Sesquicentennial Timeline
Begin the Timeline
Browse videos and photos of last year's events celebrating the Law School's 150th anniversary.
January 11-14
China Events
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing
A series of receptions in China kicked off Sesquicentennial events around the world and celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Center for Chinese Legal Studies. Events and panels led by Professor Benjamin Liebman, director of the center, and R. Randle Edwards, the center's first director, covered issues of Chinese law and policy.
January 16
Tokyo Reception
Tokyo
A cocktail reception hosted by Dean David M. Schizer and Professor Curtis Milhaupt, Director of the Center for Japanese Legal Studies, celebrated the Law School’s longstanding partnership with Japan and its leadership in Japanese law.
January 25
59th Annual Winter Luncheon
Waldorf=Astoria, New York City
To kick off domestic Sesquicentennial events, an alumni luncheon in the Waldorf=Astoria’s Grand Ballroom honored H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest ’58 with the Medal for Excellence. The ceremony also celebrated the legacies of alumni judiciary and the six living deans of Columbia Law School.
January 31
Dinner at the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court,
Washington, D.C.
The voice of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’59 echoed across the marble Great Hall as she shared with an invitation-only audience memories from her years at Columbia Law School. Dean Schizer, who clerked for Justice Ginsburg, fondly recounted working with her at the Supreme Court.
February 28
Alumni Judges’ Dinner
Morgan Library & Museum,
New York City
More than 50 alumni judges mingled with students and faculty amid the Morgan Library’s rare books and manuscripts for a dinner honoring the Law School’s long history in the judiciary.
May 21
147th Commencement
Columbia University Quad,
New York City
In stark contrast to the first class of 1858, Law School graduates in 2008 were represented by more than 650 students from 41 states and 18 nations.
May 27-28
From Ivy to Olives
Tel Aviv, Israel
The new Center for Israeli Legal Studies holds a conference co-sponsored with the Anti-Defamation League titled “From Ivy to Olives Academic Symposium.” For the event, eight professors gathered in Tel Aviv to discuss issues related to freedom of speech and corporate governance.
September 26
Presidents Roosevelt Receive Posthumous J.D.s
Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Plaza, New York City
Dean Schizer honored Presidents Theodore and Franklin Delano Roosevelt with posthumous degrees. Both attended Columbia Law School but never received their J.D.s, instead departing early to embark on their historic political careers.
October 17-19
Global Reunion
London
More than 170 alumni and friends arrived in London to attend a symposium titled “Law in Global Society.” The event’s keynote speaker was Lord Patten of Barnes, a member of the House of Lords and the former governor of Hong Kong. The symposium addressed legal issues such as terrorism, international intellectual property, and global economics.
October 25
Columbia Law School Day Proclaimed
New York City
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaimed October 15, 2008, to be Columbia Law School Day, citing the special relationship between the Law School and the city. Judges and members of government from around the country sent letters congratulating the Law School on its 150th anniversary.
October 25
Concluding Gala
Cipriani on 42nd, New York City
More than 1,200 alumni, faculty, students and friends of the Law School wrapped up the year’s celebrations with a gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. Michael Cardozo read Mayor Bloomberg’s Proclamation, and Justice Ginsburg delivered a survey of Columbians on the Supreme Court.
