Dean Peter J. Awn opened the ceremony by recognizing the School's unique role at Columbia, noting that the integration of GS students into the undergraduate community enhances classroom discussions, making Columbia's undergraduate experience different than any other Ivy.
"I am privileged to call you lifetime members of the intellectual Columbia community," Awn said.
President Lee Bollinger followed by thanking Dean Awn for his exceptional commitment to GS, which prompted an emotional standing ovation. President Bollinger then echoed Dean Awn's sentiments about the importance of the School of General Studies.
"There is no greater example of Columbia University's longstanding commitment to access and diversity in education than the School of General Studies," Bollinger said.
Class Day Speaker Gale Brewer, 27th Manhattan Borough President and GS Class of 1997 alumna, praised the unique and talented group of individuals that GS attracts. Herself a uniquely accomplished individual, Brewer has passionately advocated for her district on a number of issues, and is credited for passing the nation's first law protecting domestic workers.
She encouraged graduates to contribute their newly acquired skills to the continuing betterment of the city she loves. And if she couldn't convince them to stay, she asked them to leave wherever they did end up better than they found it.
"The world is what you make of it, not what people say it is. Whatever your dream, take your new tools—and your ideals—and get to work," Brewer said.
Salutatorian Gabriel Jackson spoke about his nontraditional educational background, explaining that he first attended college because he didn't realize there were other options.
"All of my life, I was given a single blueprint for success, and I blindly followed that path," Jackson said.
Jackson dropped out at age 17, and eventually moved to New York to work at a law firm, pursuing a passion that was inspired by his uncle. When he decided to finish his degree, he was ready, because the "desire to return to school was built upon passion and purpose, not expectation," he said.
Jackson was accepted to both Columbia University and UCLA, but ultimately chose Columbia.
"I was struck by the distinct impression that UCLA accepted me in spite of my background, not because of it," Jackson said, applauding the way GS embraced it instead.
Following Jackson's speech, GS alumnus and co-chair of the GS Alumni Association Chris Riano ‘07 presented the Alumni Key Award to Ryan Kendall for academic achievement and outstanding service to the School, calling him an "articulate spokesperson against anti-LGBT conversion therapy."
Following the presentation of the 2014 degree candidates, valedictorian Ido Haimi, a military veteran of the Israeli Defense Special Forces, spoke about his first day in class at Columbia. He could only understand half of the professor's lecture, and thought he was the only student with a foreign accent—he had never felt so out of place in his life. But he soon realized that his peers had equally uncommon backgrounds.
"The differences I initially perceived melted away," Haimi said.
Haimi flourished at GS, working as a teaching assistant for Professor Deborah Mowshowitz, whom he credits with giving him the confidence to become an effective instructor, allowing him to give back to the community that inspired him.
"Never forget to create your own GS wherever you go," Haimi said.
Media Coverage
Antrim woman makes ROTC history at Columbia University
Senior profile: Justin Carter, GS
Senior profile: Ryan Kendall, GS
At GS Class Day, Brewer encourages graduates to give back to New York
Senior Wisdom: Dimitri Nouveau
2014 GS Class Day Speaker Announced
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer to Speak at GS Class Day
Senior Wisdom: Ryan Kendall