On Thursday, May 1, 2025, ISHR hosted an event for its graduating students. Faculty, staff, returning and graduating students enjoyed an evening celebrating student accomplishments and were treated to special performances by graduating students. ISHR’s Executive Director, Joseph Slaughter, gave the opening remarks and Gergana Halpern, Deputy Director introduced the graduating class.
Elena Cata, a recent alum of the Human Rights Studies MA Program and the graduating class representative, delivered remarks reflecting on the state of human rights in the world, solidarity and the meaning of being a human rights student at Columbia, and prospects for human rights careers.
The department recognized student award winners and honors recipients. The Director of Undergraduate Studies Glenn Mitoma introduced the Phi Beta Kappa Inductees, the Kraft Prize winners, and the recipients of Departmental Honors. Jackie Dugard, Director of Graduate Studies, recognized the Essay Contest and Thesis Competition winners, and the Human Rights Research Award recipients.
Julia Mannes, Undergraduate Education Manager, introduced the Undergraduate Human Rights Program Student Performer, Claudia Sachs. Claudia performed an original song titled “Future of Humanity,” which she authored and performs at climate strikes.
Anna Miller, Graduate Program Manager, welcomed HRSMA Student Performer, Sara Al-Emadi who shared an original poem titled “To Begin Again”
