In building on the comparative advantage provided by Columbia's location in New York, we are fortunate that the past few years have been good ones for the City. The Big Apple has taken on a brighter shine in the eyes of college-bound students and their families, prospective faculty members, and all those who regard us from around the country and the world. But even in less good years, New York City has been and will continue to be a major source of strength for Columbia.
As we approach the year 2004 and our celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of King's College, there can be little doubt that the University itself is also one of the City's enduring assets. The relationship between Columbia and New York has always been a reciprocal one, an ongoing exchange of people, ideas, and cultural opportunities that is mutually enriching. To strengthen these historic ties, we have introduced programs to help students and faculty maximize the benefits of our New York location while encouraging them to be of service to the community, whether as part of our formal academic and clinical programs or on a volunteer basis.
Initiatives now being offered throughout the University reflect a deepening awareness of what the Business School calls the "New York Advantage." At that School, for example, M.B.A. students and faculty enjoy regular contact with Wall Street executives and corporate leaders who come to campus for formal lectures and informal gatherings. Similarly, the School of the Arts inaugurated "Morningside to Manhattan," a month-long arts festival that showcases the work of graduating students in professional venues ranging from La MaMa Theatre to the Leo Castelli Gallery. |
