Dual Degree Program between Tel Aviv University and Columbia University

On August 25, Columbia University GS proudly welcomed nearly 700 incoming students at Convocation. Acting President Claire Shipman, Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch, and GS leaders celebrated the diverse journeys that led our newest GSers here—and the shared values of Curiosity, Kindness, and Community that will guide them forward.

From military veterans and first-generation students to international scholars and students pursuing second degrees, the Fall 2025 class embodies the resilience, creativity, and determination that make GS unlike any other college in the Ivy League.

Welcome to Columbia, GSers—you are now part of a legacy that redefines what it means to be a student at Columbia. 💙🦉

A Tapestry of Stories: GS Welcomes Its Newest Students at Convocation | School of General Studies School News A Tapestry of Stories: GS Welcomes Its Newest Students at Convocation The newest GSers were encouraged to embrace their nontraditional backgrounds and carry forward GS’s tradition of redefining what it means to be a Columbia student. August 29, 2025 Columbia GS recently welcomed nearly...

🎓 Yesterday we celebrated the incredible achievements of the Columbia University GS Class of 2025! Your resilience, determination, and brilliance have brought you to this moment—and we couldn’t be prouder. Here's to everything you’ve accomplished and all the adventures ahead.

Congratulations, graduates! 🦉💙�

🎓 Meet the Columbia University GS Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian! 🦉

👨‍🎓 Valedictorian: Peter Gorman '25GS
A Dublin Native and Dual BA Program between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University student, Peter studied neuroscience at Columbia and biomedical sciences at Trinity. A Trinity Foundation Scholar, Bancroft Research Scholar, and winner of the Bridges and Sturtevant Prize, Peter graduates summa cm laude and will pursue a DPhil in neuroscience at Oxford University.

👨‍🎓 Salutatorian: Guthrie Amanuel Petteys '25GS
From rural Oregon to the Ivy League, Guthrie’s journey to GS is a powerful testament to resilience. He studied sociology, interned at the Manhattan DA’s Post-Conviction Justice Unit, and graduates summa cm laude. He’s preparing for the LSAT and plans to become a public defender in his hometown.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4dfG06A

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced for GS Class Day | School of General Studies School News Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced for GS Class Day Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Columbia GS Class of 2025, as well as the School’s Baccalaureate speakers. This year’s valedictorian is Peter Gorman. This year’s salutatorian is Gut...

We’re thrilled to announce that acclaimed dancer, scholar, educator, and Artistic Director designate of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alicia Graf Mack ‘03GS, will deliver the keynote address at Columbia University GS Class Day on Monday, May 19!

Alicia, an esteemed member of the GS Board of Visitors, made history as the youngest and first Black Dean and Director of The Juilliard School Dance, a position she has held since 2018.

Acclaimed Dancer and Educator Alicia Graf Mack ’03GS to Deliver Keynote Address at Columbia GS Class Day | School of General Studies School News Acclaimed Dancer and Educator Alicia Graf Mack ’03GS to Deliver Keynote Address at Columbia GS Class Day Acclaimed dancer, scholar, educator, and Artistic Director designate of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Alicia Graf Mack ‘03GS will deliver the keynote address at GS Class Day ...

431 students were inducted into the GS Honor Society in a special ceremony at Low Memorial Library! 🎉

These students, from 43 countries and a wide range of backgrounds, have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement while balancing careers, families, military service, and more.
A special thank you to keynote speaker Christopher Riano ‘07GS, an award-winning author and legal scholar, for inspiring this year’s inductees.

Join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication!
https://bit.ly/43gVh4p

Celebrating Academic Excellence: New Scholars Welcomed into GS Honor Society | School of General Studies School News Celebrating Academic Excellence: New Scholars Welcomed into GS Honor Society The GS Honor Society welcomed its newest inductees at a special ceremony in Low Library. February 25, 2025 On Monday, February 24, the Columbia GS Honor Society welcomed 431 new members in a ceremony held at Low...

📢 Only 4 days left to complete the 2025 GS Student Survey! Your voice matters—help shape the future of GS by sharing your experience. Plus, complete the survey by Feb 28 and receive $25 added to your Flex account! 💸💙

Take the survey now: https://bit.ly/4hvhu2Y

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Meet Judah Wahba ‘24GS, a member of the first full graduating class from the Dual Degree Program and one of our 2024 Great Grads of GS!

“My greatest accomplishment at Columbia is not a tangible award or honor that I received,” said Judah, reflecting on his GS experience. “Rather, it is the way that I was able to grow and maintain my personal values, morals, and faith during my time at Columbia.” Asked to offer advice to future GS students, Judah said, “I would tell a student that is about to start at GS that they should make sure to speak to and learn from as many people as possible. Columbia is filled with many great professors, professionals, and students. Their insights and experiences are invaluable.”

An Education Centering Connections and Conversations | School of General Studies Profile An Education Centering Connections and Conversations 2024 Grad Profile: Judah Wahba ‘24GS, a graduating Dual Degree senior, reflects on the value of co-prioritizing academic success and community building. April 28, 2024 Judah Wahba ‘24GS grew up just a borough away from Columbia, in Bro...

President Minouche Shafik extends a warm welcome to our newest GSers from the School of General Studies International Dual Degree Programs!

“While you’ll be spending the next two years in France, Dublin, or Tel Aviv, please know that you’re already a valued member of the Columbia community.”

Congratulations! We're thrilled to welcome you to the Columbia GS family as you embark on your journeys in the Columbia Dual BA Programs with Sciences Po and Trinity College Dublin, and the Columbia Dual Degree Program with Tel Aviv University! https://bit.ly/3xtYm31

Welcome Message from President Shafik Columbia University's 20th president, Minouche Shafik, welcomes the incoming class of the School of General Studies International Dual Degree Programs.

"Find your community. If you can't then build it.”

Incoming student Issy Lyons ‘27GS has stuck to this simple advice on a global scale, from growing up in Hong Kong, to serving in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), to now embarking on the Dual Degree Program between Tel Aviv University | אוניברסיטת תל-אביב (TAU) and Columbia.

As she put it, “growing up in Hong Kong was so special because of the communities, both Jewish and athletic, that I was surrounded by. It was this understanding of the value of community that helped me succeed throughout my IDF service. I know that ultimately, this value will likewise be a key factor in helping me achieve all that I want to accomplish during my time at TAU and Columbia. At the risk of sounding trite, we are stronger together.”

"Israel and the TAU campus and NYC and the Columbia campus are in many ways two completely different worlds, and with that, come with their own unique opportunities. It’s really such a privilege to get to experience both."

As part of the first cohort of third-year students to arrive at Columbia from Tel Aviv this fall, Daniella Coen ‘24GS and Judah Wahba ‘24GS share their experiences so far, including what drew them to the program, favorite memories from Tel Aviv and New York City, and advice for incoming Dual Degree students.

The Unique Opportunities of an Unconventional Education: Reflections from Third-Year Dual Degree Students | TAU Dual Degree Program School News The Unique Opportunities of an Unconventional Education: Reflections from Third-Year Dual Degree Students As part of the first cohort of third-year students to arrive at Columbia from Tel Aviv this fall, Daniella Coen ‘24GS and Judah Wahba ‘24GS share their Dual Degree experiences so...

to earlier this spring when Tel Aviv University professor and academic advisor Deborah Deitcher came to visit Columbia and met with some TAU Dual Degree students for lunch!