR, and most recently with Heidrick & Struggles, an executive search and leadership consulting firm.

Brittany was named to the dean’s list every semester, and was inducted into the GS Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. She graduates summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Her main interest lies in organizational psychology and leadership, and she hopes to be able to make workplaces better environments for the individuals that inhabit them. After graduation, Brittany will join Heidrick & Struggles as an associate in their artificial intelligence and data & analytics practice.

Class of 2019 Salutatorian | Matthew Hess

The salutatorian of the Class of 2019 is Matthew Hess, a Marine Corps veteran and first-generation college student who was raised in Ogden, Utah. Growing up in a low-income family, financial struggles were constant. He began working in high school and nearly dropped out during his senior year, before being transferred to an alternative high school due to poor performance and attendance. In 2009, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and after completing a tour in Okinawa, volunteered for the Marine Security Guard (MSG) Program. He was named salutatorian of his MSG school class, and worked at embassies in New Delhi, Beijing, and Cairo.

Matthew repeatedly demonstrated his proficiency while in the Corps. In 2013, while stationed in Beijing, he was named Marine Security Guard of the Quarter by the State Department’s Regional Security Officer of China in recognition of his leadership skills. In 2014, Matthew was responsible for several aspects of the Marine Detachment’s operations in New Delhi, including organizing and tracking all training, and planning the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

At GS, Matthew has served on the Veteran Advisory Board and volunteered with the Veteran Mentor Program since 2016, where he has been instrumental in developing the Program as a peer-to-peer support system that values inclusive community building. He was awarded a Presidential Global Fellowship to study abroad in Amman, Jordan and a Gilman Scholarship that allowed him to intern with the Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, Oman. This spring, Matthew will receive a Service Award from GS, recognizing his dedication to service and leadership within the School of General Studies and Columbia University community.

Matthew was named to the dean’s list every semester, and was inducted into the GS Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa. He graduates summa cum laude with a degree in Middle Eastern studies. After graduation, Matthew will marry his fiancée, Gayatri, and move to the Washington, D.C. area to gain some work experience before pursuing a master’s degree in international relations or a related field.

University Medal for Excellence | Molly Ola Pinney ’09

It is my pleasure to announce that GS alumna Molly Ola Pinney, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Global Autism Project, will receive the University Medal for Excellence at this year’s Commencement ceremony. The Medal is awarded to an alumnus or alumna under 45 years of age whose record in scholarship, public service, and/or professional life is outstanding.

The Global Autism Project is a nonprofit organization that supports autism centers in the developing world by bringing the latest educational and behavioral techniques to local educators and behavioral therapists. In many countries, deep cultural beliefs and a lack of understanding of autism can lead to isolation, violence and even death for children with autism. Local educators are clamoring for more tools to support their efforts and to change cultural beliefs.

Starting in Ghana, and quickly spreading to other countries, the Global Autism Project now works with local groups in ten nations: India, Indonesia, China, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Kenya, Nigeria, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Nicaragua. Global Autism Project organizes trips for trained autism educators from the U.S. and other nations to bring their skills to leaders at partner organization worldwide through the SkillsCorps® travel program. SkillCorps® volunteers raise money from within their own communities.

Pinney has spoken at the United Nations, entrepreneurship conferences and universities worldwide. She received the Comcast NBC Universal award, a Women in Business award, and the Autism Light Foundation award.

Baccalaureate Service | GS Speakers

GS graduates Michelle Page and Eytan Penn will speak at the Baccalaureate Service, which will take place on Sunday, May 19 at 10 a.m. in St. Paul’s Chapel.

For more on graduation activities and ceremonies, as well as a graduation checklist, please see the Graduation section of the GS website, a comprehensive source of information for questions about academic regalia, guest lodging, and much more.

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For one to be met with adversity only makes the accomplishment of one’s goals that much more rewarding. Economics major Joan Bolanos Martinez can back this statement up with his account of a path that started in a small town in Venezuela and has led him to the financial epicenter of the world.

For as long as he can remember, Bolanos Martinez had the urge to leave the small town of Guanare in search of new opportunities. However, for Joan’s father, the notion of family superseded academic opportunity. Initially, his father was hesitant to accept his pursuit of academics so far from home at the Central University of Venezuela.

“It did not matter what subject I studied as long as I was close to my brothers and my family,” Bolanos Martinez said.

However, at the age of 21, and after much disagreement with his parents, he left for Caracas to pursue his education, where he juggled both studying engineering and working to support himself in his new city.

