Columbia University Club of Washington, D.C.

CUCDC History

...and a club was born!

Back in 1887, two Columbia guys living in Washington bumped into each other on the street. After an extended intelligent and witty interchange, one said to the other, "Well, for goodness' sake, we ought to have a club for Columbia alumni living in the city." The following Friday night, Stan invited Otto, and Otto's friend Athanasius, and Stan's pal Maximillian, for martinis and cigars at his private gentlemen's club. It is known, incontrovertibly, to be sheer coincidence that in the three years previous to this chance meeting, the Harvard and Yale and Princeton alumni all founded alumni clubs in the area. These clubs apparently were host to much talking and drinking in the post-Victorian era. Alas, history did not preserve much more about the early years of Columbia's fledgling association.

We do know that the Club grew and prospered, and in the late 1950s it was incorporated in the District of Columbia as a non-profit association designed to stimulate intellectual, cultural, and social exchange among those Washingtonians who have attended Columbia University. That mission remains, essentially unchanged, today. Talking and drinking. Anybody got a better idea?

Each year the Club capitalizes on the impressive size of its membership (and its non-profit postage permit) to present a bevy of stellar events. Traditions include Embassy and Congressional receptions, the Prominent Alumni Speaker Series, The Alumni Symposium, panel discussions on topics of current interest (political, cultural, economic, journalistic) arts and cultural events, sporting events, walking tours (from Civil War Battlefields to Old Town Alexandria), book signings with Columbia Authors, wine and beer tastings, happy hours, summer picnics, etc. etc.

The Columbia University Club of Washington D.C. ("the CUC of DC") is the official alumni organization of Columbia University on the City of New York. Its membership policy is non-discriminatory; anyone who has attended any division of the University is welcome to join with a modest payment of annual dues. The Club participates in CU's National Alumni Program and Council. Its Board members are active in community service in the Washington D.C. area. The Club's program year follows the academic year, running from September to June. All the Club's events are held in the District of Columbia.

The Board of Directors meets approximately every six weeks. Officers and Directors serve a minimum of one 2-year term. Standing Committees report to the Board of Directors, and nominations are open every fall for positions on committees. Officers are elected every two years. The Club also advises the University on the annual selection of honorary degree recipients, nominates alumni medalists and other alumni leaders for awards, and participates in the nomination process for University Trustees and (occasionally) Presidents.

This article is contributed by Beth Ritchie Chung, former president of CUCDC.

Upcoming Events- Community Service - Young Alumni - Contact Us - President's Welcome
CUCDC History - Columbia - DC Tourist Info - Other CU Clubs - Website Info