• Bacchanal rocks Low Plaza

    11:00pm 4/25/10

    Bacchanal rocks Low Plaza

    Chewbacchanal is named for Chewbacca, a wookiee from George Lucas' Star Wars movies.

    The week of festivities included giveaways, parties, a brunch, Coraline in 3D on 4/20 and the main event, a concert on the steps.

    This year's concert featured indie band Of Montreal, Wiz Khalifa and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah.

    "I think that we try and go for artists that have diverse genres. I think that's why we try and generally have two musicians," says Cleo McGovern, treasurer for Bacchanal Special Events.

    "Naturally, we're limited by budget restraints, first of all. We have a set amount of money that we use for artists. And then, once we get a feel for what people want, who people want to bring we see their availability and what their costs are," adds co-president Jody Zellman. "And so over the course of a few months, you have people who are either in or out because of time and budget."

    The concerts costs approximately $100,000. While donors fund concerts at other institutions, Bacchanal's concert is financed entirely by ABC and the student councils. Organizers face high stakes and plenty of red tape.

    "Your tuition pays for Bacchanal," explains McGovern. "Funding anything is such an intense process. We need to get approval five times to spend $20 on lunch for the artists or something like that."

    "I think the worst part is the real life thing, having to work with departments, getting permission, having to go through bureaucratic loopholes. It's really a huge process to go through to get permission."

    An estimated 1200 people attended the concert. Organizers had some advice for attendees.

    "Wild out. Have a baller time," advises Alex Kirk, co-president of Bacchanal.

    "Maybe they could relax for a little bit, unwind, just for a few hours; pretend everything's going to be all right," adds Zellman.

  • Student leaders tackle academic schedule

    11:08pm 4/25/10

    Student leaders tackle academic schedule

    Students returning for the Fall 2010 semester have started voicing concerns about the academic calendar and what it means for their study days. J-School senator Andrew Springer gave his take on the issue.

  • Behind the Scenes: World Leaders Forum

    11:07pm 4/25/10

    Behind the Scenes: World Leaders Forum
    In recent years, Columbia has seen its fair share of influential leaders. From Mahmoud Ahmedinejad of Iran to Nicolas Sarkozy of France, heads of state draw large audiences.
  • Seniors look back

    11:06pm 4/25/10

    Seniors look back
    As seniors anticipate graduation, they reflect upon their experiences that they have had while at Columbia. A few had these words of wisdom to pass on to the rest of the community.
  • Adm. Mullen speaks at World Leaders Forum

    11:16am 4/19/10

    Adm. Mullen speaks at World Leaders Forum

    As part of the ongoing World Leaders Forum, Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff spoke at Columbia today. After having lunch with veterans attending Columbia, Mullen discussed the university's leadership in helping veterans and their relatives obtain an Ivy League Education.

  • Runners race to save lives

    11:14am 4/19/10

    Runners race to save lives

    Each year, Relay for Life seeks to raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer. On Saturday, here at Columbia, students jogged and walked in Dodge Fitness Center for twelve hours in support of this event.

  • Protesters march for safe streets

    11:11am 4/19/10

    Protesters march for safe streets

    Marchers from Take Back the Night paraded around Columbia's main campus in order to reclaim the streets as a safe space for men and women.