Japan Storm - Columbia College - Columbia University

Dear Columbians,
In my first three months in Hamilton Hall, I
have spent much of my time meeting with and
talking to students, alumni and faculty. Every
conversation reminds me how special Columbia
College really is. In every interaction with College
students, they prove to be ever-more intelligent, perceptive
about themselves and the world, and engaged in life on campus
and in New York. At every event with alumni — whom I prefer
to call simply “previous students” — I see further evidence of
their dedication to and generosity toward their alma mater, and
their continuing interest in the lives of students. And after every
meeting with faculty, I am impressed with their commitment to
our students, both in the classroom and outside. All of these students,
alumni and faculty are eager to work very, very hard toward
achieving our goal of keeping Columbia College
the greatest college, in the greatest university,
in the greatest city in the world, and
to continue strengthening the College and enhancing
the undergraduate experience here.
As I talk with current and previous students
about their experience with the Core
Curriculum, I am increasingly aware of its
significance in their intellectual development
while here, and in their personal lives after
they leave. It is the signature experience in
the College, and the core of our identity. It is
what makes Columbia College unique, and
what makes our graduates unique. It is what
unites all students, both current and previous,
as members of an enduring and cross-generational
intellectual community that connects
every Columbia student to every other.
As a chemistry professor for more than 20
years and director of undergraduate studies in
chemistry, I taught and got to know hundreds
of students, and many enjoyed their courses
with me a great deal. But when I ask students about their favorite
class, they don’t automatically say, “Well, Professor Valentini,
of course it was your course in … ” Instead, even science majors
point to the Core as having made the greatest impression. The
answer has been so consistent as to be entirely predictable. Oh, it
varies a little bit — Lit Hum, CC, Art Hum or Music Hum — but
it is invariably one of the Core courses. This is, of course, understandable.
The Core introduces students to great books and eternal
ideas, encourages them to ask big questions and wrestle with
grand themes, and, equally important, transforms the way they
read, write, think and see the world.
But the Core also is the first part of a complete and rich undergraduate
education; it transitions to one of our many majors and
concentrations that allow students to explore their individual
and specialized academic interests. The tradition of close interaction
between students and faculty, which starts in the Core, continues
throughout every year a student is an undergraduate here,
M E S S A G E F R O M T H E D E A N
Alumni, Faculty Work To Help Students
Interim Dean James J. Valentini speaks
with College alumni at the Columbia
Alumni Leaders Conference on October 22.
PHOTO: EILEEN BARROSO
WINTER 2011–12
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in undergraduate research programs such as the Rabi Fellows
and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowships and through
the Faculty in Residence in our residence halls. Faculty members
take students on all-night bicycle trips around New York City, encourage
them to do urban ethnographic research and take them
to New Mexico for archaeological digs or trips to Los Alamos National
Laboratory.
Our alumni are increasingly reaching out to students, especially
in areas such as career development and mentoring. In speaking
with students, I’ve realized that they are feeling increasingly uncertain
about their futures, considering today’s economic situation,
and feeling pressured to take the first career opportunity that
comes along, even if it’s not in their main area of interest. Alumni
are working with students in several ways to help ameliorate this
concern. This fall, we launched the Columbia College Alumnisponsored
Internship Program, which will
provide our undergraduates with access to
high-quality internships hosted or facilitated
by College alumni in a wide range of industries.
We also have initiated the Columbia Exploration
Externship, which will allow firstyear
students to observe and shadow alumni
at work during spring break. We have seen
tremendous growth in the Columbia College
Women Mentoring Program, in which
alumnae provide insight, support and career
guidance to Columbia undergraduate women.
This year, we had a 300 percent increase
in mentee applications over last year. We currently
have 180 seniors matched one-on-one
with alumni mentors, and an additional 150
juniors matched in groups. We are committed
to expanding the reach and impact of all these
network and mentoring programs.
Indeed, what I’ve realized in my first three
months as dean is that Columbia College is really,
truly doing great. Students can study just
about anything in our 75 majors and 52 concentrations, ranging
from philosophy to sustainable development, or can create a major
of their own. They can participate in one of more than 200 study
abroad programs, conduct cutting-edge scientific research on campus
or at one of our research institutes, or intern at a global corporation
or a New York City arts institution. And we are dedicated to
increasing the number of internships and research opportunities
for students both domestically and internationally. We want students
to be able to apply what they have learned in the Core and in
their majors, and expand their academic training through research
and professional experience. We want to ensure that Columbia
College students continue to have the best possible undergraduate
education and have access to an unlimited number of opportunities
on campus, in New York City and around the world.
Roar, Lions, Roar,