Wisdom from the Top: Seasoned Execs Guide the Next Generation

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Winter 2025 Issue
News from Morningside Heights
Wisdom from the Top: Seasoned Execs Guide the Next Generation

An Executive in Residence program gives students a chance to learn from leading executives and gain insights from their career trajectories.

Established in 2019 by Alan M. Silberstein BS’69 and his wife, Carol ’69BC, the Silberstein Family Executive in Residence program recruits distinguished short-term visitors in fields across industry, business, government, and the nonprofit sector. The program aims to help students expand their understanding of leadership in business and industry and offer ways they can build their skills as leaders early on to make an impact in the world.

Columbia Engineering students gained valuable insights from recent Executives in Residence, including alumni Armen Avanessians, Anne Gates, and Georgia Papathomas — all members of the Board of Visitors at Columbia Engineering.

Meet Our Executives in Residence

Armen Avenessians, Anne Gates, Georgia Papathomas, and Imran Shah.

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Armen Avenessians speaking with Columbia Engineering students — ARMEN AVANESSIANS MS’83, UNIVERSITY TRUSTEE EMERITUS AND RETIRED GLOBAL HEAD AND CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER OF QUANTITATIVE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AT GOLDMAN SACHS, OFFERED STUDENTS ADVICE GLEANED FROM HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE AND SHARED PERSONAL ANECDOTES.

Anne Gates — ANNE GATES MS’82 SHARED MOMENTS FROM HER CAREER IN FINANCE AND AS A TOP EXECUTIVE AT PEPSICO, DISNEY, AND MGA ENTERTAINMENT. HER VISIT TO COLUMBIA INCLUDED “OFFICE HOURS” WITH STUDENTS FROM THE NEW MBA/EXECUTIVE MS IN ENGINEERING.

Georgia Papathomas standing in front of a room of students raising their hands — BIOPHARMACEUTICAL EXECUTIVE GEORGIA PAPATHOMAS BS’73, MS’74, PHD’78 SHARED LESSONS LEARNED IN HER LIFE AND CAREER AND HELD SESSIONS ON HOW TO DELIVER PRESENTATIONS AND SHARPEN INTERVIEW SKILLS.

Imran Shah speaking with Columbia Engineering students — IMRAN SHAH BS’84, MS’86, PHD’94 HOSTED LUNCH-AND-LEARN SESSIONS CENTERED AROUND TOPICS LIKE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, AND HOW TO NAVIGATE A CAREER AS A TECHNOLOGIST. HE MET WITH STUDENTS WITH “AN ENTREPRENEURIAL BENT.”

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