Reunion

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Kent Hall, CVTI

Join Dean Rosen-Metsch in conversation with Elizabeth Bellak ‘55GS as she reflects on her time at GS and the remarkable story behind the publication of Renia’s Diary.

Written by her sister, Renata Spiegel, as World War II unfolded, the diary survived the Holocaust and remained unseen for decades. Bellak will share the journey of honoring and amplifying her sister’s voice in this moving discussion of memory, history, and legacy.

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Miller Theater
Wine and cheese reception to follow

View Program

What does it look like when ideas don’t just live on the page—but move, speak, and perform?

Performance Studies is an interdisciplinary field that goes beyond the historical study of theater, using performance as a lens to explore social, cultural, and political life. But what if performance isn’t just something we analyze—what if it is the method? A way to ask questions, test ideas, and generate new knowledge?

Enjoy Robert Mulvey ’26GS and Madeleine Doty '26BC performing a work by scholar-practitioner Amanda Krische. 

Following the performance, stay for a dynamic discussion with Michael Novak ’09GS, who recently received the Columbia University Medal for Excellence, on practice-as-research and the ways artists and scholars engage in shared processes of thinking, making, and knowing—through different forms.

Come curious. Leave inspired.

Close out the first day of Reunion with an elegant wine and cheese reception celebrating our featured artists and the vibrant community that brings us together.

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Pulitzer Hall, Lecture Hall

Gather with fellow alumni for a relaxed and welcoming lunch celebrating all class years of the Columbia University School of General Studies. Enjoy time to reconnect, share memories, and build new connections over a shared meal.

You’ll also hear from current students whose diverse paths have led them to GS. Be inspired by their remarkable stories and experiences—and take pride in the vibrant, evolving community that continues to define the School of General Studies.

2 - 3:30 p.m. | Location TBD

The Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI) did not emerge by accident. Its founding was the result of an extraordinary convergence of forces—fierce advocacy, profound institutional support, courageous leadership, and a shared belief that student veterans deserve more than accommodation; they deserve intellectual community and opportunity at the highest level.

But beyond these visible forces lies something deeper: a distinctive way of thinking about student veterans that was born at the Columbia University School of General Studies. This philosophy—one that takes seriously veterans' ability not only to thrive in the elite college classroom, but to transform it in unique and positive ways—has fueled CVTI's metamorphosis from an aspiration to a national center of innovation and excellence.

Join R.J. Jenkins, CVTI's Director of Education, for a dynamic conversation about risk, vision, and the enduring power of an educational ethos that promotes stronger outcomes for student veterans not only at Columbia, but across the United States. Come and learn how an institutional philosophy born in Morningside Heights became catalytic action from Mission Viejo, California to Fargo, North Dakota to Orange County, Florida—and is changing the national conversation about supporting veterans in higher education and the civilian workforce.

3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Kent Hall, CVTI

Gather with veteran alumni and students from all generations and all Columbia schools to connect, network, and learn about the University’s support for veterans, including those provided by the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI). Appetizers, beer, and wine will be served.

5 p.m. - 6: 30 p.m. | Pulitzer Hall, Lecture Hall

Spend the afternoon with fellow alumni and reconnect with the program. You’ll hear brief updates on what’s new, see photos from your time as students and where life has taken everyone since, and have space to catch up across cohorts. Light bites will be served.

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Pulitzer Hall, Lecture Hall

Reconnect with alumni and students from the Postbac Premed Program at this special reception! Light bites will be served.

6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Lerner Hall

Don’t miss the biggest GS alumni event of the year! At this special event, attendees will hear from Dean Rosen-Metsch, and the Owl Award will be presented to this year’s recipient. Following dinner, join alumni from all schools at the Starlight Reception on Low Plaza.