CU Home Contact Alumni Relations  |  Site Index  |  Help
Columbia Connection - The site for all alumni of Columbia University
My Columbia
Story Form  |  Collected Stories  |  Search Stories
Beauty on Campus
Nick Holt, Alum
Graduate School of Business 2006


To me, one of the most beautiful places on campus is the Nakashima Peace Altar in the Chapel.

As a woodworker, I had admired Nakashima's work for many years, but only in books. I have also tried, with pale comparison, to imitate his style.

It wasn't until May 20, 2006, my graduation day, that I realized I had been passing by a Nakashima design for almost two years without knowing it.

To some, it may at first glance look like another table in another church. But take a closer look. Its massive walnut slabs exude power and strength, while its simple design sooths a stressful soul (any of those at GSB?). By maintaining the natural lines of the mighty tree that gave birth to this beautiful piece, Nakashima's work gave new life to a natural work of art that may otherwise have wasted away.

What better place to display this resurrected tree than in a church?

Nick Holt

© Columbia University 2005  |  Webmaster