Columbia University, situated in New York City, is a private Ivy League research institution. Founded in 1754 as King's College, it holds the distinction of being both the oldest institution of higher learning in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. It is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious universities globally.
1900: Maxie Long Sets World Record
In 1900, Maxie Long, an Olympian and Columbia College student, achieved a groundbreaking feat in athletics. He set the first official world record in the 400 meters with a time of 47.8 seconds.
September 23, 1903: Dedication of Alma Mater Sculpture
On September 23, 1903, the Alma Mater sculpture by Daniel Chester French was dedicated at Columbia University. The sculpture, a gift from Mr. & Mrs. Robert Goelet, was originally covered in gold leaf and depicts a female figure representing knowledge and wisdom.
1903: The Mischief Maker Written
Edgar Allan Woolf and Cassius Freeborn wrote the musical "The Mischief Maker" in 1903.
1906: The Mischief Maker Premiere
"The Mischief Maker", written by Edgar Allan Woolf and Cassius Freeborn, premiered at Madison Square Garden as "Mam'zelle Champagne" in 1906.
1909: Founding of The Notes and Keys
The Notes and Keys, the oldest a cappella group at Columbia University, was established in 1909, marking a significant milestone in the university's rich musical history.
1910: Yule Log Lighting Ceremony Revived
The Yule Log lighting ceremony, a tradition dating back to before the American Revolutionary War, was revived by President Nicholas Murray Butler in 1910.
1920: Fly With Me Premiere
The student-produced musical "Fly With Me" premiered in 1920.
1928: Establishment of Seth Low Junior College
In 1928, Columbia University established Seth Low Junior College to limit the number of Jewish applicants to Columbia College.
1934: Institute for Social Research Affiliates with Columbia
In 1934, the exiled Institute for Social Research at Goethe University Frankfurt affiliated with Columbia University, marking the beginning of a significant period of intellectual exchange and the development of influential ideas.
1934: Completion of South Hall
South Hall, later renamed to Nicholas Murray Butler Library, was completed in 1934. Funded by Edward Harkness and designed by James Gamble Rogers, the library's neo-classical design features a facade inscribed with names of prominent writers, philosophers, and thinkers.
1936: Closure of Seth Low Junior College
Seth Low Junior College closed in 1936 due to the Great Depression. Students were absorbed into Morningside Heights classes without formal college affiliation.
May 17, 1939: First Televised Regular Athletic Event
On May 17, 1939, NBC broadcasted a doubleheader between the Columbia Lions and the Princeton Tigers at Columbia's Baker Field. This event marked a historic milestone as the first televised regular athletic event.
1946: Establishment of the School of International and Public Affairs
In 1946, in response to the growing importance of international relations after World War II, Columbia University founded the School of International and Public Affairs, integrating resources from political science, economics, and history.
1946: Renaming of South Hall to Nicholas Murray Butler Library
In 1946, South Hall was renamed to Nicholas Murray Butler Library in honor of the university's former president.
1947: Reorganization of University Extension into School of General Studies
In 1947, Columbia University reorganized its University Extension program into the School of General Studies to accommodate returning GIs after World War II.
1948: The Streets of New York Premiere
The student-produced musical "The Streets of New York" premiered in 1948.
1950: Institute for Social Research's Affiliation with Columbia Ends
In 1950, the affiliation between Columbia University and the Institute for Social Research at Goethe University Frankfurt ended. This period had seen the development of key works in the Frankfurt School of thought.
1954: Columbia University Bicentennial Celebration
Columbia University celebrated its bicentennial in 1954.
1954: The Sky's the Limit Premiere
The student-produced musical "The Sky's the Limit" premiered in 1954.
1963: The Streets of New York Off-Broadway Revival
In 1963, "The Streets of New York" was revived and opened off-Broadway.
1964: Drama Desk Award for "The Streets of New York"
In 1964, "The Streets of New York" was awarded a Drama Desk Award.
1967: Founding of the Student Homophile League
In 1967, the Student Homophile League was established at Columbia University, becoming the world's first gay student organization. Among its founders was Stephen Donaldson, a lifelong activist who played a pivotal role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
1968: Student Protests and Resignation of President Grayson Kirk
In 1968, student activism peaked at Columbia University with protests that led to the occupation of campus buildings, ultimately resulting in the resignation of President Grayson Kirk and the establishment of the University Senate.
1968: Bombing of Alma Mater Sculpture
In 1968, during the Columbia University protests, the Alma Mater sculpture was damaged by a bomb. The sculpture has since been repaired.
1979: Merger of Faculties into Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
In 1979, Columbia University merged its decentralized faculties specializing in Political Science, Philosophy, and Pure Science into the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
1981: Community Impact Founded
In 1981, Community Impact (CI), the largest student service organization at Columbia, was founded. CI provides support and resources like food, clothing, shelter, and education to residents in the surrounding communities.
1983: Columbia Men's Soccer Achieves Undefeated Season
In 1983, the Columbia men's soccer team had a remarkable season, achieving an undefeated record of 18-0 and earning the top ranking in the nation. They reached the NCAA championship game but suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Indiana in double overtime. Despite the loss, their journey to the championship remains the furthest any Ivy League soccer team has ever advanced in the NCAA tournament.
1983: Admission of Women to Columbia College
After years of negotiations with Barnard College, Columbia College began admitting women in the fall of 1983. Barnard College remains affiliated with Columbia, and graduates receive diplomas signed by both institutions' presidents.
