Famous Alumni of Columbia University: A Legacy of Leaders and Innovators
Columbia University, an esteemed Ivy League institution situated in the heart of New York City, boasts a rich history of academic excellence and a legacy of producing influential alumni across diverse fields. From groundbreaking scientists and visionary artists to transformative political figures and innovative business leaders, Columbia's graduates have consistently shaped the world.
Political and World Leaders
Columbia University has been a breeding ground for political leaders who have left an indelible mark on history.
Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, attended King's College (now Columbia University) in 1773-1774. Although he did not graduate due to the Revolutionary War, his time at the institution shaped his intellectual foundation.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), the 32nd President of the United States, attended Columbia Law School from 1904 to 1907. While he dropped out before graduating, his time at Columbia undoubtedly influenced his understanding of law and governance. Roosevelt's presidency was marked by his response to the Great Depression through the New Deal initiatives and his leadership during World War II.
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, stands as another prominent figure.
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Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, graduated from Columbia University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and English literature. His time at Columbia played a crucial role in shaping his worldview and commitment to public service.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and a renowned military officer, served as President of Columbia University from 1948 to 1953. Although his tenure was brief, it underscores Columbia's role in shaping leaders in various sectors.
Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, is an alumnus of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. His tenure at the UN was marked by efforts to combat climate change, advocate for sustainable development, and promote peace and security.
Juan Manuel Santos, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Colombia, is also a graduate of Columbia University. His presidency was largely focused on ending the long-standing conflict with the FARC guerrillas.
Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary leader and founding father of the Republic of China, studied at Columbia University. His exposure to Western political thought during his time at Columbia significantly influenced his revolutionary ideas and efforts to modernize China.
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Madeleine Albright, the first female Secretary of State of the United States, earned her Master's and Ph.D. in Public Law and Government from Columbia University. Her tenure as Secretary of State was marked by her efforts to expand NATO and her advocacy for human rights and democracy globally.
Caroline Kennedy graduated with Juris Doctor in 1988. Kennedy previously served in the Obama administration as the United States ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017, and as the United States ambassador to Australia from 2022 to 2024.
Eric Holder, the 82nd Attorney General of the United States, earned his Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School. During his time as Attorney General, Holder concentrated on reforming criminal justice and addressing civil rights matters.
Pioneers in Science and Technology
Columbia University has also fostered brilliant minds that have revolutionized science and technology.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, a prominent American astrophysicist, science communicator, and author, obtained his Master's degree in 1989 and his Ph.D. in 1991 from Columbia University.
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Baruj Benacerraf, an American immunologist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his role in the discovery of the major histocompatibility complex. Benacerraf began his academic career at Columbia University, earning his Bachelor's degree in 1942.
Isaac Asimov, a prolific American writer and professor of biochemistry, earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from Columbia University between 1936 and 1948. Asimov was known for his science fiction, mysteries, and popular science books.
Herman Hollerith graduated as Engineer of Mines in 1879 and Ph.D..
Edwin Howard Armstrong graduated with B.S..
Lotfi A. Zadeh graduated with Ph.D.
Robert Ledley graduated with B.S., M.S..
Marie Maynard Daly graduated with Ph.D..
Shu Chien graduated with Ph.D..
Wallace Smith Broecker graduated with B.S. 1953, Ph.D..
Literary and Artistic Luminaries
Columbia University's influence extends to the realm of arts and literature, nurturing talents that have shaped cultural landscapes.
Ira Gershwin, a Columbia University graduate, left an indelible mark on the world of music and Broadway. His exceptional talent for lyrics, in harmony with the musical compositions of his brother George Gershwin, resulted in the creation of some of the most unforgettable songs of the 20th century.
Art Garfunkel, one half of the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, earned his Master's in Mathematics from Columbia University.
Hunter S. Thompson, a renowned American journalist and author recognized for establishing the gonzo journalism movement, pursued his studies at the School of General Studies at Columbia University. Thompson's most famous novel published in 1972 was ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’.
Alicia Keys, an accomplished singer-songwriter, was accepted into Columbia University at age 16 but left after a month to pursue music further. Alicia Key’s first album ‘Songs to A Minor’ was met with critical acclaim and went on to win five Grammy Awards. Since then, Keys has released eight more albums and has a total 16 Grammy awards and nine Billboard Music awards.
Julia Stiles, an actress known for her work in both film and theater, graduated with a degree in English from Columbia University. Stiles has successfully transitioned from teen roles to more complex characters, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.
James Franco graduated Columbia University School of the Arts with a Masters in writing in 2010. Franco subsequently starred in many successful films including ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’, ‘Pineapple Express’ and ‘This is the End’. He has also written and directed many other productions.
Jake Gyllenhaal studied Eastern religions and philosophy at Columbia University but dropped out after two years to focus on his acting career in 1999. Gyllenhaal’s career began to bloom after this and now he is known for roles such as ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Nightcrawler’ and ‘Nocturnal Animals’.
Timothee Chalamet attended Columbia University at age 17 for one year, studying cultural anthropology before transferring to New York University to pursue acting further. Chalamet had his first highly successful role as a lead character in ‘Call Me By Your Name’ in 2017 and later featured in films such as ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women’.
Maggie Gyllenhaal graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Eastern religions.
Casey Affleck is an American actor.
Leonard Cohen was a Canadian songwriter, singer, poet, and novelist.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an American actor.
Kate McKinnon is an American actress and comedian.
Lauren Graham is an American actress and author.
Famke Janssen is a Dutch actress and former model.
Ed Harris is an American actor and filmmaker.
E.L. Doctorow## Allen Ginsberg## Oscar Hammerstein II## Zora Neale Hurston## Tony Kushner## Ursula K. Le Guin## Terrence McNally## Paul Robeson## Herman Wouk
Business and Finance Titans
Columbia University's impact on the business world is undeniable, with numerous alumni rising to prominence in finance and entrepreneurship.
Warren Buffett, the "Oracle of Omaha," received his Master of Science in Economics from Columbia Business School in 1951. Buffett credits his success to the teachings of Benjamin Graham and David Dodd, both Columbia professors. Graham’s principles of value investing, which Buffett learned at Columbia, became the cornerstone of his investment philosophy.
Ursula Burns, a 1981 graduate of Columbia University with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, is celebrated for her groundbreaking achievement as the first African-American woman to helm a Fortune 500 company. During her tenure as CEO of Xerox, she revolutionized the company’s business strategy and paved the way for greater diversity and representation of women and minorities in the corporate sector.
Vikram Pandit, the former CEO of Citigroup, received his Ph.D. in Finance from Columbia University. His leadership at Citigroup during the global financial crisis was crucial in navigating the company through turbulent times.
Frank Lusk Babbott obtained LL.B..
Bennett Cerf obtained B.A. 1919, Litt.B..
Leon G. Cooperman obtained M.B.A..
Azita Raji obtained M.B.A..
Akio Shigemitsu (Shin Dong-Bin) obtained M.B.A..
Lynn Forester de Rothschild obtained J.D..
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