Congratulations to the 2023 Graduates of the Columbia Local weather Faculty
Columbia Local weather Faculty Class of 2023
In blue caps and robes, the Columbia Local weather Faculty’s second class of graduating college students marched throughout the stage at in the present day’s school-wide Class Day ceremony. The Class of 2023 consists of 79 college students graduating from the MA in Local weather and Society program. They arrive from all kinds of backgrounds and specialities — together with artwork, coverage, psychological well being, know-how — however share the identical aim of advancing local weather change options.
“The local weather disaster and the world wants new leaders, and you might be these new leaders,” Local weather Faculty Founding Dean Alex Halliday advised the graduating college students through the ceremony. “I problem you to make use of your data and expertise to create change in no matter methods you possibly can, whether or not you’re employed in coverage, analysis, progressive startups, advocacy or main companies. In any area, you’ve got the facility to make a distinction.”
Though many of the college students gained’t formally graduate till they full their summer time internships in August, Could marks the top of their lessons, and an opportunity to have a good time within the school-wide and university-wide commencement ceremonies. Whereas in the present day’s celebration was particular to the Columbia Local weather Faculty, many college students will even take part in Graduation on Could 17, which honors graduates throughout all of Columbia College.
The Class Day keynote deal with was given by Jamaal Bowman, Consultant for New York’s sixteenth Congressional District, which covers the north Bronx and the southern a part of Westchester County. Congressman Bowman underlined the truth that local weather change disproportionately impacts poor, Black, and brown individuals. He known as on the graduates to advocate for change and maintain their leaders accountable.
“We’d like sensible minds and ethical hearts, however we’d like revolutionary activism in your day-to-day lives,” stated Bowman.
Local weather Faculty co-founding dean Maureen Raymo and founding dean Alex Halliday with Consultant Jamaal Bowman (middle), the Class Day keynote speaker.
Whereas Class Day celebrates every scholar’s particular person accomplishments, it additionally acknowledges all that they’ve achieved collectively — and can proceed engaged on collectively sooner or later. Group and collaboration have been sturdy themes all through the ceremony.
Fixing local weather change “is figure we are able to solely do if we do it collectively,” stated Ben Orlove, co-director of the MA in Local weather and Society program.
“You’ve realized the significance of working collectively, supporting each other, and being part of one thing larger than yourselves,” stated Mingfang Ting, co-director of the Local weather and Society program. “These will serve you effectively as you proceed your journey into the longer term. As everyone knows, the issue of local weather change is simply so large, and it actually takes the whole world to work collectively…. Allow us to all work collectively to construct a world that’s not solely livable however equitable and only for all.”
