2015 GS Class Day Slideshow

School of General StudiesColumbia University in the City of New YorkClass Day May 18, 2015

Welcome, friends and family! Thank you for joining us to celebrate our talented, accomplished, and distinguished graduates!

The guest seating area will be closed during the student processional.

Please be courteous when taking pictures of your graduate.

Take a quick picture and return to your seat.

A recording of the Class Day ceremony will be posted at gs.columbia.edu/graduation in the following weeks.

The Class Day ceremony is also live streamed at: http://www.columbia.edu/content/2015.html

A professional photographer will be taking pictures during the Class Day ceremony. To view these photos, please visit: gradimages.com

Graduates will be announced in approximate alphabetical order from A to Z.

Zhibek Issakyzy

To my amazing friends, Rose Ramirez, Anna McDonald, Daniel Nothaft, Grigoriy Yapparov and Aliaksandr Tur. I am happy that I met you here! Thanks for your help and support! I love you! -Zhibek Issakyzy

Today will be the first of many proud, successful moments in my life. I cant wait to see where life will take me next! Thanks to my family and all my friends. Your love, your support, and your faith have made me a better, stronger, and happier person. -Xiao Zhang

I dedicate this to my Mom and brothers Farid and Zeidan. I remember with enduring clarity how my mom, the GS administrative staff, and the Columbia faculty helped make this day possible. I say thank you for what you have done! Dad Im sorry you couldnt make it to this day. We shall meet again and rejoice over this and many more good things to come in my life, the Almightys grace! -Umar Mohammed

Thanks to all those who helped to make this day possible. This is a single step in the right direction. Stay tuned for many more magnificent steps to follow by gods grace! We achieved this together, so we must celebrate together. Without the help I have received from more people than I can ever mention here or pay back, I couldnt have made it this far. To you all, I say, thank you! I am grateful! Npuhya!

-Umar Mohammed

To my familyTo AliceTo my friendsHere, in France, and in LebanonFor your love and support: thank you so much!Merci davoir t l pour moi!

-Georges Dib

To my mom, dad and brother: , e : ! a a !

To my American family: Dear Allen, Phyllis, Daniel, Erica, Aidan, Lauren and Ethan: Thank you very much for your support in my studies! It means so much to me! I love you all!

-Tetyana

To my loving husband David: Thank you so much for your encouragement, support and for putting up with my long hours of studies on some holidays and weekends! It has been an incredible journey and you were always by my side. I love you very much!

-Tetyana

Thank you to all of my family and friends sharing in this special occasion. A special thanks to my school mate, best friend, and husband Anthony Langhorne. -Shaneka Langhorne

My success is by Allah The Holy Quran -Sarah Ahmad

Mama & Daddy, thank you for being my superheroes. I would have never been able to do this without your unconditional love, support, and encouragement. I always felt your support even though you were many, many miles away. Haroon, thank you for being there for me through this exciting yet challenging journey and keeping up with my emotional meltdowns. Taseer, Misha, Anne, Hinna, and Warda, thank you for the words of encouragement when I needed them the most and for being with me in spirit throughout. Love,Sarah Ahmad

Welcome alumni from the 1950s

Congratulations to all my graduating advisees! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you.

Stay in touch! -Dean Rojas

Rose Ramirez

Dear Family, Friends, and Colleagues:Today I am where I am because of YOU! I would never achieve this without your constant support and prayers. Know that it is you who helped make my Columbia dream a reality! I am forever indebted to you! - , , , ! , ! , . . ! [ ] -Ramazan Dossov

Ramazan Dossov

Dad, Mom, Nana, Poppops, Grammy, Poppy, Alec, & Jackie, I could not have made it here without your endless support throughout not only my time at Columbia & JTS, but my entire life! Love you all so much and am so fortunate to have such a loving family. Xo, Nat

Mike Gravagno

You! Thanks for being here, and thanks for helping me through my time at Columbia. It means a lot that YOU SPECIFICALLY are here for one final hurrah of support. I really couldnt have done it with you. Youre very special to me, and remember that time we did that thing?! Oh the laughs we had, to be cherished always. Thank you for everything. All my love,Mike

To my family and my beautiful wife Elaine, you are my world. Thanks you for all your love and support! -John Schiffer

Jen, Mom, and Dad,

When we rise, we rise together. Id be nothing without all your guidance.-Gilbert Cruz Garbiso, Jr.

Cynthia,

From the month we moved to NYC, youve been everything Ive needed to become the best me. I love you!

-Gilbert

Sara,Thank you for all youve done over the past 3+ years. I would never be here without your continuous love and support! I love you!

-Evan

My Dearest Avital, From my first day of school until my last, you were my shining star and inspiration. Now lets celebrate! I love you, Mommy

Diana Mon

To my family and friends: Thank you for understanding me in my quietness and craziness. For helping me with my journey, supporting me, and always being there for me for me. To my classmates and fellow GSers who have inspired me along the way. Thank you!

