There are many reasons people choose to apply and come to SIPA — one of the main reasons is the people who make up the SIPA community.  Students come here with a set of experiences and they leave here with another set of experiences; coupled with experiences they gain once they leave… Stir in some solid academics, resources and networks and you have the making of an influential global leader.

But it all starts with a visit to the Columbia campus in New York — throughout the year prospects meet with current SIPA students, speak with faculty and discuss opportunities with administrators.  Then they leave and find themselves crossing paths with alumni… in Paris, Jakarta, Oklahoma City, Seattle, Perth, and Nairobi.  And before you know it, you want to be a part of the family.  However, if you want to go stealth, it’s best not to mention SIPA (and definitely do not carry a SIPA bag) because you will find yourself in conversation with another fellow seeple, where ever you are in the world.

Admission decisions have gone out to many and the connections being made are in full bloom.  We have connected hundreds of newly admitted students with alumni around the world and soon they will be getting together in person to have a drink or a meal.  Just last week, we had the opportunity to meet some of our newly admitted students in San Francisco.  They attended a lecture on “Corruption in Latin America” presented by one of SIPA’s newest faculty, Professor Paul Lagunes  — alumni and staff were also in attendance — bringing the community together on the west coast.

We’re looking forward to meeting our newest students in New York next week at Admitted Students’ Day — many flying in from other continents.  The ‘meet and greets’ continue with other social and academic driven events around the world in the next few months until the students arrive to start their adventure at SIPA in August.

SIPA provides committed students with the necessary skills and perspectives to become responsible leaders. In 1954, students hailed from six countries outside the United States and graduates worked in 17 different nations. Today, nearly half of SIPA’s 1,200 students are from outside the United States and the School’s 18,000 alumni work in more than 155 nations around the globe.

The connections at SIPA are strong and expanding.