A Welcome Message from Laila Maher
Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs
Now more than ever it is crucial for artists to be supported as they pursue their craft. The life of an artist as well as that of a student involves much more than the classroom and the work itself, and this is where the Office of Student Affairs comes in. In addition to guiding new students through the process of transitioning to the School of the Arts, we plan the School-wide orientation, School of the Arts Convocation, and support student groups, events, and activities.
We also play a critical role in connecting School of the Arts students to the larger university and necessary services, and help students navigate many of the central offices including Health Services (which houses the Office of Disability Services, Insurance, Immunization, and Counseling and Psychological Services), Columbia Residential, Public Safety, University Life, the International Students and Scholars Office, and the Registrar's Office. Our office also helps to uphold many of the School and University-wide policies and we manage the School’s disciplinary procedures.
The Artists’ Resource Center, also part of our Office, maintains information on funding opportunities and career resources for students and alumni at the Columbia University School of the Arts, and provides consultations to students and alumni to help them look for professional development opportunities and more.
After graduation, the Office of Alumni Affairs provides more than 7000 alumni artists, creators, and leaders with opportunities to stay connected with the School of the Arts, the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA), and one another through alumni programming, benefits, a monthly newsletter, and collaborations with CAA Arts Access.
Our ultimate goal is to support our students and alums while they pursue their education as valued members of our dynamic community and as they navigate their time after graduation.
Student & Alumni News
Frameline, the media and arts nonprofit that hosts the annual San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, has announced that Film student Nana Duffour is a recipient of the annual Frameline Completion Fund Grant.
Film alum Kaelo Justin Iyizoba ’23 has been named one of eight filmmakers selected for the inaugural Sundance Cultural Impact Residency.
Media Res, the studio behind acclaimed series such as The Morning Show and Pachinko, has announced that it will begin the production Summer of 1985, a series co-written by Film alum Melina Maraki '23, later this year, marking a significant milestone for the rising screenwriter.
In his fourth poetry collection, The Bear Wrestler (Saturnalia Books), Writing alum Robert Ostrom ’08 blurs fact and fiction, deception and truth.
Sam Grabiner ’21 won the 2025 Olivier Award for Best New Production in an Affiliate Theatre for his play Boys on the Verge of Tears. The highest award in British theatre comes after his 2024 win for best debut at the Stage Awards.
Film alum Chris Galletta '10, of Kings of Summer (2013) fame, is co-writer on the wildly popular new blockbuster, A Minecraft Movie. The film, based on the beloved Mojang video game, opened April 4, 2025 and made an incredible $140 million on its opening weekend.
Visual Arts alum Anna Ting Möller '23 explores disgust—and more—in a new show at MASS MoCa, Dirty & Disorderly: Contemporary Artists on Disgust, alongside New Red Order and Nguyễn Duy Mạnh.
The Tony Award winning Crossroads Theatre Company has partnered with Professor Lynn Nottage and Columbia University School of the Arts to found the annual Crossroads Genesis Prize for Playwriting Excellence.
Acting alum Ito Aghayere '12 will continue in her role as Eléna Andréevna in Conor McPherson's adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya after a successful run at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The production, which concluded on March 25, 2025 will transfer to Washington, D.C.'s Shakespeare Theatre Company from March 30 through April 20, 2025.
Writing alum Latif Askia Ba ’23 recently published his second poetry collection, The Choreic Period, with Milkweed in January of 2025.
After a stellar premiere at South by Southwest earlier this month, audiences will be able to catch Holland, a new American mystery thriller written by Film alum Andrew Sodroski '10, on Prime Video when it hits the streaming service on March 27.
Kevin Cobb '23 presents his debut New York solo exhibition, Ekstasis, at 81 Leonard Gallery.