Calling all Columbia University Learners!
Thank a professor or teaching assistant for their dedication to teaching and learning! If a professor or TA at Columbia facilitated an unforgettable learning experience, let them know!
Thank Columbia University professors or teaching assistants who have:
- engaged you in your learning
- created an inclusive and supportive learning environment
- made it worthwhile to go to class
- taught you in innovative ways
- challenged you to excel inside and outside of the classroom
- inspired you to learn more and pursue your goals
- helped you overcome a difficulty or challenging learning experience
How It Works
- Access and complete the online submission form.
- Enter the required information (including name of recipient, course name, semester).
- Compose your thank you note. Share any details you can to help your professor or TA know why you are so thankful.
- Select whether you would like your name included or if you prefer to remain anonymous.
The Columbia University Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will send a thank you note to the instructor on your behalf. Please be aware that notes will be reviewed and distributed by the CTL at the end of the semester.
Questions? Comments? Please contact the CTL.
About the Initiative
The Thank-a-Professor | Thank-a-TA initiative launched in Spring 2019 as part of the annual Celebration for Teaching and Learning Symposium. In recognition of the many professors and TAs across the University, this initiative provides Columbia students with an opportunity to show their appreciation for those who have impacted their learning.
Notes from students:
To: Natalie Adler
“I have gained so much insight, perspective, and confidence from your class. I recommend you to everyone who asks and do so knowing you provide your students a challenging, yet safe and supportive environment to grow as writers and people, and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue with one another and the texts we read. Adjusting here has been hard in ways but I know I consistently have a class to look forward to that makes me want to show up as my full, authentic self in full confidence. I have learned so much about writing and the type of writer I want to be, and am convinced that the work you are doing extends far beyond the confines of our classroom, and provides a rare and wonderful educational experience.”
From: Sydney Durkin
University Writing, Fall 2023
To: Stephen Biddle
“Thank you, Prof. Biddle, for generously sharing your time in office hours and our post-class discussions. Your class has been a landmark in my academic journey, enriched by your scholarship and infectious passion for teaching. I respect your integrity and deep appreciation for the weight of policy-making, which you instill in your students. You don’t just teach; you empower us to stride confidently into the world, equipped to effect meaningful change. Thank you for being not just a professor, but a mentor.”
From: Rasmus Edelmann
Foundations of International Security Policy, Fall 2023
To: Karla Childers
“What a wonderfully amazing subject, course and source of so much captivating knowledge, information, discussion and critical thinking. Thank you for sharing your love and passion with your students and inspiring us to push forward with our Bioethics careers and to fulfill our purpose in life.”
From: George Tsiolis
Ethics in the Pharmaceutical Industry, Fall 2023
To: Katherine Dimitropoulou
“I enjoy and learn so much in her classes. She shifted my way of thinking and taught me to read and apply evidence-based literature from a deeper perspective. I appreciate her enthusiasm for the subject and her ability to teach the material so effectively.”
From: Luis Filgueira
Neuroscience of Cognition, Fall 2023
To: Gillian Gualtieri
“Thank you for always being funny, honest, sharp, engaging, understanding, and thoughtful. Thank you for being adaptable and reflective. Thank you for addressing everyone’s questions, always. Thank you for grounding sociology in our lives. Thank you for treating us with respect and empathy. Thank you for always checking in and meeting us where we are at. Thank you for telling us not to apologize for our questions. Thank you for believing in us and always pushing us to do better. You are a wonderful professor. Your hard work does not go unseen! You have engaged so many people with your teaching style, and you have made more people than you know fall in love with sociology! Everyone I know who has taken your classes adores you!”
From: Anonymous Student
Course: Sociology of Art, Spring 2024
To: Lauren Heckelman
“Thank you Dr. Heckelman! Walking into your class the first day, I already knew I was going to enjoy your lab. After so many general core classes with 200+ people, walking in and having a professor already have made an effort to know everybody’s names meant a ton. It is so fun to actually be able to connect with a professor again 1 on 1, and you truly make BME lab a great environment for learning. I already have learned so much, and everything translates so well to other jobs and classes. (…) Thank you again for caring so much about your curriculum and students!
