Columbia Engineers Across Class Years, Industries Connect at Reunion Weekend

Hosted by Columbia Engineering, Columbia College, Barnard, and the School of General Studies, Columbia Reunion (June 1-3) provided alumni and their guests opportunities to connect with one another back on campus, catch up with Columbia faculty, and celebrate what it means to be alumni of the undergraduate schools. 

Here are some of the weekend’s most noteworthy highlights.

Honoring Achievements

Dean’s Welcome Reception and CEAA Awards Presentation

Against a backdrop of clinking glasses and the buzz of conversation inside the Italian Academy’s Teatro, the weekend kicked off with the Dean’s Alumni Welcome Dinner and CEAA Awards Presentation honoring this year’s distinguished Michael Pupin, Thomas Egleston, and Samuel Johnson medalists.

“Our honorees truly represent the best of Columbia Engineering. Their contributions to their professions and to society at large demonstrate the positive impact that science, technology, and engineering have in today’s world,” said Dean Shih-Fu Chang.

The Michael I. Pupin Medal, named for the legendary Columbia teacher, inventor, and engineer of the 20th century, was awarded to Norbert Hirschhorn '58CC, '62P&S.

“How did I get here in the first place?” Hirschhorn, an accomplished doctor-poet, reflected as he received the prestigious award. Hirschhorn was recognized for having saved an estimated 50 million lives through his development of treatment for adults and children suffering from fatal fluid loss. 

Next, Anne Kiremidjian ’72SEAS was awarded the Thomas Egleston Medal, named for the founder of Columbia’s School of Mines (the original Columbia Engineering), in recognition of her groundbreaking work in earthquake engineering.

The Samuel Johnson Medal was then presented to Chatchai Piyasombatkul ’82SEAS, an industry and investment innovator committed to public service, sustainability, and higher education. This award is given each year in honor of the first president of Columbia University, known then as King’s College. 

Previous honorees Jamey Barbas '81BC, '83SEAS (Egleston Medal recipient) and Brian Greene (Pupin Medal recipient) were some of the familiar faces spotted among the alumni and faculty in attendance.

Across The Cutting Edge

Reunion Lectures

Throughout the weekend, alumni returned to the classroom to delve into the latest research and discoveries spearheaded by Columbia Engineering's distinguished faculty.

Today's Growing Fusion Portfolio

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.

AI Chatbots

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.

Semiconductor Innovation

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

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

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

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

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.