Columbia campus barbecue

Sun, salsa music and slow-roasted barbecue drew lots of good company to the largest event for University staff held on the Columbia campus this summer, resulting in business for local vendors.

More than1,400 of the1,700 staff members who help the University to run day-to-day--the workers and administrators from Facilities Management, Human Resources, Academic Information Services, Support Services, Student Services and Institutional Real Estate--turned out for a Caribbean feast hosted by the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration on a recent August afternoon.

"It is always great to get everyone together once a year to take a break and have some fun," said Executive Vice President Emily Lloyd. "This event gives us an opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work over the past year and for us to enjoy some time together before the start of the academic year."

Mathematics lawn was dressed for the occasion, from colorful streamers hanging from trees to picnic tables full of sugarcane, coconut and other island delicacies. While some staff members found shady spots on the lawn for lunch, others discovered the sidewalk was indeed a good dance floor.

For others the event provided a quick break from duties and a little lunch. "For the 20 minutes I was there, it was great. I wish I could have stayed longer," said Doris Ruffin, a sergeant with the Security Department who grabbed a bite before returning to her beat.

Although the theme was Caribbean, for area businesses that provided goods and services, the impact was local. President George Rupp joined Emily Lloyd in drawing names of employees who received gifts, most purchased from local vendors. Some Columbia staff members received gift certificates to four favorite Upper Manhattan restaurants, including Sylvia's Restaurant, the Cotton Club and Bayou Restaurant all north of 124th St. and Emily's Restaurant at 113th and 5th Ave. Transportation vouchers were provided through Hub Connections, a company that contracts with Harlem-based car companies. Gift baskets were provided by Black Orchid Florist at 116th and Frederick Douglass Blvd. and the barbecue t-shirts, for all who attended, were purchased at Hollywood Uniforms, a Morningside Heights vendor.