From: Maggie Nedbalek
Biomedical Engineering Lab I, Fall 2023
To: Hardeep Johar
“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the learning experience you provided in Data Analytics. Each section of the course was crafted with meaningful insights and practical applications, which I found incredibly valuable. I am amazed at how often I referred back to the examples and lessons learned in your class in my daily life. I felt that the course was very hands-on since the lecture was closely related to the practical homework assignments and in-class examples.
Moreover, your sharing of personal anecdotes about your career was not only inspiring but also instrumental in guiding me toward applying for internships. This experience has encouraged me to engage more with my professors in all my classes later on, leading to insightful conversations.”
From: Anonymous Student
Data Analytics and Machine Learning for OR, Fall 2023
To: Ife Lenard
“Professor Lenard is the best professor I’ve ever had. I’ve never seen someone care so deeply for their students and take on such an emotional burden for the betterment of the field of social work and for her students. This course has been challenging, and Professor Lenard has encouraged us to grow emotionally and intellectually. I know I will look back on this class and the things I have learned for the rest of my career in social work.”
From: Kendra Hall
Foundations of Social Work Practice, Fall 2023
To: Erich Morisse
“I had always believed, or at least experienced, that Teaching Assistants primarily assist the professor with grading or answer students’ questions when the professor is unavailable. However, Erich changed my perspective on this. His guidance was as prominent and steadfast as that of the main professor. His enthusiasm for the different modules and his real-life experiences consistently brought a positive atmosphere to the classroom, which, in turn, enhanced the overall learning experience. Thank you for a great semester and for contributing to a remarkable experience alongside Professor Balkin.”
From: Sam Kadouh
Strategy and Analytics, Spring 2024
To: Alessandra Saggin
“(…) I am particularly grateful for the way you actively seek and value our opinions, backgrounds, and experiences. Your genuine interest in understanding each student’s perspective has not only encouraged open dialogue but has also created a sense of community within the classroom. This inclusive approach has made the learning environment more dynamic and has allowed me to gain insights from a variety of diverse viewpoints.”
From: Anonymous Student
Intermediate Italian II, Fall 2023
To: Rohan Shah
“I want to thank you for your continuous engagement with and support for our Contemporary Civilizations class this year. It’s not always easy to keep students excited to come to class, especially students going on their fourth semester of a year-long Core class, but I can say with confidence that I was eager to come to class and interact with my peers thanks to your guidance and affability. Our classroom felt like a comfortable, safe space in which we could all share our thoughts and perspectives, and your leadership made the class interesting and applicable to my own path of study outside of the Core Curriculum. I will miss your class, but thank you so much for all that you have done to make my personal experience with contemporary civilizations and the Core Curriculum in general a positive and stimulating one. Hope to stay in touch!”
From: Anonymous Student
Contemporary Civilizations, Spring 2024
To: Joseph Ulichny
“I do not have enough words to describe how amazing Joseph is. He is a Columbia gem, an absolutely insanely patient person, available at all times (I have emailed him at 11pm on a Saturday, and received a response almost immediately, which he absolutely did not need to do). He is always open to questions, and even if you feel like you are asking the dumbest questions possible, he makes sure you know your concerns are valid, and answers them that way. If I could take every class with him, I would probably make mountains move to make it happen. He is a national treasure, and needs to be protected at all costs. He truly made something as tedious as chem lab a great experience by connecting scientific concepts with art history, and talking to us about why that was relevant. I don’t generally care for art, but seeing him excitedly talk about why chemistry was relevant in art, made me interested in it!”
From: Anonymous Student
General Chemistry Lab-Lecture, Spring 2024
To: Siddharth Sundararajan
“I just wanted to say thank you for all of your help during principles this semester. I was worried that as an engineer, I would struggle with concepts in economics, but your patience as a TA really helped me get through it. I was also wondering if I should send you a note thanking you for your help, but then using what I learned from you, I realized that the marginal benefit here clearly outweighs the cost. And now here we are.”
From: Anonymous Student
Principles of Economics, Spring 2024
To: Constantino Vasiladiotis
“Just dropping a quick note to say a huge thank you for being such an awesome teaching assistant throughout the operations management and information technology course. Your kindness, knowledge, and willingness to go the extra mile have made a big difference to me : ) I really appreciated how you helped me out with information for Bloomberg before my meeting. That was a lifesaver! And I’ve loved how you bring in your own experiences to enrich our discussions in class. It’s made the topics so much more interesting and relatable. Thanks again for everything you do. Your passion for teaching and your expertise are truly inspiring, and I feel lucky to have had you as my TA. Looking forward to applying what I’ve learned from you in the future! Cheers!”
