Through the panoramic windows of the Three Sixty event space in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, the city’s skyline glistened in the bright, late-summer sunlight. Inside, the mood was just as joyful: festive gold balloons swayed in the background as glasses clinked and chatter mingled with laughter. Over 400 alumni and friends of the School were gathered on Wednesday, September 16, to commemorate the School’s Centennial, reflect on past achievements, and hear more about what’s to come. The New York Centennial Showcase is the first in a series of 14 related events around the globe, all part of a year-plus-long celebration of the School’s Centennial. “It’s a milestone celebration,” said Sue Xu Zhang ’96. “I wouldn’t miss it.” During the event, Dean Glenn Hubbard addressed the crowd with a never-before-seen presentation that offered a glimpse into some of the School’s remarkable history and leadership — from the groundbreaking theory of value investing from Benjamin Graham and David Dodd MS ’21, to the ability to grow human bone and treat illness thanks to Nina Tandon ’12 — as well as updates regarding the School’s future, including announcements of new donations towards the Manhattanville campus. “Tonight is about reflecting on the incredible impact that this community has had — and continues to have — on the world of business,” Dean Hubbard said. “Columbia Business School has always been defined by you, the people who spend two short years with us and then a lifetime changing the world. It’s your talents, your innovations, your aspirations, and your dedication that lets me know the future will be brilliant.” That sentiment was reflected in the brief introduction given by Preston Brice ’13, who stressed that graduates’ time at Columbia is “a shared experience” that extends beyond the classroom. Alumni participants wholeheartedly agreed. “I came tonight because I’m part of the community, and I have benefited tremendously from this community both during my time at the School and then after,” Zhang said. “The most important thing you take away from Columbia is the network, the people,” added Jonathan Nash ’91. Carl Trop ’91 said the energy of the event reinvigorated his bond with the School and inspired him to get more involved. “I come to these events to stay connected to Columbia,” he says, “and to make new connections.” The next Centennial Showcase event is in London on November 17, followed by Paris on November 19. See the full calendar of Showcase events by visiting gsb.columbia.edu/centennial/events/showcases. Click the image above or visit bit.ly/ny-showcase to view photos from the event.