Black Alumni Honored at Commencement 2017

Sheena Wright ‘90CC ‘94Law, Columbia College Class Day Speaker. Sheena is the first president and CEO of United Way New York City and former president and CEO of Abyssinian Development Corporation.

Frances L. Sadler ‘72BC ‘79TC, CAA Alumni Medalist. Frances is a Barnard College Trustee, former president of the Barnard College Alumnae Association, executive with the 1199 Home Care Industry Education Fund, and one of the founders of BOSS (Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters). 

Eric Holder ‘73CC ‘76Law Honorary Degree Recipient. Eric is the first African American to hold the office of U.S. Attorney General, former Superior Court Judge, recipient of Columbia's Alexander Hamilton Medal, and founder of the tentatively named Eric H. Holder Institute for Civil and Political Rights at Columbia University. 

Additionally, a number of alumni participated in Columbia College's Alumni Parade of Classes and Black Graduation. Thank you so much for joining in these very important annual traditions. The recognizable presence of black alumni and Columbia College women are key indicators of institutional change at Columbia University for which we can all feel proud.