Statements & Speeches

Merit E. Janow Appointed Dean of the School of International and Public Affairs »
May 17, 2013

I am delighted to report that I have appointed Professor Merit E. Janow as Dean of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs effective July 1, 2013.   READ MORE

Martin Chalfie and Wafaa El-Sadr Named University Professors »
May 7, 2013

I am very pleased to announce that I have appointed two of Columbia’s most admired and accomplished faculty members, Martin Chalfie, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biological Sciences, and Wafaa El-Sadr, Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine, to the rank of University Professor.   READ MORE

Our Shared Concerns About Boston »
April 19, 2013

As we have watched events unfold in Boston, including today’s lockdown of the city and neighboring communities that has only just now been relaxed by authorities there, the Columbia community's concerns remain with those who are living through this frightening situation.   READ MORE

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month »
April 17, 2013

Though sexual violence is a problem affecting everyone in society, it demands special attention in university communities, where survivors too often suffer in silence rather than report incidents involving fellow students with whom they may share a residence or a class.   READ MORE

Update Regarding the 66th Columbia Community Service Annual Appeal »
April 2, 2013

As I wrote to you in November, the combination of our still-weak economy and Hurricane Sandy’s ongoing devastation has created a heightened need for philanthropy and public service of all types.   READ MORE

Mary Cunningham Boyce Appointed Dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science »
March 26, 2013

I am pleased to announce my appointment of MIT Professor Mary Cunningham Boyce as the new dean of Columbia’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.   READ MORE

Steve Coll Appointed Dean of Graduate School of Journalism »
March 18, 2013

I am pleased to announce my appointment of Steve Coll, one of the most experienced and respected journalists of his generation, as the new Dean of Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism.   READ MORE

David Madigan Appointed Interim EVP and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences »
March 15, 2013

I am pleased to announce that Professor David Madigan, chair of the Department of Statistics, has agreed to serve as Interim Executive Vice President (EVP) and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences until the search for a permanent EVP is concluded.   READ MORE

Gift of $200 Million Endows Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute »
December 17, 2012

I am pleased to announce that Mort Zuckerman, widely known for his work as a publisher, editor, real estate investor, and philanthropist, has pledged $200 million to endow the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University. The contributions made by the Zuckerman Institute in coming decades to society’s understanding of neurological disease and to Columbia University’s intellectual life are expected to be immense.   READ MORE

Annoucement Regarding the 66th Columbia Community Service Annual Appeal »
November 19, 2012

With so many in our region still suffering from the damage done by Hurricane Sandy, it is impossible to discuss any charitable effort without thinking of the victims of that great storm. With that in mind, I am writing to urge all the members of our Columbia community to make a special effort this year to support the Columbia Community Service (CCS) campaign.   READ MORE

Annoucement Regarding Nicholas B. Dirks, Executive Vice President for Arts and Sciences »
November 8, 2012

Today, after serving for more than eight years as Columbia’s Executive Vice President for Arts and Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Nicholas B. Dirks is announcing that he is stepping down to prepare to become the tenth chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley.   READ MORE

A Message Regarding Hurricane Sandy »
October 31, 2012

Fortunately, our campuses were spared serious damage from Hurricane Sandy. At the same time, we are painfully aware of the wake of destruction the storm has left on the city and the region. Collectively, we extend our concern for those whose lives, families, and neighborhoods have been most seriously affected by flooding, loss of power, and other damage.    READ MORE

Announcement Regarding Dean Nicholas Lemann of the Graduate School of Journalism »
October 10, 2012

It is with enormous gratitude for his service and equal admiration for the Journalism School’s past decade of accomplishment that I announce Dean Nicholas Lemann’s decision to step down from his position at the end of the academic year, after the completion of his second five-year term leading the School.    READ MORE