Shared Stories, Collective Impact: Community Impact Celebrates 45 Years of Public Service

On the morning of Friday, April 17, Lerner Hall came alive with music, gratitude, and the particular energy that fills a room when a community recognizes itself. Community Impact's annual Public Service Celebration and Awards Breakfast drew a capacity crowd of students, staff, faculty, neighbors, and civic leaders to mark the organization's 45th anniversary — and to honor the people and institutions who give that history its meaning.

This year's theme “Shared Stories, Collective Impact” - set the tone for a morning that wove together individual recognition and collective purpose. From the opening notes of the Columbia University Gospel Choir to the final round of applause, the event reflected what becomes possible when an institution and its surrounding communities — Harlem, Morningside Heights, and Washington Heights — choose to show up for one another, year after year.

Interim Executive Director Kenneth N. Ebie opened the program with a welcome that grounded the celebration in CI's enduring mission. Board of Directors Co-Chairs Jonathan Barbee and Jacqueline Blackett helped set the vision for the morning, and the event was brought to life through the work of the Special Events Committee, led by Board Member Heather Burns.

"CI's mission is simple: to advance the public good by engaging Columbia University students in high-quality service, in partnership with community organizations, developing student leadership, meeting critical community needs, and fostering an environment of mutual respect between the University and its surrounding communities."

— Kenneth N. Ebie, Interim Executive Director, Community Impact

The breakfast recognized seven distinguished honorees whose careers reflect the breadth and depth of public service across New York City.

• The Class of 2026 Honorees (left to right)
• Majority Leader Shaun Abreu (CC '14) - New York City Council, District 7
• Leila Bozorg - Deputy Mayor of Housing and Planning, City of New York
• Richard R. Buery, Jr. - CEO, Robin Hood Foundation
• Gerrard P. Bushell, PhD (CC '83) - Chairman and Partner, Carlyle Airport Group Holdings
• Joan E. Griffith-Lee - Director, Columbia Community Service
• Reverend Dr. Serene Jones - President, Union Theological Seminary
• The Literacy Assistance Center - Partner Honoree

Alongside the civic honorees, Community Impact celebrated eleven student volunteers whose contributions across its programs represent the next generation of public service. Each was recognized not only for their hours of service, but for the dedication and consistency they bring to their roles every week.

Perhaps the most memorable moment of the morning came with the introduction of a new Community Impact tradition: the awarding of Service Cords to graduating seniors who have volunteered with CI. The cords, worn at commencement, offer a visible acknowledgment of each graduate’s impact beyond the campus gates — that in addition to being a Columbia student, they were neighbors and leaders.

Ricardo receiving his Service cords. 

A special service cord was presented to Community Impact staffer Ricardo Bustamante, who will graduate from Columbia's School of Professional Studies in May. Bustamante's recognition drew a sustained ovation — a fitting tribute to someone who has lived the organization's mission from the inside.

Lerner Hall Room 555 was filled to capacity.

As the Breakfast drew to a close and guests lingered in conversation over the hum of the room, the morning's theme felt less like a slogan and more like a description of what had just taken place: shared stories, brought together under one roof, adding up to something larger than any of them alone. Community Impact enters its next 45 years with that same conviction — and a community that continues to show up to prove it true.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors, donors, and community members whose generosity made the 2026 Public Service Celebration and Awards Breakfast possible. Events like this one do not happen without the sustained commitment of those who believe in the mission — and whose support ensures that the work of building stronger, more connected communities continues long after the morning is over. To everyone who gave their time, resources, and presence: thank you. More images from this phenomenal celebration can be found here. 

Join Us: Continue to Celebrate and Support Community Impact's 45th Year

The Public Service Celebration and Awards Breakfast was just the beginning. In honor of our 45th anniversary, Community Impact has planned a full year of meaningful opportunities to connect, give back, and be part of the story — and we want you there.

Whether you're an alum looking to reconnect, a student ready to deepen your engagement, or a community member who believes in the power of service, there is a place for you in what comes next. This year's lineup includes CI Alumni Workshops, where former volunteers and staff can share their journeys and inspire the next generation; our marquee 45th Anniversary Gala in the Fall, a milestone celebration not to be missed; the CI/GVA Fellows Showcase, highlighting the extraordinary work of our summer fellows; Cultivation Events designed to build and strengthen relationships across our community and partner network; and Impact(ED) Events for students looking to deepen their understanding of public policy, cultivate their skills, and further their interest in community-centered service.

Each of these events is an invitation — to reconnect with CI's mission, to invest in the communities that have shaped this organization for four and a half decades, and to help write the next chapter together. 

Please check out our website and stay tuned for opportunities to get involved during this anniversary year. We look forward to seeing you!