From: Kshitij Gupta
Operation Management and Information Technology, Spring 2024
To: Sambit Sahu
“Thank you for being such an inspiring, kind, and caring mentor. As a computer science student in both your Cloud Computing & Big Data and Computer Systems for Data Science courses, I greatly appreciate the professor’s commitment to teaching cutting-edge techniques that are immediately applicable in the industry. The engaging project assignments played a crucial role in helping me secure my dream job by enabling me to discuss real-world scenarios during interviews. The thoughtful course design seamlessly integrates essential theory with practical skills, making it a truly enriching experience. Thank you so much!”
From: Anonymous Student
Computer Systems for Data Science, Spring 2024
To: Tom Panayotidi
“Thank you so much for being invested in every single one of us not only as students but also as people. I appreciate your efforts to connect with us and to value things such as our culture. When you were so understanding about Lunar New Year, I jumped with joy and showed my parents the email because few professors have shown as much care for a cultural holiday as you have. Thank you for the hours spent in office hours. Whether it is going over concepts or helping me pick out a class schedule, I am appreciative of you taking time out of your business schedule to help us grow. I can’t wait to take many more classes with you!”
From: Anonymous Student
Structural Design and Computer-aided Structural Design, Spring 2024
To: Anne Heinrichs
“Prof Heinrichs has been a highlight of my MBA experience so far. The fact that she has made Corporate Transactions and Financial Modeling a fun and insightful course is a testament to her technical knowledge and teaching ability. One can understand how it took her years of professional experience, academic learning, and genuine curiosity to arrive at such a product. Her class is both simple and complete, as she walks us through the complexities of building models from scratch. It helps that she is very high-energy and has a sense of humor! I feel like Prof Heinrichs built the class she wishes she had at the beginning of her career. As a student, I can’t think of a better class to take.”
From: Anonymous Student
Corporate Transaction & Financial Modeling, Spring 2024
To: Jin Xu
“Thank you for your wonderful lectures on the arts and people of the Silk Road. It has shifted my mental map and broadened my understanding of the unfamiliar regions on the Eurasian Continent.
You are also a great mentor during office hours. I feel heard, validated, and encouraged. And the remarkable research you have done demonstrates there is no limit to how far one can dream.”
From: Ivy Chen
Arts of the Silk Road, Spring 2024
To: Frank Oswald
“As a Exec Cohort student in the M.S. Strategic Communication Program, I can say hand’s down you are the most outstanding professor I have had in this program. Thank you.
You lead our classes with compassion and empathy as we wade through sticky ethical issues. You make room for everyone’s thoughts and contributions and skillfully direct our class conversations. Your content feels fresh and made for the moment – always bringing in current events to help bring what some might think is purely philosophical to life. Your LinkedIn posts are also amazing and insightful. I’m excited to attend each class, knowing that I will not only acquire more knowledge, but will also benefit from your wisdom and your ability to shape our discussions.
Thank you for being awesome. Columbia is better because of you; I am, as well. I wish you many more years of sharing your light and knowledge with others.”
From: Cynthia Wood
Ethical Decision Making for Communicators, Spring 2024
To: Lincoln Mitchell
“Thank you Lincoln for helping us navigate a difficult semester last Fall, by brilliantly guiding us through readings and discussions while allowing us to express our opinions freely. Your knowledge, acumen, and kindness created a stimulating environment where I felt like I’ve learned more than in any other class. Your empathy and intellectual capacity is what I wish I had found in more professors at Columbia, and I wish there were more classes I could take with you as teacher. You’re always open to listening to opinions different than yours, and you never shut anyone down. Thank you sincerely!”
From: Diletta Andreozzi
Inside the Situation Room, Conceptual Foundations of International Politics, Fall 2023
To: Donna Hitscherich
“Your passion for your work is so admirable and I feel fortunate to be able to experience and imbibe that kind of energy.