October 8, 1988: Columbia Football Ends Losing Streak
On October 8, 1988, Columbia's football team defeated their arch-rival, Princeton University, with a score of 16-13. This victory ended a 44-game losing streak, the longest in NCAA Football Championship Subdivision history. Notably, this win also marked the Lions' first victory at Wien Stadium, which had opened during the losing streak four years prior.
1991: Creation of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences
In 1991, Columbia University merged the faculties of Columbia College, the School of General Studies, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of the Arts, and the School of Professional Studies into the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
1994: Angels at Columbia Premiere
The student-produced musical "Angels at Columbia" premiered in 1994.
1995: School of General Studies and School of Professional Studies Established
In 1995, the School of General Studies was restructured as a liberal arts college for non-traditional students, fully integrating with Columbia's undergraduate curriculum. The Division of Special Programs (later the School of Continuing Education, now the School of Professional Studies) was also established, offering degree and non-degree programs.
1998: Campus Tree Lighting Ceremony Inaugurated
The Campus Tree Lighting ceremony was inaugurated in 1998. This event celebrates the illumination of trees lining College Walk, marking the beginning of the holiday season and finals week in early December.
1999: Establishment of CORE
In 1999, the Columbia University Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs (CORE) was established with the mission to promote entrepreneurship on campus.
2003: CampusNetwork Launch
Adam Goldberg, a Columbia engineering student, created and popularized CampusNetwork, an on-campus social networking site, in 2003. CampusNetwork predated Facebook.
2003: Establishment of World Leaders Forum
In 2003, university president Lee C. Bollinger inaugurated the World Leaders Forum at Columbia University. The forum provides a unique platform for students and faculty to engage with prominent figures in various fields, including government, religion, industry, finance, and academia.
2005: Columbia Military Society Renamed
In 2005, the Columbia Military Society, a student group for ROTC cadets and Marine officer candidates, was renamed the Hamilton Society. This renaming was meant to honor students who aspire to serve in the military, following in the tradition of Alexander Hamilton.
2006: Establishment of the Office of Environmental Stewardship
In 2006, Columbia University established the Office of Environmental Stewardship to promote sustainability and reduce its environmental footprint.
2006: Alumni National Academy Members Highlighted
As of 2006, Columbia University acknowledged the presence of 101 National Academy members among its alumni.
2006: CORE Awards Over $100,000 in Seed Capital
As of 2006, CORE had awarded over $100,000 in seed capital to undergraduate and graduate students, supporting the growth of entrepreneurial ventures within the Columbia University community.
April 2007: Purchase of Manhattanville Site for New Campus
In April 2007, Columbia University purchased a 17-acre site in Manhattanville for the development of a new campus.
December 2008: Approval of Eminent Domain for Manhattanville Expansion
In December 2008, the State of New York approved the use of eminent domain for Columbia University's Manhattanville expansion plan. This allowed the university to acquire private property for the project, despite community opposition.
May 20, 2009: Approval of Manhattanville Expansion Plan
On May 20, 2009, the New York State Public Authorities Control Board approved Columbia University's expansion plan into Manhattanville.
June 14, 2010: Launch of NYC Media Lab
On June 14, 2010, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg inaugurated the NYC Media Lab to foster innovation within New York's media sector. This collaborative initiative, located at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering, brings together Columbia University, New York University, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation to connect companies with universities for cutting-edge technology research.
2010: School of International and Public Affairs Becomes Independent Faculty
In 2010, the School of International and Public Affairs, previously part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, became an independent faculty at Columbia University.
2011: Alumni Achievements Recognized
As of 2011, Columbia University recognized a vast number of successful alumni, including 125 Pulitzer Prize winners and 39 Oscar winners.
2011: Alumni Success in Film Industry Highlighted
As of 2011, Columbia University recognized the significant contributions of its alumni to the film industry, with 33 alumni and former students winning a combined 43 Academy Awards.
2011: Rating in College Sustainability Report Card
In 2011, Columbia University received a "B+" rating in the College Sustainability Report Card for its environmental initiatives.
January 2013: Opening of Campbell Sports Center
In January 2013, Columbia University unveiled the Campbell Sports Center as part of the Baker Athletics Complex. This state-of-the-art facility provides dedicated spaces for various sports, including baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis, track, and rowing, enhancing the university's athletic infrastructure.
2016: Columbia Ranked Second in Billionaire Alumni
In 2016, a ranking of universities worldwide based on living alumni who are billionaires placed Columbia University second, following Harvard.
2020: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Ranking
In 2020, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University's medical school, was ranked fourth overall and second among university hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
2020: Columbia University Libraries System
As of 2020, Columbia University Libraries System housed over 15 million volumes, making it the eighth largest library system and fifth largest collegiate library system in the United States.
December 2021: Columbia University's Notable Alumni
As of December 2021, Columbia University's alumni, faculty, and staff included numerous influential figures, including seven Founding Fathers of the United States, four U.S. presidents, and distinguished individuals across various fields.
2021: Faculty Accomplishments Highlighted
As of 2021, Columbia University showcased the accomplishments of its 4,381 faculty members, including numerous members of prestigious academies and recipients of awards like the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science.
April 17, 2024: Congressional Inquiry and Renewed Protests
On April 17, 2024, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik was questioned by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about antisemitism on campus. Shafik's comments sparked further protests, escalating tensions related to a pro-Palestinian campus occupation, leading the university to move in-person classes online on April 22.
2030: Joining the 2030 Challenge Partners
Columbia University is one of the 2030 Challenge Partners, a group committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.