Carlos Paz-Soldan, an associate professor of applied physics and applied mathematics, enraptured alumni attendees with a century of rising and falling interest and research in harnessable nuclear fusion—a promising frontier in the increasingly widespread conversation around energy—and Columbia’s continued role at the forefront.

The next day was an invigorating discussion on generative artificial intelligence tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, offered to a full-capacity audience of alumni and their families by Kathleen McKeown, Henry and Gertrude Rothschild Professor of Computer Science.

Finally, shedding light on how the landmark CHIPS Act is set to redefine the future of semiconductor technology, Harish Krishnaswamy, associate professor of electrical engineering, gave alumni an exclusive glimpse into the game-changing developments set to shape the world of technology as we know it.

Dean Chang’s State of the School Address

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On Saturday, Dean Chang gave a State of the School address to attendees with exciting new updates on the School and plans for the future. Highlights included recent faculty and alumni awards, a review of Class Day and Commencement, and funding wins for new multi-partner centers based at Columbia Engineering such as ARNI, the AI Institute for Artificial and Natural Intelligence. Dean Chang also unveiled Columbia+, a new lifelong learning online platform open to alumni that features online courses, live-streamed and recorded events, and podcasts from across Columbia’s schools and Global Centers. He closed with a look ahead at Columbia’s expansion into Manhattanville and plans for a new engineering building focused on advancing the Engineering for Humanity vision. 

Building Bridges

Milestone Class Gatherings

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Laughter, anecdotes, and a collective sense of Columbia pride reverberated across campus as alumni volunteers and staff brought former classmates together to celebrate their milestone graduation anniversaries. View class photos. 

Chelsea Piers Reception

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Back by popular demand for its second year, the Chelsea Piers Reception saw generations of alumni bring the dance floor to life. Enjoying floor-to-ceiling views of the New York City skyline, alumni of each of the undergraduate schools mingled and relished in an evening of celebration and connection. View photos.

Engineering Master's and Doctoral Alumni Reception

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Unique to Columbia Engineering, which offers world-renowned advanced degree programs in addition to its undergraduate degree programs, this first in-person gathering of its kind brought master’s and doctoral alumni together across a diverse range of industries and academic departments in the hallowed library at the Italian Academy. It was a full and lively room. Dean Chang gave remarks and mingled with alumni. View photos.