Dear Member of the SPS Community:
Welcome back! And to those joining us for the first time, an extra-warm welcome to the School and the University. I hope you found moments over winter break to spend time with loved ones, enjoy the books you’ve been meaning to read, and perhaps even embark on some memorable adventures.
The start of a new semester is often a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and a chance to look ahead to what is next. More than 1,300 students completed their coursework last semester. After their graduation this February, they’ll join our vibrant and global Columbia SPS alumni community. To better connect with our vast network of alums, we’ve held events in New York City, Washington, D.C., California, Indonesia, and China. Next month, we’re thrilled to be hosting our first-ever alumni gatherings in Mumbai and Delhi.
Our alumni continue to shine long after they graduate. Recently, two of our alums, Hannah Friedman (’21SPS, Sustainability Management) and Luke Mairo (’22SPS, Sustainability Management), and one current student, Eli Cohen (M.S. candidate in Strategic Communication), were honored on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. I hope you’ll take a moment to read about the accomplishments of these early-career innovators.
As students fulfill their academic requirements this semester, they can rely on the guidance and support of their peers in the SPS Student Government (SPSSG). I want to express my sincere gratitude to the incredible SPSSG leaders for their dedication to our community.
This semester also marks an impressive milestone: the centennial anniversary of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). Congratulations to the entire CSPA team for their continued commitment to reinforcing the value and importance of scholastic journalism to thousands of high school students each year.
As in any year, we will surely face challenges. Let us approach those obstacles with fortitude, empathy, and above all, grace. My hope is that we can navigate beyond the difficult moments to realize the School’s and University’s ultimate goal of educating the next generation of leaders who will positively impact the world.
Sincerely,
Troy
