Campus & Community

A blue and green graphic with the words "Campus & Community" in its center alongside icons that represent Columbia University and New York City.

This page is dedicated to stories about Columbia's campus and community. From student, staff, and faculty profiles to interesting events happening on campus and in our surrounding neighborhoods, here is where you can find the latest about what's happening on and around Columbia's campuses. 

Story Highlight

Sagitarrius
In Its Third Year, Here Are 5 Pieces in the ‘Harlem Sculpture Gardens’ You Need to See Now

When she was just nine years old, Savona Bailey-McClain went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the first time on a field trip with her elementary school in the Bronx. She vividly remembers her mother tenderly loaning her a scarf and special pin for the trip. When she got there, everything changed: seeing and thinking about art became core to her identity. 

Decades later, as a young woman settled in Harlem and working full-time at a mental health clinic for children, still taking every chance she got to immerse herself in the art world, she noticed something: People she met every day felt shut out by museums and galleries, intimidated before they even reached the front door.

“I never could quite understand why people were so intimidated,” Bailey-McClain told Columbia Neighbors. “It is a very American problem, and I just said, ‘What if I helped to bring art into the open public space where people could see it every day?’”

Photo of the Week

Ice cream social Jennifer Mnookin
Just What the Doctor Ordered: Ice Cream!

Ice cream is always a good idea, especially when we’re celebrating summer and our community! President Jennifer L. Mnookin, Columbia University Irving Medical Center deans and community, as well as our neighbors in Washington Heights gathered for an ice cream social on Haven Plaza.

QUIZ

hydrangeas on morningside
The June 2026 Columbia News Quiz

This June, Columbians won major awards, celebrated Pride Month, and reflected on Upper Manhattan’s role in American history.

COLUMBIA HISTORY

A sculpture on Columbia’s campus
The Hammerman: A Moving Statue

In the northeast corner of campus, Constantin Meunier’s sculpture Le Marteleur greets visitors in front of the home of the engineering school. Le Marteleur or the Hammerman was a gift of the Class of 1889 of the School of Mines (now the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science) installed all the way back in 1914. But did you know that the statue has moved multiple times over the years? And not always easily or willingly.

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Avery Hall blobs.

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Out and About

More Stories

On June 21, Columbia University Libraries hosted a ribbon-cutting to symbolize the full reopening of library spaces. Here's what you can expect this fall. 

Celebrate LGBTQ+ history at Columbia and the people who made that history with a little trivia.

Looking back at the contributions of LGBTQ+ Columbians, offering resources, and sharing the events you can participate in this Pride Month.

From the first volume of Barack Obama's presidential memoir to a collection of classic recipes by Jacques Pépin, these books by Columbia alumni are all terrific gift ideas during graduation season.

From chefs to presidents, listen to the wisdom of some of Columbia's greatest graduation speeches. 

Topics & Resources

A view of Alma Mater from behind, looking at Butler Library.
Awards & Milestones

Columbia faculty, students, and staff are on the cutting edge of advancements in all fields. Here, you can find recent accomplishments and milestones.

Rocking the Glass House event at Lerner
Columbia Events

Explore a wide range of academic, cultural, and athletic events happening every day at Columbia. Nearly all events are open to the public, except as noted, and most are free.

A man with a box of recycling
Columbia Dining, Facilities, and Operations News

Whether you need a carpenter, an electrician, a locksmith, housing, lighting, painting, parking, plumbing, recycling, more space, or public safety services, or if you need to eat, plan an event, travel around campus, or mail and printing services—Columbia Facilities and Operations has you covered. 

A group of kids and adults plays corn hole on the Manhattanville campus.
Columbia Neighbors

Columbia Neighbors is where the university connects with its local community, its new friends and neighbors, anyone who looks to the diversity of ideas and experiences in our community and sees the possibility for shared growth, being of service, and connection. 

The Columbia Womens Basketball team holds a trophy
Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week captures moments from around the University and New York City. The series is curated by University Photographer Eileen Barroso and Jennifer Pellerito.

All Students with cutouts of students
University Life

University Life is focused on enhancing the student experience across Columbia’s 17 schools and colleges. It serves as a student life hub for the University and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus culture where students can thrive in all dimensions of their lives.