Stars and storms, decoding confidence or cancer, the arts and the art of governing–March will come in like a (Columbia) lion.
February 18
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
University Programs and Events
A Discussion with Claire Shipman and Katty Kay
Journalists Claire Shipman ‘86CC and Katty Kay will discuss their New York Times best-selling book The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know. Moderated by Alondra Nelson, professor of sociology and gender studies and dean for social sciences. Followed by a Q&A session and reception where Shipman and Kay will be on hand to sign copies of their books (which will be available for purchase). RSVP required. Rotunda, Low Memorial Library.
February 19
3:30 p.m.
Columbia University Medical Center
How Cancer Research is Transforming Cancer Control with Harold Varmus, M.D.
Nobelist Varmus, director of the National Cancer Institute, will speak on the frontiers of cancer treatment in the Distinguished Lectures in Precision Medicine series. CUMC Alumni Auditorium, 650 West 168th Street, 1st floor. (Reminder)
February 23
6 p.m.
The Earth Institute | Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory | Executive Vice President for Research
Preparing for Extreme Weather: Global Lessons from Sandy
This World Leaders Forum will launch the new Columbia Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate. With Michael Gerrard, Andrew Sabin Professor of Professional Practice and director, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law; Lisa Goddard, director and senior research scientist at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society and adjunct associate professor of earth and environmental sciences; Cynthia Rosenzweig, co-chair of NYC Panel on Climate Change, head of the Climate Impacts Group, and senior research scientist at the NASA-Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the Earth Institute; and Daniel Zarrilli, director of New York City Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency. RSVP required. Rotunda, Low Memorial Library. (Reminder)
February 25
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Weatherhead East Asia Institute | Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
Birds of Metal in Flight: An Evening of Poetry with 5+5
This event is a goodbye to the much-beloved exhibit, “Phoenix: Xu Bing at the Cathedral” (on view through the end of February). Featuring readings by ten premiere poets: Bei Dao, Ouyang Jianghe, Xi Chuan, Zhai Yongming, Zhou Zan, Charles Bernstein, Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, Pierre Joris, Afaa Weaver, as well as the Cathedral’s poet in residence, Marilyn Nelson. Register here. The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue.
February 27
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Astronomy Department
Neutron Stars
The Stargazing and Lecture Series are public lectures complemented by a Q&A session with real astronomers, 3D Wall, astrophotography slideshows, and an observatory tour followed by guided stargazing with telescopes (weather permitting). Pupin Hall.
March 4
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
School of International and Public Affairs
Global Mayors Forum with Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia
Mayor Michael Nutter will speak about his innovative approaches to school reform and community policing partnerships with vulnerable communities, and his longstanding commitment to making Philadelphia become the greenest city in America through GreenWorks. Register here. International Affairs Building, Room 1501.
March 13 – LOOKING AHEAD…
7:30 p.m.
Heyman Center for the Humanities
Art Spiegelman and Phillip Johnston: Wordless!
Named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Art Spiegelman is a noted historian, Pulitzer prize-winning artist, and theorist of comics who changed the definition of comics forever. Phillip Johnston, the critically acclaimed jazz composer, will be performing live with his sextet in “WORDLESS!” — a program combining slides, talk, film, and musical performance. As Spiegelman explores “the battle between Words and Pictures,” he smashes at the hyphen between High and Low Art in a presentation featuring new work drawn specifically for this project called “Shaping Thought.” Purchase tickets here. Miller Theatre.
Highlighted above are general interest campus or NYC events of possible high interest to alumni, donors, and prospects. This listing is highly selective by design — regrettably, much more is omitted than featured. For RSVP, ticket availability, and other details, follow the links. As always, I appreciate hearing from you about future events!