Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Connection, Collaboration and Growth

As we bid farewell to 2024, we take a moment to reflect on a year of remarkable achievements that strengthened the ties between Columbia University and Chile. From fostering student and alumni engagement to addressing global challenges through collaborative initiatives, this year has been an inspiring journey of connection and impact.

Strengthening Student and Alumni Engagement

This year, we strengthened ties with Columbia students and alumni through several initiatives. We began 2024 with a lively gathering hosted with the Columbia Alumni Association, and on International Women’s Day, we honored distinguished alumnae Verónica Undurraga and Mariana Costa with the Karen Poniachik Woman of the Year Award. In addition, we hosted the Kraft Global Fellows, who explored Chile’s culture, faith and history. Later on, we celebrated the Class of 2024, congratulating Chilean graduates on their achievements, and held an orientation for new students embarking on their journeys at Columbia. We also honored the contributions of Columbia alumni and former Universidad de Chile deans Manuel Agosin and Joseph Ramos. To close the year, we celebrated with over 80 alumni and remembered the legacy of Antonio Skármeta, who received the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.

Tackling Big Topics That Matter

Throughout 2024, we tackled big topics that mattered. In partnership with Columbia Journalism School, Universidad Diego Portales, and the Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism (CLIP), we trained investigative journalists in open-source intelligence. Professor Sandra Matz joined us to discuss psychological targeting and how our data is used to influence human behavior, while Lance Weiler explored how artificial intelligence is shaping the arts. We connected with students in Maipú, introducing Gabriela Mistral’s legacy to a new generation, and explored how a second Donald Trump presidency can reshape the world. Relevant discussions were also held on campus covering Chile’s monetary policy and the energy transition. The year also included President Boric’s second World Leaders Forum appearance, where he addressed regional challenges and reinforced democratic values.

Welcoming New Faces and Opportunities

Welcoming new members to our community was a highlight of 2024. We were delighted to introduce Antonio Campaña as our new director, bringing over three decades of global academic experience. Our first student travel award recipient, Vanessa Fiuza, conducted research on Mapuche women leaders and their connection to land and ancestry. We also welcomed Sustainability Management student Brenda Rain, a Columbia Global intern who is bridging Columbia’s resources with Chile’s sustainability priorities. Additionally, we hosted 60 representatives from Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health during the Environmental Epidemiology Conference and welcomed David Petit, our emerging scholar fellow researching digital gaps and social inclusion for older adults in Chile.

Collaboration Highlights

Collaboration was at the heart of our efforts this year. In partnership with Momento Ciudadano, we developed a civic education manual to empower student council advisors. At Maipú’s Book Fair, we donated copies of Carla Guelfenbein’s No Huiré de la Lluvia and of a special edition of Gabriela Mistral’s Desolación published by Columbia University Press’ Sundial House. We launched a climate resilience project for Chilean municipalities alongside Columbia's National Center for Disaster Preparedness and local research institutions Itrend and CR2. To further academic exchange, we opened the second call for Columbia graduate students to conduct research at Universidad Católica’s field stations, with applications closing on December 31.

Farewells and Tributes

This year, we also said goodbye to influential figures. We mourned the passing of former President Sebastián Piñera, who played a key role in establishing the Santiago Center. We also paid tribute to two remarkable alumni, Antonio Skármeta (GSAS’66), acclaimed writer and recipient of the National Literature Award, and Lidia Baltra (JRN’61), prominent journalist and advocate for press freedom and human rights.

Looking Ahead

As we close the year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 900 new members who joined the Santiago Center’s social media community in 2024. We look forward to the year ahead and to continue fostering connections, advancing knowledge, and addressing the global challenges that unite us.