Dear Members of the Barnard Community,
One thing has been abundantly clear to me since my first day on campus: In our biggest moments — no matter our diverse backgrounds or different perspectives — Barnard has an incredible way of uniting as one community. Next Wednesday, October 4, we will unite once again as our broader Columbia family makes history.
Columbia will celebrate the inauguration of its 20th president, Minouche Shafik, the first woman to serve as president in the university’s nearly 270-year history. I’ve had the great privilege of getting to know President Shafik over the past few months. She is a remarkable, collaborative leader who will take the university to new heights.
I encourage all Barnard students, faculty, staff, and alumnae to celebrate this momentous occasion for President Shafik and for all of us.
Here are a few of the ways you can do so:
- Attend an on-campus watch party on Wednesday in the James Room on the 4th floor of Barnard Hall between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (doors will open at 10:30 a.m.). RSVP to attend by clicking here.
- Participate in Columbia’s inauguration events.
- Share a video talking about what President Shafik’s history-making moment means to you. Stop by to record your message in the Admissions Visitor Center anytime on Monday, October 1 or at the celebration table in the Diana Center- these will be shared by Barnard social media. You can also tag @barnardcollege in photos and videos on inauguration day - make sure to use the hashtag #BreakingBarriers.
In light of this historic celebration, please also save the date for March 5, 2024, when the Athena Center for Leadership will host a panel conversation with President Shafik and other groundbreaking women presidents in higher education. I cannot wait to sit among what will be an extraordinary and inspiring group of women — leaders who not only break barriers but also drive global conversations on gender equity, reproductive justice, economic opportunity for women, and many more pivotal issues.
Barnard’s and Columbia’s partnership is unique in American higher education. When one of our institutions succeeds, we all succeed. When one of us makes history, we all make history.
Next Wednesday, when Columbia inaugurates President Shafik, we will all be part of this extraordinary moment. Let’s celebrate together and continue this incredible start to the new academic year.
Go Brave. Go Bold. Go Barnard.
President Laura Rosenbury