A Seriousness of Purpose and a Sense of Playfulness

"I first met Dean Valentini when we both served on the GS Committee on Instruction (COI), chaired by another Columbia legend, Peter Awn. In what were serious discussions faced by the committee, Jim was always an active and thoughtful participant. What was even more important was his willingness to engage in playful banter with me, often at his own expense. That sense of playfulness continued when he became the boss of the combined COI and in our frequent interactions at campus events. That’s what I will remember and cherish most about Jim’s time as dean — an absolute seriousness of purpose combined with an engaging personality. And of course both combined with a love of Columbia that leave a great legacy for the University."

Sunil Gulati
The Michael K. Dakolias Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Economics