Jerry’s Picks 15.6

A couple of late-breaking picks (including one with Judith Rodin) from SIPA, plus an artist exploring the South, Jeffrey Sachs’s latest on sustainability, the improvisations of scientists, and the future of cybersecurity. What in the world is going on at Columbia? Just about everything! 

February 25
6 – 7 p.m.
School of International and Public Affairs
The Resilience Dividend: Being Strong in a World Where Things Go Wrong
A conversation with Judith Rodin, president of The Rockefeller Foundation, about her new book on the importance of resilient planning—among cities and organizations—in handling current and future threats and challenges. Moderated by Dean Merit E. Janow (SIPA). International Affairs Building, Room 1501

February 26
6 – 8 p.m.
School of International and Public Affairs
The UN at 70: Past Experiences and Future Opportunities
A discussion on the United Nations 70th anniversary. UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson will reflect on the UN’s progress since its founding and discuss the road ahead in light of new challenges. There will be Q&A session followed by a reception. CUID and registration required. International Affairs Building, Room 1501.

February 27
6:30 p.m.
School of the Arts
Ralph Lemon Ceremonies Out of the Air
Lemon’s exploration of the American South in his interviews, publications, performances and exhibitions uncovers the complexity of geography, history, memory and the body. A Mellon Visiting Artist, Lemon will present new and old work about the South followed by a discussion with English and Comparative Literature Professor Saidiya Hartman. RSVP here. Schermerhorn Hall, Room 501.

March 2
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Earth Institute
Book launch: The Age of Sustainable Development with Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Earth Institute. His latest publication is based on his twelve years as the director of the Earth Institute, his thirteen years advising the United Nations secretary-general on the Millennium Development Goals, and his recent presentation of these ideas in a popular online course. Lecture followed by a reception. Morningside Campus, Casa Italiana.

March 10
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wallach Art Gallery
Improvisation in the Sciences
A discussion with Martin Chalfie (biological sciences), George Lewis (music), and Michael Shadlen (neuroscience) about the universality of the two themes of Romare Bearden’s Black Odyssey – art and life as improvisation, and the urge, need, and desire to return home. The event will explore how these creative concepts apply to scientific research. Register here. Earl Hall.

March 12
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Engineering | Columbia Alumni Association
NYC Entrepreneurship Night: Cybersecurity
A discussion on next generation security protocols and technologies. Moderated by Dean Mary C. Boyce (engineering) with Benjamin Fried, chief information officer at Google, Salvatore Stolfo, professor of computer science, and David Aronoff, general partner at Flybridge Capital Partners. Followed by a reception with drinks and snacks and featuring new ventures by students, alumni, and faculty. Purchase tickets here. AXA Event & Production Center, 787 Seventh Ave.

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!

Leave a Reply