Dean Barratt, New York Times Columnist Bob Herbert, and SMPA Director Frank Sesno.

Last week, I traveled with SMPA Director Frank Sesno, director of Columbian College’s innovative School of Media and Public Affairs, to New York for a wonderful reception with some of our alumni and friends.

Graciously hosted by Kathryn Green, BA ’77, the event featured a talk by Bob Herbert, author of a bi-weekly column in the New York Times. Bob spoke to our group about politics, urban affairs, social trends, and about how he got into his news media career. We are thrilled that he will soon be joining us as fellow within SMPA.

We also welcomed GW Trustee Maria Matilde Bonetti, and Alan Lafer, BA’77, a former co-chair of the Luther Rice Society Advisory Board. Susan Smirnoff, BA ’74, who serves on the National Council that advises me, also attended with her son, Noah Zachary, a 2009 graduate of GW in American Studies.

Columbian College is lucky to have so many great alumni to help us achieve our goals of engaging our students with the world. With such amazing support, we will continue to succeed!