Everything about the class was so well structured, I learnt a ton. I was able to grow so much because of how uncomfortable and new I was to the whole industry/subject. The speakers and the cases were so well picked, my favorite was the UnderArmour case (cue chest thumps). I hope to be carry with me the learnings and the class discussions.
You taught me a completely new way of looking at a company and think on a much larger scale, and I think no gift can match that.”
From: Sana Habeeb
Mergers And Acquisitions, Spring 2024
To: Lawrence Bartlett
“Thank you, Professor Bartlett, for giving us insightful lectures on health economics. The course content is practical and exciting. How you lecture with different perspectives and examples inspires intellectual and critical thinking. You are also very respectful and equitable in treating students with different backgrounds. You create a comfortable and safe environment for students to engage, speak up, and take risks. Thank you for the amazing lectures.”
From: Anonymous Student
Intro to Health Economics, Fall 2023
To: Colleen Maher
“Thank you Dr. Maher for being supportive and understanding with me this semester. I just wanted to acknowledge that you went above and beyond to support our class. Thank you for being patient and your constant encouragement for us to push forward and succeed.”
From: Armando Reyes
Human Anatomy, Fall 2023
To: Ana Kelly
“Thank you for sparking my interest in cardiac pathology, working in the ICU, and for teaching me how I can be a better critical thinker under pressure!”
From: Amanda Karis
Med Surg 1, Fall 2023
To: Veronica Hylton
“The feedback and insight of my TAs have not only been instrumental in my understanding of the material for this course, but enriched my experience in sum at the institution. Veronica’s thoughtful questions, taken with the quality of the curriculum at Barnard have, not in small part, lent direction to the focus of my undergraduate program at Columbia.”
From: Anonymous Sudent
Introduction to American History to 1865, Fall 2023
To: Manasi Soman
“Manasi, I loved your consistent feedback and how fast you reply to Slack messages. You have a great speaking voice/tone and if you ever decide to pursue academia or become a professor, just know I will be at every seminar you give. I am inspired!”
From: Lisa Disalvo
User Interface Design, Fall 2023
To: Rajiv Sethi
“If I had to choose one word to describe Professor Sethi, it would be dedicated. His dedication to his subject and his students shines through with everything he does. He warmly refers to all of his students’ by name despite the class consisting of 50+ students, always encourages questions and clarifications, and enthusiastically delves deep into the class material.”
From: Anonymous Student
Intro to Economic Reasoning, Fall 2023
To: Vincent McCloskey
“I’ve always wanted to try ballet, but have a hearing impairment that can cause me to struggle with my balance, and finding musical timing. When I signed up for this class I expected to just stay under the radar and do my best, however, you immediately made me feel comfortable. Because I felt so supported I was able to push myself in class to try my hardest, and wasn’t afraid to ask for help and corrections. I think that dance will continue to be a part of my exercise practice, and I’m so glad to have unexpectedly found something that I love to do.”
From: Anonymous Student
Ballet I, Fall 2023
To: Rebecca Grossman
“(…) Thank you for being so patient with my questions and helping me so much with my transition into your class. I was so overwhelmed and nervous to the point of questioning my ability at that time, and it was your quick and detailed replies that comforted and encouraged me. Thank you for being this amazing professor.”
From: Anonymous Student
BC2001-Mechanics, Fall 2023
To: Noel Ramirez
“I am so grateful for Professor Ramirez. He is incredibly understanding, patient and kind. He provides a safe space for us to learn difficult materials, and also listens to what us students want to learn the most. He’s willing to change up lesson plans to match what the students’ passions are. On top of it all, he’s also able to incorporate good humor into class to help us feel at ease. I was so anxious about my first semester in grad school, and he was my first class this semester. He set such a wonderful tone and I’m so grateful for him.”
From: Rebecca Strauss Levy
Foundations of Social Work Practice, Fall 2023
To: Austin Mantele
“Your passion for the subject matter and dedication to fostering a positive learning environment made a significant impact on my academic experience. Your insightful lectures, thoughtful feedback, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure our understanding did not go unnoticed. Your expertise and enthusiasm have not only deepened my understanding of the course material but have also inspired me to explore the subject further. Your commitment to student success is truly commendable, and I feel fortunate to have had you as my professor. Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions to my education. I look forward to carrying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained under your guidance into future endeavors.”
