GS Alumnus Named 2021 Columbia Alumni Medalist

May 11, 2021

GS alumnus Pavan C. Surapaneni was named as one of this year’s 2021 Columbia Alumni Medalists in recognition of his commitment to building Columbia’s community. He graduated from the School of General Studies in 2006 as salutatorian of his class with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and Middle Eastern languages and cultures. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard University. 

The Columbia Alumni Medal, the highest award bestowed by the Columbia Alumni Association, is presented to notable alumni who have provided distinguished service in building the Columbia community—whether regionally, online, in specific schools, or in cross-campus initiatives. During his time at Columbia, Surapaneni led Community Impact's Peace by PEACE, competed on the ski team, and was named to the Goldman Sachs Global Leaders Program. Since graduating, he has served on Columbia's Alumni Trustee Nominating Committee and GS's Recent Alumni Leadership Committee. He has also been a part of GS’s Reunion Committee and the CU250 Undergrad Student Committee. 

Surapaneni currently serves as Vice Chair of the GS Board of Visitors and has been a member since 2011. He is a partner with Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, which has a unique multidisciplinary practice in the sports and real estate industries, and has been named a “Sports/Entertainment Trailblazer” by The National Law Journal, a “Rising Star in Sports” by Law360, and an “Emerging Leader” by The M&A Advisor. Surapaneni is also a Director and Secretary of Saving Teens, a Director of the American Alpine Club, and a former Director of the John Dewey Academy. 

For his achievements and continuous involvement with the Columbia community, Surapaneni and nine other recipients were honored at University Commencement, and will also be recognized at the Alumni Medalists Gala during Columbia Alumni Leaders Weekend.