Campus & Community

A blue and green graphic with the words "Campus & Community" in its center alongside icons that represent Columbia University and New York City.

This page is dedicated to stories about Columbia's campus and community. From student, staff, and faculty profiles to interesting events happening on campus and in our surrounding neighborhoods, here is where you can find the latest about what's happening on and around Columbia's campuses. 

Story Highlight

People take pictures of Manhattanville lights.
Your Guide to Seeing Sparkling Holiday Lights in Uptown NYC

November 14 marked the official start of holiday lights season Uptown, with 125th Street in full holiday flair for the 30th annual Harlem Holiday Lights “Caravan of Lights” parade and a “Lights on the Plaza” tree-lighting celebration on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus.

Did you miss the parade, but still want to enjoy a bright city night full of holiday lights? There are plenty more places Uptown that will be welcoming the season in style by decking out in full holiday flair.

Photo of the Week

Manhattanville lights
Wishing Our Community Happy Holidays

Columbia celebrated the start of the holiday season with joyful tree-lighting festivities on the Manhattanville campus. We wish our community a peaceful and festive month ahead.

QUIZ

An orange tree in front of John Jay
Giving Thanks for Another Columbia News Quiz

From playoff wins to Rhodes Scholarships and a globe-spanning public health center, Columbians had plenty to feel proud of in the month of November.

COLUMBIA HISTORY

Bhimrao Ambedkar
Celebrating the Life of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (PhD'27, HON'52)

Columbia alumnus Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a lifelong champion of social justice and civil rights for the “untouchable” Dalit caste in India, who died on Dec. 6, 1956. Ambedkar was the first highly educated, politically prominent member of the Hindu “untouchable” caste. He is best remembered today for leading colonial India's only autonomous struggle for Dalit rights and social recognition, and for his role as Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, which allowed him to leave a profound and enduring mark on Indian trajectories of democratic justice and affirmative action policy.

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST

Avery Hall blobs.

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Out and About

Featured

Toy Drive in Burden Room
25th Annual Columbia Community Service Toy Drive

DECEMBER 4-15, 2023

No family should have to choose between buying food and buying toys during the holiday season. By donating a toy to the 25th Annual Columbia Community Service Toy Drive, you can ease the burden for many families and put a smile on the face of a child. This year's toy drive will run from Monday, December 4 to Friday, December 15, benefitting nine local community organizations that work with children. 

More Stories

From playoff wins to Rhodes Scholarships and a globe-spanning public health center, Columbians had plenty to feel proud of in the month of November

Agwuncha has tips on where in New York to find Nigerian food, and the city’s most vibrant holiday market.

The Benin Bronzes from her ancestral homeland in Nigeria have deeply influenced her creative practice.

This Veterans Day, test your knowledge of the incredible history of veterans on Columbia's campuses. 

Nelson, who eventually plans to pursue an MD-PhD, has plenty of ideas for how students can get involved in campus life.

In a friendly physical activity competition, the two universities have fun while connecting with their colleagues.

Barnard student Nazira Davroni is trying to do it all, both on and off campus.

From Nobel Prizes to MacArthur grants and cutting edge research centers, Columbians are breaking new ground across disciplines.

Pope, Assistant Vice President of University Supplier Diversity, spoke about the importance of representation in the construction industry.

Columbia Health’s Senior Vice President, Melanie Bernitz, outlines what to know about COVID-19 and flu treatment and prevention.

This year's scholars include an interior designer, community leader, entrepreneur, and HR professional, all hailing from Upper Manhattan.