Students and faculty gather at Spring Mixer sustainability event
On March 2, the Columbia Climate School welcomed its mix of sustainability students and faculty in spring 2023. Over 100 students, faculty, and alumni of the Undergraduate Sustainable Development Program were able to set aside reading and homework in exchange for a few hours of socializing and networking. The event took place at Columbia’s Faculty House, where students enjoyed an informal meeting with faculty and alumni to discuss course interests, sustainability and climate development pathways, and career advice.
“As our undergraduate sustainability program continues to grow and thrive, this blender is a great way to encourage social connections between our students and faculty,” said the co-director. Lisa Dale. “It’s always a pleasure to spend time with students outside of class!”
“It was a pleasure to get together with so many professors and students from our program,” said the co-director. Jason Smerdon. “After a period of great isolation and disconnection, it is refreshing and rejuvenating to come together and celebrate again. I was especially pleased to see many new students in attendance, which speaks to the continued enthusiasm and interest in the sustainability undergraduate program. »
The event brought current majors and special concentrators together with prospective students, allowing them to make a more informed decision with the next major statement for Columbia College sophomores. During the event, there was a dedicated moment of silence to honor the loss of Elan Ganeles, a 2022 sustainability graduate.
“Building community is central to my role in the undergraduate sustainability program,” said program director Sylvia Montijo. “It excites me to see students, faculty and staff come together and connect in this way. The program and I look forward to hosting more events like these in the sustainability and climate school communities. »
This semester’s mix was a resounding success and we look forward to hosting it again next semester. Thank you to this year’s participants!
For more information on upcoming events, please visit Undergraduate Sustainability Program website.
