WELCOME
From Executive Vice President David M. Greenberg
The campus environment this past academic year challenged Columbia – and by extension, Facilities and Operations – to the extremes. Constant throughout the challenges was the hard work and unrelenting commitment on display from individuals across Facilities and Operations, stepping up early and often no matter the assigned task.
Times of challenge like Facilities and Operations experienced over the past year showcase an ability to adapt to new priorities, to learn in the face of new circumstances, and to grow stronger together as a unit. The past year had many moments to learn and grow from, not just for Columbia and Facilities and Operations, but for staff members at universities across the country. There are many lessons from this time that can strengthen us as an organization. Some of the most reassuring takeaways are seeing how teammates came together to support one another, discovering innovative solutions to unprecedented challenges, and how our resilience and strengthened bonds make Facilities and Operations better for the future. In years like this, there is a lot to learn from, but also a lot to be proud of.
Throughout everything that happened this past academic year, Facilities and Operations maintained our support of the University’s core functions and operations. Our efforts have been recognized through numerous honors, from Columbia Business School's Prix Versailles World Title to Dining's ranking among Princeton Review's "Best Campus Food." Such accolades reflect the excellence of our entire team.
This annual report is a reminder of how the mission of the University continued despite the campus protests. I encourage you to read through it and share my appreciation for everything that Facilities and Operations supported that should not be overshadowed by the harder times.
Looking ahead, we will continue to pursue excellence and drive innovation. Though the challenges experienced during Fiscal Year 24 will likely continue, there is no group better positioned to face them and support Columbia’s core mission than the expert and dedicated professionals that make up University Facilities and Operations.
FY24 in Snapshots
A visual journey of our milestones and achievements through Fiscal Year 2024
In Their Words
Our impact through the eyes of those we serve
"Columbia Student Mail Center has some of the kindest people working there. I have received a lot of my packages the same day it came in. Everyone working there is so nice."
- Columbia Mail customer
"Thanks for your efforts to make [graduation] events a success. The organization and energy throughout the day were incredible to witness—for our students and families, but no less for me, a fellow first-time attendee! ... Thank you."
- Minouche Shafik, former Columbia University president
"I have lived in CU faculty housing for 23 years and have had a wonderful experience. All of the staff are outstanding and make the building feel like home."
- Columbia Residential resident
"I inadvertently dropped my phone on the Morning shuttle bus. ... In my moment of distress, David from Transportation was an absolute lifeline. ... David's exemplary commitment to assisting a colleague he had never met, and for a matter outside his regular duties, truly speaks volumes about his character and the values upheld at Columbia University."
- Columbia Shuttle rider
"As an undergraduate at Columbia University, I appreciate the thoughtful decorations [for cultural holidays]. While recognizing a holiday not nationally celebrated in the United States, this gesture has fostered an inclusive atmosphere, making many international students, including myself, feel welcomed and valued."
- Columbia Dining customer
"The check in process was very straight forward and everyone could point us in the right direction. Thank you to the Columbia team!"
- Columbia Housing resident
"Thank you so much for your support over the last three years! I always looked forward to getting packages because every member of your team is so kind and friendly. I greatly appreciate all the hard work you all to do help make the Columbia community possible."
- Columbia Mail customer
"I truly look forward to going every day because I know I'm going to see a bunch of friendly familiar faces and get some awesome food and coffee."
- Columbia Dining customer
"I greatly appreciate and value the staff who work so hard to keep the buildings safe, clean and welcoming. They are the best people on earth. I've lived in three buildings and I feel this way about all of the individuals who work in building maintenance and facilities. They are professional and go above and beyond the call of duty."
- Columbia Residential resident
AWARDS
Awards we've received for our work
The new Columbia Business School buildings won the 2023 Prix Versailles World Special prize in the category of a campus for interior as part of the Prix Versailles awards. The esteemed annual architectural competition and its World Judges panel recognized the Business School buildings based on design principles the United Nations holds in high regards, including innovation, creativity, sustainability, the reflection of local heritage and ecological efficiency.
Columbia Dining was selected by the Princeton Review as one of the top 25 colleges for Best Campus Food. The rankings are based on student ratings of the food at their colleges.
Columbia University earned an Outstanding Project Award from Learning by Design for the renovation of the Walter and Shirley Fan Wang ESPORTS Room in Wallach Hall. The award was received in the “University Renovation” category as part of Learning by Design’s Fall 2023 Architectural Interior Design Awards of Excellence competition which honors innovative and effective projects in K-12 and post-secondary education facilities across the country.
Columbia University’s new Business School buildings – Henry R. Kravis Hall and David Geffen Hall – received the 2023 Urban Land Institute New York (ULI NY) Award for Excellence in Institutional Development. The statewide competition recognizes projects that demonstrate commitment to planning, design, sustainability, and community impact.
Chef Don made Food Management’s list of 21 college and university chefs who made a difference over the past year. Don was recognized for helping to expand the Columbia Dining program to meet its evolving needs, including the 2022 opening of Chef Mike’s Sub Shop and the 2023 opening of Chef Don’s Pizza Pi.
Assistant Vice President for the Office of Sustainability Jessica Prata Cianciara has been recognized as a 'Notable Leader in Sustainability' by Crain's New York Business. The list of Notable Leaders in Sustainability highlights professionals driving policy, investing, or programs to address climate change in their industry.
Columbia joined the list of Best Workplaces for CommutersSM – an honor achieved through its robust range of environmentally friendly commute options that support sustainability initiatives and offer resources to benefit employees. Commuter benefits help reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and help Columbia to attract and recruit top talent.
FoodService Director named the Vegan Chef Mike's Grandma Special in the top 20 "best of veggie sandwiches" list. Stuffed with vegan sweet Italian sausage, sauteed broccoli rabe, roasted garlic, crushed red pepper, vegan parmigiana cheese, and garlic-infused oil, this delicious sub is truly one of a kind.
In the News
Moments when our work was featured in the news
West Side Rag, November 3, 2023
Columbia Magazine, Winter 2023-24
Columbia Magazine, Spring/Summer 2024