From: Anonymous Student
University Writing, Fall 2023
To: Gal Katz
“This semester Professor Katz did an amazing job at keeping the lectures engaging. What I appreciate most is his ability to engage all of the students and make us all feel heard. He makes it clear that all of our input is valuable. He is accessible to his students which has fostered a sense of community within our classroom. Personally he has helped me to realize that although my background and upbringing may be different my contribution to the classroom is still welcomed and valuable. He has empowered me to continue to do my best and to work through any self doubt that I carry. I am eternally grateful for the support and encouragement that he has given me this semester which will stay with me as I progress through my time at Columbia.”
From: Mayra Martinez
Contemporary Western Civilization 1, Fall 2023
To: Astrid Andre
“When I am a teacher, I want to be like Professor André. She had a wonderful way of ensuring broad class participation, making the material accessible, but never compromising on the high standard needed to master the valuable toolkit. I thought the way she handled questions in class, involved and encouraged us all, was remarkable. Although she gave us tough hypothesis assignments and a final exam, I loved how the questions integrated all our learning goals. The grades were a clear reflection of our understanding, stretching us to work even harder. I loved the inclusion of short videos, that were always played without a hiccup (which shows preparation) and also appreciated that slides were updated after a class session and additional material shared. This course was the toughest, but the highlight of my semester!”
From: Anonymous Student
The Business of Nonprofits, Fall 2023
To: Sean Bryant
“Your contribution to this course is immense. Your dedication to our learning is obvious in the time and effort you put into our recitation problem sets, answer keys, office hours, exam review sessions, and in general going the extra mile to help whenever you can. You’re not only incredibly patient but also a gifted teacher and quiet leader (the best kind) who is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about organic chemistry. Without your additional insight and teaching, I would certainly not learn as much in this course. You’ve made it not only more approachable but truly *fun* to solve puzzles and learn patterns (I can’t believe I used “fun,” but I think it’s true). Thank you so very much. You’ve been by far my best TA at Columbia. I think I speak for the whole class when I say, you are very appreciated!”
From: Anonymous Student
Organic Chemistry I, Fall 2023
To: Merlin Chowkwanyun
“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your outstanding guidance throughout the Foundation of Public Health class. Your passion for the subject matter, combined with your expertise and engaging teaching style, made the learning experience both enriching and enjoyable. The depth of knowledge you shared and the real-world examples you brought into the classroom significantly enhanced my understanding of public health principles and their practical applications. I appreciate the effort you put into creating a supportive learning environment, encouraging thoughtful discussions, and fostering a sense of curiosity among your students. Your commitment to our academic growth has not gone unnoticed, and I am truly grateful for the impact you’ve had on my education. Thank you once again for your dedication to teaching and for being a source of inspiration in the field of public health. I look forward to applying the valuable insights gained from your class in my future studies and career.”
From: Ram Bhandari
Foundation of Public Health, Fall 2023
To: Daniel Geller
“I want to thank you for challenging me professionally and personally throughout the semester. You are caring and always there for us. I truly appreciate your teaching considering multiple learning styles. I also enjoyed focusing heavily on decision-making and performance patterns allowing me to strength my clinical skills to a new level. Thank you very much for the course. I enjoyed every minute of your lecture as well as your sense of humor.”
From: Luis Filgueira
Cognitive Basis of Function and Decision Making, Spring 2024
To: Sunil Gulati
“(…) Having a professor that goes the extra mile to make the teacher-student relationship more personable makes the class more enjoyable and motivating. For many of us, it is also a chance to practice and experience networking with those we want to learn from, for the first time. Overall, I appreciate that Professor Gulati has shown he cares about his students even in a large classroom setting, as well as teaching with passion and energy.”
From: Anonymous Student
Principles of Economics, Fall 2023
To: Nihal T. Isiksel
“I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional experience I had in your class. It is rare to find an academic environment where truly inclusive and stimulating dialogue is not just a goal, but a reality, and your class was one of those rare treasures.
The small group setting you fostered allowed for a level of engagement and interaction that was both unique and deeply impactful. We actually all became good friends, which, I believe, is the true prerequisite of a good intellectual dialogue. Your skill in managing discussions was nothing short of remarkable. You struck a perfect balance, guiding us without being overly directive, and yet never absent from the conversation. Your subtle artistry in this regard is something I greatly admire. I hope, one day, to be able to conduct discussions in the same fashion.
