A Celebration of Columbia's 13th Cohort of A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars

On Oct. 28, A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars came together at Faculty House on Columbia University's Morningside campus to welcome the program's 13th cohort of scholars.

Bundles Scholars are members of the Upper Manhattan community who receive a three-year affiliation with Columbia and access to campus resources while they complete work towards a project or skill that relates to or benefits their community. The scholars join an intellectual collective with the other program participants and can connect with the University's various academic and research-based resources.

The evening consisted of mingling between former cohorts and new members as they shared the excitement for their individual projects. This year's cohort includes: Gail Addiss, Miles Edwards, Dan Gluck, Gretchel Hill, Kristina Maria Lopez, and Natasha Sutherland. 

Remarks were given by Virginia Lam Abrams, Senior Vice President of Communications in Columbia's Office of Public Affairs; Deborah Sack, Vice President of Operations in Columbia's Office of Public Affairs; and George Calderaro, Director of Community Relations at Columbia's School of Professional Studies. 

Written remarks from A'Lelia Bundles, Columbia Trustee Emerita and program supporter after whom the program is named, were also shared with those in attendance: 

"When Columbia’s Office of Government and Community Affairs first envisioned the Community Scholars program, there were high hopes that the participants would take advantage of Columbia’s resources in classrooms and libraries as well as with professors and colleagues. But I don’t think anyone could have predicted the pride you have created for Columbia. From my point of view, you have exceeded all expectations with your impact, your sense of purpose, and your creativity."

Calderaro also spoke about the Community Scholars Lecture Series, which will return on Dec. 2 with a discussion featuring program namesake A'Lelia Bundles herself, alongside former Bundles scholar Eric K. Washington, as they discuss her biography, "Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance."

Former scholars as well as Columbia staffers and affiliates of the University also joined in to welcome the new cohort, network, share ideas, and connect.

Here are a few photos from the evening that highlight the excitement around this year's new scholars:

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