A mi abuela Luz Marina, porque has sido y seras siempre un ejemplo incuestionable de fortaleza, integridad, sabiduria, amor y responsabilidad...por apoyarme incondicionalmente en todo momento, no tengo palabras para agradecerte!

-Diana Mon

Mom, words cannot express how I feel right now. I just want to thank you for all you have done for me. Thank you for encouraging me to go after my goals and make my dreams come true. Your support has allowed me to get to where I am today and I am eternally grateful for your unconditional love, support, and prayers. I love you Mom.

A mi madre, por el gran amor y la devocion que me tienes, por el apoyo ilimitado e incondicional que siempre me has dado, por tener la fortaleza de salir adelante sin importar los obstaculos, por haberme formado como una mujer marivillosa, y por ser la mujer que me dio la vida y me enseno a vivirla. Mami, no hay palabras en este mundo para agradecerte...no lo hubiera logrado sin ti. Te amo!

-Diana Mon

To my Mother and Kay: Im so happy to have the both of you here to see me graduate. From my time in Austin to my journey through the Army, I never imagined that the road would lead here. Im incredibly grateful for your support and am proud that you can join me today! I love you!

Daniel Slaughter

To Hannah: I truly could not have accomplished everything I have without you next to me. Words cannot express what an important figure you are in my life. I cant wait to take the next step in our lives together and am excited for what the future holds for us. I love you forever! -Daniel Slaughter

Mom and Dad,Thank you for your unwavering support, and for never giving up on me, even when I decided to take the path less traveled.Love,Christina

To the first two friends I made at Columbia, Eric and Blake, thank you for making me feel like I belonged here when everything was still so new!

-Christina

Marian, Your kindness in putting up with my other woman, Alma Mater, these four years has been incredible. Without your support and love I wouldn't be here in one piece today. All my love,Chris

Thanks to my professors for teaching and fostering my interest in the materials. Especially to Jae, for giving me the opportunity to experience the other side of the classroom.Thanks to the wonderful GS staff, for investing so much in my success. Particularly to Dean Awn for Lit Hum, and Lit Hum office hours. And to Dean Ulloa for giving me both encouragement and much needed reality checks.

Thanks to my family for being supportive and encouraging as I became consumed by Columbia. Im almost free!

-Chris Mulligan

WE DID IT!

-Anna McDonald

Alyssa Collins

Dear Mom & Dad, Theres no way I can concisely articulate what I want to say. I love you both more than anything, and its because I know how much youve sacrificed to help me. I will continue to strive to push our name to new heights, and make the sacrifices necessary to make the future brighter for our family.

Your son, Abed

You guys were rightthere was something better for me after baseball. I wouldnt have done it without you guys. Gracias!This one is for you: Agustin, Cristina, Pablo! I love you guys! -Jose Agustin Rivero Ortiz

My amazing husband, Amar, for lifting me upliterally, during our performances with CBC and in spirit everyday. You are my rock and the love of my life!

Mom and Dad, for believing in me. Your support has allowed me to dream big and follow those dreams. Your patience, sage wisdom, and endless love are a continual inspiration.

My big brother, Dustin, for helping me immensely with your professorial skills (even at the 11th hour!), making me laugh during moments of perceived academic crisis, and guiding me to realize Im capable of more than I know.

My extraordinary family for believing in me and cheering me on every step of the way.My wonderful friends for being there for me in ways that no one else ever could.

I love you all so much and thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart!

-Elysia Fridkin

Elysia Fridkin

Thank you guys for helping me make all of this possible. I love you bunches!

-Rinna Duarte

Rinna Duarte

Mikhael Cohen

Garcia Family (Mom, Dad, Aj, Fabi, Noble, Quinlan, Essyx, and Ashley),

Though no amount of thank yous will sufficethank you all for your unwavering support, love, and encouragement.

Love, Maria

Jerold Lundgren, Jr. and Katherine PattersonSoren Lundgren Born October 17, 2014

Please be courteous when taking pictures of your graduate.

Take a quick picture and return to your seat.

Dear Mutti, Vati, Mary, and Greg: This celebration today is as much yours as it is mine. Without your endearing and enduring support, this would not have been possible. Thank you so much for everything. Love,Kate

Dean Harford! Thank you so much! Youre the greatest advisor and the person Im most grateful to at Columbia. (Another person Im equally grateful to is Professor Peter Connor at Barnard). You genuinely care about the students and have an amazing vision and insight. Youve brought about so many changes to GS and its lucky to have you! All the best!

-Junjie Jiang

It's been an incredible journey and Im especially thankful for all my friends, family, fellow vets, and GSers, as well as faculty and administrators who have pushed, pulled, encouraged, and supported me along the way. The journey continues....-David R. AndersonUSMCColumbia GS 2015Georgetown MSFS 2017

Thank you to all my family and friends that supported me during my studies at the Columbia University! It has been an exciting, yet challenging journey! Special thanks to my dad, my husband, and my beautiful kids for always being there for me and for believing in me!Thank you GS for giving me this amazing opportunity of being a part of Columbia University! Thank you to all my amazing professors for sharing their knowledge and for being great mentors and role models!