In your class, I felt welcomed and valued, which inspired me each week to actively participate and immerse myself in the learning process. Your human and pedagogical qualities have not only contributed to my educational journey but have also left a lasting impression on me.
Thank you for creating an environment where learning is a joy and where each student can feel seen and heard. Your dedication to teaching and your students is truly inspiring. In 10 years of higher education, I rarely experienced that, I am truly grateful.”
From: Evan Gregoire
Persons, States and Corporations, Spring 2022
To: Yaren Kaya
“(…) As an international student, this is my first semester studying at Columbia. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the coursework, but Professor Kaya was friendly, courageous, and supportive. Not only did she emphasize that the focus should be on what we learned and gained from the class rather than just the grades on exams, but she also demonstrated great patience during her office hours to help students understand any concepts they found challenging. The professor’s words and actions have truly boosted my confidence in my learning journey, and I am sincerely thankful to be studying with her in this class!”
From: Anonymous Student
Optimization Models and Methods, Fall 2023
To: Tuongvi Luong
“Thank you for being the most amazing TA ever year. Coming into CSSW, and especially into Micro and Macro Economics, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. Your labs helped me understand the material so much better and created a space where I felt comfortable and safe to participate and share my thoughts, even if I was not confident that I had the right answer. The energy that you bring to lab is so appreciated, and we can tell that you put so much effort into making sure that we are good and feel alright with the material that we are learning. You have also been such an awesome advocate for us to both professors during the year and I’m sure helped us in ways that we don’t even know about. Thank you so much!”
From: Anonymous Student
Macroeconomics, Fall 2023; and Policy Analysis II Lab, Spring 2024
To: James Pesci
“James provides an instrumental component to the learning process – not only reviewing the relevant course material, but shoring up financial concepts for those struggling and providing additional material for those of more advanced backgrounds looking to challenge themselves.”
From: Michael Allen
Finance II, Fall 2023
To: Nicholas Santiago
“Thank you so much for making this course engaging and comfortable for me. I really enjoyed your classes and I appreciate the effort that went to keeping the information interesting. All the websites and sources shared are still fun to learn from and I shared it with my friends, who enjoyed them too! I’m especially grateful for the ask-a-neuroscientist panel which broadened my mind towards all the careers possible and I’m also much more comfortable with the idea of exploring my interest as I go. Please thank the people on the panel for their advice and guidance, it was comforting to hear their experience. Lastly, I loved doing the assignments since they were engaging and I enjoyed exploring my interests through selecting topics for my presentations – so I appreciate the creativity in the assignments given. I’m looking forward to learning more about the field of neuroscience.”
From: Prajna Arun
Introduction to Neuroscience, Spring 2024
To: Chikako Takahashi
“Thank you for making learning Japanese one of the most rewarding experiences of my life; it’s crazy to think that I haven’t even been doing it for an entire year. The amount of work and care that you pour into this class does not go unnoticed. From the lecture slides, to the detailed feedback on every assignment we turn in, to the effort you put in organizing chat club, and the little treats you bring us (either おかし or culture-related bits of knowledge), I appreciate every second I spend in your class. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed coming to a class as much as this one in my entire life to the point where some days my biggest motivation for simply getting out of bed is knowing that I have Japanese later in the day.”
From: Anonymous Student
First Year Japanese 2
To: Claire Greene
“In a world where learning can tighten one’s spleen,
Comes a hero, none other than Dr. Greene.
Not just a sage on the educational scene,
But a beacon of kindness, compassion, and sheen
With knowledge vast, you share and guide,
Your friendly smile always by our side,
Approachable, with arms open wide,
In your calm classroom, worries slide.”
From: Anonymous Student
Psychosocial and Mental Health Challenges in Forced Migration, Spring 2024
To: Larisa Solomon
“I know many people have said this already but truly thank you for being so receptive to student thoughts/ideas. You curate such a genuine, curious, and open space for learning and I feel so comfortable asking questions/talking to my peers in the class during discussions. You clearly put your students first. The class itself was fascinating too—I can connect the concepts we learn to everything else I learn/experience as the material is so applicable across disciplines. Thank you for always warming my heart with your “I’m so happy to see you all here today’s” !!!”
