Columbia and New York, New York and Columbia

(From " This is Columbia University")

Columbia University and New York City have grown up together for more than 200 years. During this time, the University and the City have used their combined resources to advance the human interests to their community and of society as a whole.

At the turn of the last century* Pres. Low envisioned the Momingside Heights campus**, newly built in a style recalling Greek temples and Roman halls, as a place where " civic enterprise and independent scholarship would work together as equal partners for man's improvement and progress." His simultaneous interest in the growing University and the expanding City was typical over the years, 14 mayors of New York City and 10 governors of the state have graduated from Columbia. Today, approximately one-third of Columbia's 90, 000 alumni*** live and work in the New York area as lawyers, journalists, scientists, publishers, business executives, artists, and financiers.

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* at the turn of the century – на рубежевеков

** campus– университетский городок

*** alumnus (pi. alumni, alimnae) (Lat.) = a graduate– выпускник университета

Since its founding in 1754, Columbia University has attracted students interested in the issues of their times. Even before the revolution, King's College, renamed Columbia College in 1787, began to develop the impressive curriculum that resulted in its designation, in 1912, as Columbia University. Instruction in engineering, law and medicine, as well as liberal arts was available before 1800.By the turn of the century, Barnard College for women, the Graduate Faculties of Philosophy and of Pure Science, the schools of Architecture and the Political Science, and Teachers College had been established. Since 1900, the University has grown to include more than 20 schools and programs for undergraduate and graduate study in disciplines as diverse as the arts, business, health sciences, international affairs, liberal arts, library service, and social work.

Columbia University is a magnet for leaders in the arts and politics as well as for prominent scholars in all academic fields. Art exhibits, commercial and student-made films, poetry readings, concerts, dance recitals, and every other sort of musical experience are offered on the campus. Whether directly or indirectly related to the students course of study, participation in the City's activities stimulates the individual and narrows the gap* between learning and living.

Assignments:

1. Speak on the history of Columbia University.

2. Explain why the University today is a magnet for leadersin thearts and politics, for prominent scholars in all fields.

3. Say what particularly strikes you in Columbia University.

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* to narrow the gap – уменьшить разрыв