Joan’s most enduring challenge was still awaiting him. In 2007, he was involved in a serious car accident, which left him with a broken leg. Surgery was performed, and unfortunately, led to a major infection that eventually required amputation.

Bolanos Martinez faced impending bankruptcy from his vast medical expenses, but with the assistance of a trusted financial advisor who went above and beyond to help, Bolanos Martinez and his family were saved from economic despair. He credits the work of this financial advisor as being the inspiration that pushed him toward the field of economics.

After his finances were in order, Bolanos Martinez spent two years recovering from his injuries. He attempted to return to studying engineering but found his performance was not where it once was. He knew that he needed a change of pace in order to reignite his academic excellence, and his passion for economics was growing. Upon realizing that English was a skill needed to be successful in the business world, Bolanos Martinez came to the United States and managed to save enough to cover his enrollment in the ESL program at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York.

Upon completing the program, he intended on returning home to his motherland. However, an increasingly non-democratic Venezuela compelled Bolanos Martinez’s parents to encourage him to remain in the United States. With an established foothold at Suffolk County Community College, he decided to pursue further education.

“When I decided to make the US my home, I was determined to succeed no matter what obstacles I was about to face,” recalled Bolanos Martinez.

Bolanos Martinez racked up an impressive resume that included leadership work in various organizations, membership in various honor societies, and a GPA of 3.9. Nevertheless, he wanted more.

“I learned about the amazing work that GS does to open opportunities for people like me, who are eager to succeed regardless of the adversities we have faced to truly achieve the American Dream,” Bolanos Martinez said.

Although Bolanos Martinez was excelling in the world of academics, the results of his earlier car accident prevented him from pursuing another passion rooted in his upbringing: soccer. However, in May 2016, the US National Amputee Soccer Team contacted him. He then began an intense series of training to get him in shape for the team and competed in a 2017 tournament in California.

Fast forward a year and Bolanos Martinez’s work ethic and ambitious nature have brought him further success. This past summer, his goals of breaking into the world of finance came to fruition as he made a big impression as an intern in wealth management at J.P. Morgan Chase. Even with starting two weeks behind his peers, Bolanos Martinez rose to the challenge of learning his role at an expedited rate. He credits his work ethic with being the reason that he was the only intern on his team who was invited to a client meeting by a senior banker. He was so successful that the company asked him to return this coming summer in a similar position but with expanded responsibilities.

“After my amputation, I learned that every day counts to achieve my dreams, so I maximize every opportunity to make things happen,” Bolanos Martinez said.

After graduation, he wishes to take both his economic experience in the workforce and academic knowledge of the subject back to his home country in order to help make Venezuela’s future a bit brighter. For this reason, he is now weighing out the idea of obtaining a Ph.D. or MBA in economics.

“All options are on the table,” Bolanos Martinez said.

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On the evening of Tuesday, May 7, the School of General Studies celebrated the academic excellence and outstanding leadership of students of the Class of 2019 at the Academic Prizes and Student Leadership Awards Ceremony. Guests of the award winners joined faculty and administrators in recognizing the achievements of more than 100 students in the GS undergraduate and Postbac Premed programs. The ceremony was held in Low Memorial Library.

Award for Leadership Excellence

Alumni Key Award: Yona Aryeh Kornsgold
Awarded to a graduating senior for exceptional achievement and ongoing commitment to leadership and service to the School of General Studies community.

Campbell Award: Raisa Flor
Awarded to a student leader who shows exceptional leadership and Columbia spirit as exemplified by Bill Campbell '62CC, '64TC.

Dean's Citation, Undergraduate: Mark Franklin
Dean's Citation, Postbac Premed: Riva Letchinger & Sarah Jednak
Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to outstanding leadership and service to the School of General Studies community throughout their academic tenure.

Honorary Owl Award: Adam He, Columbia College
Awarded to a Columbia student at a school other than GS who has made a contribution to the School of General Studies community through their leadership and service this academic year.

Change Agent Award: Isaac Scott, Jonathan Criswell, Rachel Ballew, Sonya Levine
Awarded to a group of students who have made impactful contributions through their dedication to equity, inclusion, and social justice to the School of General Studies and the Columbia community

Spirit Award
Awarded to a select group of students who have made outstanding contributions through their dedication to leadership and service to the School of General Studies and Columbia University.

Undergraduate
Andrew Goulian, Bina Bansinath, Crosby Kisler, Michael Higgins, Nicole Rodgers, William Veitch

Postbac Premed
Catherine Jennings, Christopher Bellaire, Donna Chesnova, Huda Algasas

Service Award
Awarded to students who have distinguished themselves this academic year with a dedication to service and leadership within the School of General Studies and Columbia University community.