From: Anonymous Student
Moral Psychology, Spring 2024
To: Oliver Simons
“Professor Simons, how grateful I am to have had you as my CC professor. I had no idea what to expect going into CC, but I have left with it being one of my favorite classes of the year. You have helped me learn so many philosophical concepts and analyze so many incredible and difficult to interpret texts, and I will never forget what I have learned. Your class (CC) wins for my longest google document comprising of 119 pages of notes, quotes, and descriptions. Your kindness and intelligence radiate from your teaching, and I hope that you know truly how wonderful you are. I wanted to let you know how much your class and teaching has impacted my Sophomore year at Columbia, I always looked forward to coming to class, even if I truly did not understand what I read the night prior haha. Thank you for such a rewarding semester, and I wish you the best on your adventures to come, you are a gift to Columbia Professor Simons.”
From: Anonymous Student
Contemporary Civilizations, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024
To: Oliver Simons
“Professor Simons, how grateful I am to have had you as my CC professor. I had no idea what to expect going into CC, but I have left with it being one of my favorite classes of the year. You have helped me learn so many philosophical concepts and analyze so many incredible and difficult to interpret texts, and I will never forget what I have learned. Your class (CC) wins for my longest google document comprising of 119 pages of notes, quotes, and descriptions. Your kindness and intelligence radiate from your teaching, and I hope that you know truly how wonderful you are. I wanted to let you know how much your class and teaching has impacted my Sophomore year at Columbia, I always looked forward to coming to class, even if I truly did not understand what I read the night prior haha. Thank you for such a rewarding semester, and I wish you the best on your adventures to come, you are a gift to Columbia Professor Simons.”
From: Anonymous Student
Contemporary Civilizations, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024
To: Timothy Paine
“Thank you for being such an attentive teacher. You always make it a point to answer our questions, however obvious or repetitive. I also appreciate your taking the time to congratulate me on my performance in the mid-term. Given the size of the course, I was taken aback that you would take the time to do so. It has further encouraged me to do my best.”
From: Anonymous Student
Introduction to Computing for Engineers and Applied Scientists, Spring 2024
To: Yi Zhang
“I want to say big thanks to Yi. He always prepares the lecture with interesting and useful contents. He is always happy to answer my questions during the class time. He also cares about his students by providing accommodations so that the course is not stressful. I used to fear the programming class because I generally fell behind the class and felt miserable not understanding the material and homework. But in his class, with his wonderful lecture and very helpful office hour time, (sometimes there are extra office hours), I am able to keep up the course content and feel more confident in my coding ability. He additionally provides me some guidance in academic career which is very helpful for me. I hope I can take another course taught by him in the future semester.”
From: Ze Wang
Data Engineering with Python, Spring 2024
To: Medini Singh
“Your passion for your work is so admirable and I feel fortunate to be able to experience and imbibe that kind of energy.
I see myself as an entrepreneur in healthcare, in the future and I feel like I am in a much better position to do so now that I have had a chance to learn from you. The Shouldice and Eli Lilly case discussion in class were amazing, they will always stay with me.
You changed the way I think, it is like I have a new eye for business now, and I think no gift can match that.”
From: Sana Habeeb
Operations Strategy, Spring 2024
To: Zuar Nurtaza
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the guidance and support you’ve provided throughout this semester. Your patience and kindness have made learning an enjoyable experience. You stayed after every class to answer our questions on assignments and job applications was extremely helpful and appreciated. Your ability to listen patiently and respond with such kindness has truly made a difference in my educational and career journey. Thank you for being such a remarkable instructor and for all the effort you put into helping me grow.”
From: Ocean Yu
Financial Risk Management, Spring 2024
To: Katherine Marshall-Polite
“As a military veteran, who served over 30 years in the United States Army, with four combat tours, I was hesitant about going back to school at this juncture in my life. I am eternally gratefully to Professor Katherine Marshall-Polite. She not only did a phenomenal job creating an inclusive, motivational, and inspiring learning environment, she also assisted me with my transition and reintegration back into civilian academic life through her cultural competence and understanding of Military Veteran challenges. She was engaging, approachable and empathetic, which allowed all her students to show up as our authentic selves, and grow each week during the semester. I will never forget my experience as her student. I’m proud to be a Columbia School of Social Work student at 60 years old and excited about beginning a second career; much of that has to do with my time learning from Katherine Marshall- Polite; Thank you so much Professor.”