Rusudan Goletiani

Rusudan Goletani

To my wonderful friends and loving family, Thank you! I could not have done this without you.

-Lily Rogers

My internship at CNN was my most memorable experience at GS. I feel very grateful for my time here.

-Min Gao

We did it, DAD! Thanks for being my partner through this rewarding and enriching endeavor. I could never have done it without you.

Love,Jana

Mom,

To you I owe my love of reading, history, and learning for which I am eternally grateful. Thank you for your never-ending love, understanding, and friendship.

Love,Jana

James, I consider this success to be yours as well. You have supported me, encouraged me, and forced me to push myself in ways I thought were impossible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unconditional and unfailing love.

Love,Jana

Thank you Columbia University for an amazing experience. , , , , . !

-Dana Elbaz Sapir

Thank you to my entire family for the love and support! Im so happy to celebrate this special day with you today. And thanks to all my friends for being there for me and making my past years so much fun!

-Natascha Bhuiyan

Thank you my wonderful family. I love you!

-Lindsay

Thank you for supporting me and always making me laugh. Youre the best Jacques. I LOVEbeets!

-Lindsay

Two Haikus for the GS Lounge:

All-nighters and friends,Open twenty-four seven;Its no library. Paintings of white guys.Lounge lizards gather. Some print,Hope the staplers work.

-Harris Mercer

Mark Tantingco

To my mom and dad: Thank you both so much for being the best parents ever. You have continually had my back and supported all of my career aspirations, from ballet to the Foreign Service. I have the coolest parents. I love you both. To Jon: Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, and understanding. Im a lucky gal to have you in my life.

-Jennifer Ham

Jennifer Ham

Aunt Vic & Aunt Tam,

Thank you for always being there for me, since the day I was born. You never gave up on me, even when I started to go down the wrong path. If it werent for you, I wouldnt have become the person I am today. You both are like mothers to me, and I'm so happy you are here to share my proudest day with me.

Love yas,Jessi (Bird)

Mike,

Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. If it wasn't for you, I wouldnt be walking across this stage today. Thank you for always believing in me more than I believed in myself.

Love,Jessi

Joanna Hou

Dear mom and dad, thank you for supporting and loving me all the way! I am coming home to see you soon! Aunt, thank you for your wisdom and help in the past five years. Ido, you are the best thing has happened to me at Columbia, and I look forward to a dreamy future with you!

I am graduating!

-Joanna Hou

Thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout this amazing journey! All of you are here to celebrate with me in some capacity today as family, friends, advisors, peers, and colleagues. I could not have done it without such a great team!

Kirsty JardinePeer Advisor Senior Class Vice President | GSSC2015 Deans Citation Recipient

To my family: sister Ayesha, niece Samantha, mother Andrea, aunt Gwen, father Granville, sister Renee, and Liz, Thank you for joining me in celebrating this important day in my life. Graduation is a time of many feelings: pride, happiness, accomplishment and appreciation. The memory of these happy days youve shared with me will linger on throughout the years and stay with me always.

Dean Harford, Thank you for your unrelenting support and for being my advocate.

-LaShanette Shapiro

Andre, Malaika, Maya, Naima,I couldnt have done this without you. You all have supported me throughout each one of my farfetched endeavors, and I thank you for that. Each and every accomplishment was built on top of your encouragement and love. I owe you all the credit!

To My Friends,Thank you for listening to my musings, rants, opinions, confessions, jokes, hopes, fears, and every other crazy thing that came out of my mouth. And thank you for debating, and pushing back when I was just plain wrong.

Heres to family, friends, food, and wine,Jason Pettigrew Senior Class President | GSSC

First I would like to thank God because with him everything is possible. Thanks for choosing me Columbia. Thank you Deans for dealing with me each time I pressured you at the last minute to move mountains so I could study abroad. Thank you to my family for coming to watch me finish the job that I started! Thank you beautiful and fly mama for your encouraging words. Thanks to my classy aunties for your advice. Siblings! Who needs friends, when I have all of you guys. I love you so much. You guys are so supportive. Just playing, thank you to all of my friends too. To my grandma, uncles, and remaining family, I appreciate you and cherish our closeness. To my cat Roz that cant read this (Yeah I said my cat. Dont judge me!) thanks for being my fur pillow when Im stressed out. Lastly, thank you G. You are truly a blessing.

-Nadia Simpson

This Wednesday The Empire State Building will be illuminated in Columbia blue and white in honor of University Commencement.

Congratulations, Graduates!

*Need Replacement Slide Here! ***Vincent Nguyen***Erin OBrien******Benjamin Feibleman**

2015 GS Class Day Slideshow

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Transcript of 2015 GS Class Day Slideshow