Cancer breakthroughs on the little screen, climate change and nuclear power on the big, conversations with acclaimed choreographers, the independence of comics, and the responsibilities of capitalism—check all calendars, it’s full-blown spring!
March 30 – 31, April 1
9 – 11 p.m.
TV Broadcast Pick
Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies
Airing tonight – the beginning of a three-part documentary on PBS by executive producer Ken Burns and director Barak Goodman (’86JRN). The series is based on the 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at the Columbia University Medical Center. The series tells the story of cancer knowledge and treatment and the dawn of an era in which cancer may become a chronic or curable illness. (Reminder)
April 7
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Maison Française
Beyond Piketty (and Before the Deluge): Natural Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century is a major contribution to economics, economic history, and our understanding of fundamental social and political issues we face today. A panel including Claude Henry, professor of sustainable development and president of the Scientific Council of IDDRI; Geoffrey Heal, the Donald C. Waite III Professor of Social Enterprise at the Business School; and Peter Kelemen, chair of the department of earth and environmental sciences will discuss natural capital that will shape the future of mankind. Buell Hall, East Gallery.
April 8
7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Columbia Coalition for Sustainable Development | Ferris Reel Film Society
Next Generation Nuclear Power, the Solution to Climate Change?
A screening of the film Pandora’s Promise by academy award nominated director Robert Stone. Followed by a discussion on nuclear energy between Stone; Andy Revkin, New York Times writer; Gernot Wagner, lead senior economist at the Environmental Defense Fund; and a keynote speech by Bill Nye. Purchase tickets here. Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Auditorium.
April 9
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
School of the Arts
Story/Time: Conversation with Bill T. Jones and Carol Becker
Acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and director Bill T. Jones reflects on his art and life as he discusses with Dean Carol Becker the genesis of Story/Time, a recent dance work and now book, inspired by the modernist composer and performer John Cage. Moderated by Rich Blint. RSVP here. International Affairs Building, Altschul Auditorium.
April 13 – The day everything happens…
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Columbia University Medical Center
Transforming the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Illness
As part of the Samuel Rudin Distinguished Visiting Professorship program, Thomas R. Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, will share his knowledge of mental disorders and treatment. Reception to follow. CUMC Alumni Auditorium, 650 West 168th Street, 1st Floor.
6:30 p.m.
Barnard College
Twyla Tharp on Dance
A discussion with Twyla Tharp, artist and Barnard alumna, the Distinguished Guest Artist for 2014-2015 at Barnard College. Tharp has created more than 160 works ranging from concert, television, and Broadway dances to best-selling books. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Tony Award and two Emmy Awards. RSVP here. 305 Barnard Hall.
6 p.m.
Columbia University Libraries
Comics, Underground and Above: The Story of Kitchen Sink Press
A panel discussion with comics scholar Jim Danky, Denis Kitchen, Howard Cruse, Maggie Galvan, and David Hajdu, on the seminal forces in independent comics. In honor of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library’s acquisition of the Kitchen Sink Press archives. Reception to follow. Butler Library, Room 523.
Picks are campus or NYC events of high general interest to alumni, donors, and prospects. By design, regrettably, much more is omitted than featured. For RSVP, ticket availability, and other details, follow the links. I always appreciate hearing from you about future events!