On May 16 and 17, Columbia Business School honored the class of 2009 at the recognition ceremonies for graduates of the School’s full-time and Executive MBA programs. “It has been particularly gratifying to see how the members of your class exemplify some of the things I hold most dear about Columbia Business School,” said Dean Glenn Hubbard in remarks that celebrated the class’s accomplishments. “Since the day you arrived on campus for orientation, we have challenged you to be interesting and contributing members of this community. You have met this challenge.” The dean reaffirmed the positive role that business plays in society and reinforced the responsibility of business schools to create whole business leaders, saying, “Columbia Business School prepares you for a lifelong career in business, in social enterprise, in public service.” The May 17 full-time MBA Recognition Ceremony featured remarks by Robert Friedman ’80, president of Radical Media & Entertainment. Friedman stressed the importance of exploring new areas of business — not simply following well-worn paths. He also spoke about the unpredictability of the future of media, saying, “Who would have thought five years ago that a grown man would say the word tweet in front of an audience, let alone use it in a graduation address.” Friedman concluded by telling the graduates, “Welcome to the real world. Make it yours.” Daniel Petroff ’09, the student speaker at the full-time MBA Recognition Ceremony, said in his remarks, “I am honored to be a member of the class of 2009. Individually, you are as talented and driven as anyone I have ever met. Together, we are even better.” The members of the class of 2009 were also honored at Columbia University’s Commencement on May 20. Photos from the event can be viewed on the School’s Facebook page.