College Spotlight: Columbia University

Officially titled "Columbia University in the City of New York", and also referred to as just plain Columbia, the more commonly known Columbia University is a research university of private, Ivy League status. Now located in Columbia's Manhattan, it was established on the grounds of Trinity Church in 1754. Of all New York's higher education institutions, it is the oldest. In all the world, this university is ranked in the top 10. Renamed in 1784, it was originally called King's College, being established by Royal charter of Great Britain's George II.

A Top-Of-The-Line University with Elite Alumni

Including numerous graduate schools and undergraduate schools, Columbia University is organized into 20 schools. The renaming (to Columbia University) took place during its campus move to Morningside Heights, in 1896. Though many organizations and associations have benefited from graduates of this university, any number of scientific breakthroughs are credited to Columbia scholars and scientists. Some of these include the following:

• During World War II, much of the initial planning and research for the Manhattan Project.
• The first evidence of continental drift and plate tectonics.
• In the Americas, the first nuclear fission reaction.
• Nuclear magnetic resonance.
• The maser and laser.
• Brain-computer interface.
• … and more.

Columbia is one of the most selective colleges in the United States with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 6.1%

University of Columbia Athletics

A member institution of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), and a member of the Ivy League, there are 29 varsity sports teams. Home games are played by the Lions football team at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium’s Robert K. Craft Field, which seats 17,000. Facilities included in the Baker Athletics Complex (and new Campbell Sports Center) consist of rowing, track, tennis, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and baseball. On the main campus, based at Dodge Physical Fitness Center, are programs such as wrestling, volleyball, diving and swimming, fencing, and basketball.

Famous Columbia University Alumni

Numerous former Columbia alumni have made their mark in the world of sports including the following:

• Karen Marshall – World Champion weightlifter
• Marsalis Wiley and Sid Luckman – Football Hall of Fame
• Eddie Collins and Lou Gehrig's – Baseball Hall of Fame

Athletics History

History making seems to be a regular occurrence with this university. The following have been notable athletic events that have cemented the University's place in sports history:

• At 400m with a time of 47.8 seconds, the first world record (officially) was set by Columbia College student and Olympian Maxie Long.
• Defeated the English rowing crew for the first time ever to win the famed Henley Royal Regatta.
• Second game ever in the history of college football (against Rutgers University).
• First regular athletic event to be televised.

Not for a sporting event but cementing his place in history, nonetheless, was Howard Koch, Hollywood screenwriter. In 1923 he received a law degree from Columbia University. For his script, Casablanca, he won not only an Academy award but coined, "Here's looking at you kid." – now one of the most iconic lines in film history.

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