Dear Friends,

Community Impact at Columbia University invites you to join us for our 45th Anniversary Soiree, “Constellation,” at The Rotunda at Low Library. This milestone celebration honors 45 years of student-led service that impacts the lives of over 45,000 individuals and families annually and has shaped thousands of student leaders.

“Constellation” brings together and celebrates a collective force of bright lights — alumni, community partners, and student leaders — showcasing Community Impact’s enduring legacy and honoring extraordinary leaders who embody our mission and vision.

Behind every Community Impact program is a remarkable amount of heart and effort. Each year, hundreds of student leaders give their time, creativity, and care to serve neighbors across Upper Manhattan and beyond, in collaboration with more than 100 community partners who make this work possible. “Constellation” will provide an opportunity for the Community Impact family to pause and celebrate the individuals who have come together to light the way forward for 45 years.

We're honored to recognize three luminaries whose work reflects the values at the heart of our mission:

Dr. Dennis A. Mitchell, Dean of the College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University

Dennis has held many leadership roles at Columbia. Most recently, he was senior advisor for Inclusion and Belonging and senior vice provost for Faculty Advancement at Columbia University. He is a professor of Dental Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center.

Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA)

Jennifer is the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FWPA), an anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization representing 170 member agencies and faith partners. Through FWPA, Jones Austin has led and secured monumental reforms to strengthen and empower the marginalized and disenfranchised.

Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League

Marc is the President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation's largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. A former Mayor of New Orleans and Louisiana state senator, Morial is a leading national voice in the fight for jobs, education, housing, health, voting rights, and equity.

Our host for the evening will be Soledad O’Brien. In addition to hosting, she will moderate a fireside chat with Grace Bonilla, CEO of United Way of New York City, who is leading efforts at the forefront of NYC’s rising food insecurity crisis.

Soledad O’Brien, Journalist and CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions

Soledad is an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist, and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, a media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues.

Grace Bonilla, President and CEO, United Way of New York City

Grace leads efforts to advance economic mobility, strengthen community well-being, and expand equitable access to opportunity for New Yorkers across the five boroughs. Under Bonilla’s leadership, UWNYC has launched and scaled initiatives focused on food security, education, healthcare access, and child and family well-being.

Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to this year's Honorary Host Committee, whose leadership and generosity have made this celebration possible:

Host Committee:

Liz Agbor-Tabi Oton, Global Citizen

Melanie Bernitz, Columbia University

Whitney Chiate, Society of Columbia Graduates

Karen Jewett, Community Impact

Rose Kob, Community Impact

Dr. Cheryl Kunis, M.D, Community Impact

Loftin Flowers, Columbia University

Sonia Reese, Community Impact

Marcia Sells, AJ Earl & Associates

Basil Smikle, Jr., Columbia University

Charles Todd, Columbia University

Olger C. Twyner, III, Community Impact

To everyone who has supported Community Impact over the past 45 years, thank you. Your belief in student-led service and community engagement is what keeps our work going, and we would be honored to have you with us at “Constellation” on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at The Rotunda at Low Library as we celebrate this milestone together.

As critical needs rise across New York City and funding sources diminish, Community Impact is facing a critical inflection point. We’re stepping up to meet this moment and your support is needed now more than ever. We invite you to power the next 45 years of Columbia University’s premier values-based student leadership incubator by becoming a sponsor, purchasing a ticket, or making a meaningful donation to Community Impact.

With deep gratitude, 

The Community Impact Team