From: Sa’eed Mustafa
Human Behavior In The Social Environment, Fall 2023
To: Moneek Madra
“Dr. Madra is a bank of knowledge, and sets the bar so high for engaging with the class. I love her class – it’s the one I look forward to the most each week. Her slides are clear, her expectations are transparent, and I love the study guides built for our exams. I also appreciate how you have truly built a rapport with your TA’s, because they are so equipped to answer questions, and I can tell there’s a good feedback loop. You are an excellent lecturer! It’s second nature to you, and it’s really great to witness. I’m beyond excited for INP next semester – thank you for being a great educator.”
From: Anonymous Student
Physiology & Nutrition Through The Lifecycle, Fall 2023
To: Abdul Ahmed
“Thank you for teaching us to center human rights in our future careers in public health. It has been an honor to learn from you, someone who has been a lifelong champion of human rights. You and your class are why I came to the Mailman School of Public Health, and this university is extremely lucky to have you as a faculty member. I am a better student and critical thinker because of your class, health, and human rights. And I will be a better public health practitioner because of what I learned from you and your class. I have spoken to countless classmates throughout Mailman, and everyone I have spoken to who has taken your class has mentioned how fondly they think of your class and your teaching. Thank you so much for everything that you do here at Columbia and outside of Columbia. The world is a better place because of you.”
From: Anonymous Student
Human Rights, Fall 2023
To: Phyllis Simon and Rochelle Mendonca
“I wanted to send a special thanks to Dr, Simon and Dr. Mendonca for spending every week guiding me personally and professionally. They are wonderful, willing to help, and caring. I appreciated their enthusiasm and energy in helping me to go through this journey so effectively. I thank them for their commitment to my success, I could not have done it without their support.”
From: Luis Filgueira
OT Capstone I, Fall 2023
To: Heather Butts
“Thank you for being kind, caring, smart, for your assisting us to think critically and argue with power and to do it all from a place of goodness and love.”
From: Marc Nock
Personal Leadership; Integration of Science in Practice, Fall 2023
To: Michael Miller
“I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the valuable and insightful experience I’ve had in your course. Your approachability and willingness to connect with your students have significantly enhanced the learning experience. The time and effort you invest in understanding and advising us are truly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to provide guidance!
I am especially thankful for your mentorship. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from someone as dedicated and supportive as you. I look forward to continuing to grow and learn!”
From: Anonymous Student
Pricing Models for Financial Engineering, Fall 2023
To: Emma Hitchcock
“I know I don’t talk a lot in class, but I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your course and how you teach and discuss these books. I always look forward to your class; I find it interesting, reflective, and enjoyable. You are a wonderful professor and I am so grateful to have you for one of my first classes at Columbia.”
From: Anonymous Student
Literature Humanities, Fall 2023
To: Thomas Groll
“Thank you so much for being such an empathetic educator professor. You really think through every tiny detail for your students whether it is extending submission deadlines or sharing tips and suggestions for the exam, you really balance pushing your students to excel while giving them a lot of support and reassurance which we appreciate.”
From: Anonymous Student
Microeconomics for International and Public Affairs, Fall 2023
To: Adrianna Taylor
“(…) Her dedication to her students is coated in genuine warmth and support. I feel really lucky to learn from her and alongside her. As a Black woman, representation can be hard to find in this field. I am often the only Black woman in my classes and my professors usually do not look like me. Learning from another Black woman is an experience I will forever treasure. Dr. AT inspired me to keep pushing and to stand, unapologetically, in my truth. Thank you so much for a wonderful semester!!”
From: Anjanae Lawrence
SWP Alcohol and Substance Use, Fall 2023
To: Catherine Suffern
“(…) Writing can be an arduous practice, especially after a hiatus from school, but the inclusive and positive learning environment that you foster and promote makes it enjoyable. You clearly take your role seriously, Kate, and respect us all as we are and where we are in our development as writers. I like, and admittedly am amused, when you call us ‘scholars’. Thank you.”
From: Sarah Keane
University Writing, Fall 2023