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

Elias and Sarina
‘Home Is Here’: Buunni Coffee’s Journey From Addis, to NYC, to Columbia’s Medical Center Campus

Fourteen years ago, Elias Gurmu and Sarina Prabasi had just opened a coffee shop in a tiny storefront on Pinehurst Avenue. They handed out samples at the Fort Tryon Park Harvest Festival, waiting for the moment someone would ask them where they could buy a bag of beans.

Today, their Northern Manhattan-based small business Buunni Coffee (a name based on the Amharic word for coffee itself, “buna”) has two locations (in Washington Heights and Inwood), coffee bags for sale at Trader Joe’s, a roastery in the South Bronx, and, as of this spring, a full-service café and grab-and-go coffee spot on Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s (CUIMC) campus.

Its location on Haven Plaza is open to the public at 711 W. 168th St., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. It’s location in the William Black Medical Research Building (open to CUIMC/NYP ID holders), 650 W. 168 St., is open 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. 

Photo of the Week

Cardboard Boat Regatta
Cardboard, Duct Tape, Go!

Buoy, oh buoy! Columbia Engineering students took the plunge at the annual Engineering Student Council cardboard boat contest.

QUIZ

First Day of Classes
The Columbia News Quiz: September 2026

This September, Columbians debuted new music, won awards, and welcomed world leaders to campus. Test your knowledge of the latest news stories across the University!

COLUMBIA HISTORY

A train in the basement of Havemeyer in the early 1900s
The Locomotive Laboratory

Columbia started classes in the new Morningside Heights campus in October 1897. On this brand new campus, the engineering students finally had ample classroom and laboratory space in their two new buildings: the School of Mines (now Lewisohn) and the School of Engineering (now Mathematics). But did you know that there used to be a full-size locomotive engine underneath Havemeyer Hall?
 

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST

Avery Hall blobs.

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Find the most recent editions here. And make sure you subscribe to receive the newsletter in your inbox every other Wednesday. 

Out and About

More Stories

This September, Columbians debuted new music, won awards, and welcomed world leaders to campus. Test your knowledge of the latest news stories across the University!

As the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week got underway last week in New York City, students discussed issues facing our world with visitors from around the globe.

This year, Columbia supported three student fellows who worked with nonprofits providing support for survivors of gender-based violence and advocacy for people incarcerated in federal prisons in New York City.

The program, which will welcome its first cohort in Fall 2027, will support accomplished leaders seeking to pivot from successful careers to meaningful next chapters of their lives.

The newest Bundles Scholars will delve into community wellness, the creative use of technology, literacy, holistic spiritual care, storytelling that centers Black women, and the history of policing in urban communities. 

Data shows less than 2 percent of OIE reports result in a formal investigation. More than 2,200 outdoor events took place last academic year with no Rules violations.   

Elias Gurmu and Sarina Prabasi, the founders behind local gem Buunni Coffee, spill the beans on two new locations on the CUIMC campus and what they are up to next.

The exhibition features the work of famous artists and cartoonists created while they were students at the University.

On Sept. 17, Haven Plaza was filled with over 1,000 local schoolchildren who came to learn about, experience, and enjoy science.

Something magical happens every year when new and returning Columbians flood back to campus at the end of August. This year was no exception.

The results provide insight into how students felt about their connection to the Columbia community during the 2024-25 academic year.

This $5 million gift provides for immediate programmatic enhancements and creates a tutoring space on the third floor of Uris Hall, on the Morningside Campus.

Topics & Resources

A view of Alma Mater from behind, looking at Butler Library.
Awards & Milestones

Columbia faculty, students, and staff are on the cutting edge of advancements in all fields. Here, you can find recent accomplishments and milestones.

Rocking the Glass House event at Lerner
Columbia Events

Explore a wide range of academic, cultural, and athletic events happening every day at Columbia. Nearly all events are open to the public, except as noted, and most are free.

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Columbia Dining, Facilities, and Operations News

Whether you need a carpenter, an electrician, a locksmith, housing, lighting, painting, parking, plumbing, recycling, more space, or public safety services, or if you need to eat, plan an event, travel around campus, or mail and printing services—Columbia Facilities and Operations has you covered. 

A group of kids and adults plays corn hole on the Manhattanville campus.
Columbia Neighbors

Columbia Neighbors is where the university connects with its local community, its new friends and neighbors, anyone who looks to the diversity of ideas and experiences in our community and sees the possibility for shared growth, being of service, and connection. 

The Columbia Womens Basketball team holds a trophy
Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week captures moments from around the University and New York City. The series is curated by University Photographer Eileen Barroso and Jennifer Pellerito.

All Students with cutouts of students
University Life

University Life is focused on enhancing the student experience across Columbia’s 17 schools and colleges. It serves as a student life hub for the University and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus culture where students can thrive in all dimensions of their lives. 

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