Undergraduate
Humaira Awal, Steven Ballew, James Benbrook, Gabrielle Bernard, Daniela Bernstein, Avidan Brown, Megan Caldarazzo, Nathan Canadas, Michelle Capuno, Estrella Castillo, Reema Danaf, Douglas de Lancastre, Shelby Elsbree, Ellie Frith, Roseanna Gibbs, Melody Gomez, Justinas Grigaitis, Sarah Haiken, Olivia Hartzell, Merrill Healey, Sitara Herur-Halbert, Matthew Hess, Elinor Hitt, Yasmeen Ibrahim, Rya Inman, Samantha Jean, Hana Joy, Jake Law, Joshua Lefkow, Jamie Lerner-Brecher, Matthew Linsky, Jacob Lirio, Shannie Lotan, Jonathan Lubash, Eric Lunzer, Sharisse McClure, Justin Niece, Ruben Ordonez-Parra, Nathaniel Padre, Michelle Page, Eytan Penn, Aaron Pickard, Andrew Placido, Karla Puga, Lindsey Rubin, Ben Segev, Parvir Sidhu, Sharanya Sivakumar, Katarina Skoko, Nadav Steinmetz, Piragathesh Subramanian, Karl Sully Guerrier, Shernelle Thomas, Chris Thompson, Erika Torres Adorno, Michael Towey, Peter Trevino, Jacquelyn Viggiano, Max Waldroop, Jason Walker, Anne Whitney, Sondra Woodruff

Postbac Premed
Lucy Aaron, Carlos Arciniegas, Subin Chung, Cameron Collins, Joie Cooper, Lauren Crabbe, Chris Devita, Erin Evans, Britney Hatcher, Isabella Levy, Allison Lonstein, Evangelia Mavrogiorgos, Blessing Mbamalu, Moorea Morgan, Monica Raiss, Siena Rumbough, Ashley Seidensticker

GS Student Council (GSSC) Excellence in Service Awards
Awarded to a faculty member, a teaching assistant, and an administrator who have made exceptional contributions to the School of General Studies community and its student body.

GSSC Excellence in Teaching Award: Katharine McIntyre
Lecturer, Department of Philosophy

GSSC Excellence in Teaching Assistance Award: Shahar Kaminsky
Computer Science, Columbia University

GSSC Excellence in Administration Award: Amber Griffiths
Senior Assistant Dean of Students, School of General Studies

Academic Prizes

Dean’s Prize in Anthropology
Awarded for excellence in the study of anthropology
Katarina Skoko

Dean’s Prize in Creative Writing
Awarded for excellence in the study of creative writing
Rachel Hope Churchill

Dean’s Prize in Economics
Awarded for excellence in the study of economics
Justinas Grigaitis

Romine Prize in Economics
In recognition of the best senior thesis paper in economics
Justinas Grigaitis

Theodore R. Bashkow Award
Awarded for excellence in a computer science project
Francis John Hinson

Jonathan L. Gross Award
Awarded for academic excellence in computer science
Rose Adrienne Orenbuch

Andrew P. Kosoresow Memorial Award
Awarded for excellence in teaching and service in computer science
Graham Philip Patterson
Shahar Kaminsky

Professor John Angus Burrell Memorial Prize
Awarded for distinction in English and comparative literature
Wan Yii Lee
Megan Emily Evershed

Lillian L. Hacker Prize
Awarded for excellence in the study of sociology
Xinghe Pan

Herbert H. Lehman Prize
Awarded for outstanding accomplishments in the study of history
Yen Ba Vu

Garrett Mattingly Thesis Prize in History
Awarded for a senior thesis of superior distinction in any historical field and period
Yen Ba Vu

Antonio G. Mier Prize
Awarded for excellence in the study of Spanish
Emma Aidee Vadillo Quesada

Jennifer A. Pack Prize
Awarded for excellence in the study of neuroscience and behavior
Juan Esteban Guerrero

Stacy M. and Russell D. Paul Prize
Awarded for excellence in the study of psychology
Laurin Jessica Gagne
Naomi Leah Greenfield

Arthur Ross Foundation Award
Awarded for excellence in the study of political science
Yona Aryeh Kornsgold

Phyllis Stevens Sharp Fellowship
Awarded to support research in American politics or policymaking
James Takashi Quinn

Judith Lee Stronach Memorial Prize
Awarded for outstanding contributions in art history or archaeology
Nazira Benzi Lyrio
 

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