The Low Down

The Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) includes over 100 communities around the world connecting thousands each year -- a web of professional development and exclusive access to local culture -- creating Columbia in your backyard. Here are some of this year's highlights:

In case you haven't heard, data science is huge right now. Not only did Columbia make headlines when it first offered a masters degree in data science in 2013, but Columbia is also launching a new data science open online course. 

Now, if you're scratching your head because you don't know what data science is, you basically think of it as being the process of extracting insights and new understanding from data. Or (as I like to think of it) data science is the process of translating the story that data is telling. And, arguably, one of the fastest growing mediums for storytelling is podcasts. So, podcasts about data science? Well, that's a marriage made in digital heaven.

If you're curious about the stories that the world's data is telling, have we got some podcasts for you. Here are four of the best data science podcasts to listen to, whether you're a science nerd, math geek, machine-obsessed, or just like a good story:

[November 16, 2015] -- Today, Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger formally dedicated the Susan K. Feagin Welcome Center at the Columbia Alumni Center “in recognition of her extraordinary accomplishments and exemplary service to the University,” according to a special Trustee resolution.

“The defining characteristic of Susan’s extraordinary accomplishments lies in her deep capacity to draw people in and to work together to achieve seemingly unattainable goals.  Columbia, and higher education generally, have been the grateful beneficiaries of this remarkable ability,” said President Lee C. Bollinger.  “It is most appropriate that we celebrate her achievements here, in the house that Susan built.”

Susan Feagin ’74GS has had a distinguished career at Columbia, most recently as special advisor to President Bollinger. From 2003 to 2010, she served as the executive vice president for University development and alumni relations, during which time she brought together alumni, donors, and friends to achieve the largest fundraising effort in Ivy League history, the $6.1 billion Columbia Campaign. 

(Photo: Ample Hills Creamery)

Brooklyn Brewery co-founder Tom Potter '83BUS is among several investors, including the founders of Seamless, to raise $4 million in funding for Ample Hills Creamery, a popular ice cream shop chain in Brooklyn. 

Isabel Lerer '10GSAS, '12GSAS, '15GSAS found a way to turn her passion for animals into a successful $40 million startup.  

 (Photo: The Dodo via Business Insider)

It has been a year since Dr. Craig Spencer '13PH became New York City’s first and only Ebola patient. Shortly after returning from his time with Doctors Without Borders in Guinea in October 2014, he entered Bellevue Hospital with a 100.3 degree temperature and was admitted to the infectious-disease unit until he received a clean bill of health 19 days later.

Spencer's diagnosis brought more attention to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and raised questions about exposure, treatment, prevention, and resources with regards to the disease. In the year since his hospital stay, progress has been made in the battle against Ebola. But, in West Africa, the fight is far from over.

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, we delight in serving up Columbia's own moveable feast - an intellectual compilation of history, recipes, chefs, and even food startups coming out of Columbia University.

When it comes to success, Maryam Banikarim '89BC, '93BUS, '93SIPA has figured out the perfect balance.

The global chief marketing officer of Hyatt Hotels brings her unique perspective to the brand, but values the opinions of those who have been in the field longer.

"When you come from the outside you look at things from a different lens. You might see different opportunities,” she told the Miami Herald. "But it's a combination of the view from outside, plus the expertise of those who know the business coming together that help you see a new path forward."

Banikarim told the Herald that leaders need to surround themselves with people of different backgrounds.

"People who aren't afraid to voice their opinions," she added.

Earlier in the year, Banikarim told Fortune that being patient is key in the workplace.

"When you come into a new organization, you have to spend a good amount of time listening and learning, and you have to come up with that process for listening and learning," she said. "You have to take the time to understand the nuances before coming up with a plan forward. I have learned that lesson over time, and it is a particularly important one as I think I about this next stage."

 Banikarim is an active alumna, serving on the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) board, the CAA Alumni Outreach and Services Committee, and the Barnard Professional and Leadership Development Committee (PLDC).

"I spent many years at Columbia and I loved every minute of it," she said. "I made great friends, learned a lot and came into myself. I'm happy to share my love of all things Columbia with others."

Click to read more of Banikarim's success secrets in the Miami Herald and Fortune.

Follow Banikarim on Twitter @maryamb and check out her recent interview with Columbia Business School. 

It’s that time of year when we think about and celebrate the things we are thankful for, and there is no shortage of things to be thankful for when it comes to our 320,000+ alumni across the globe. With this selection of top 18 reasons we love our alumni worldwide, we thank you! 

Tell us what you're thankful for with #LoveColumbia on social media.