CUIMC’s “Longest Table” Brings Community Together

The Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) is proud to be part of the vibrant community highlighted in CUIMC’s recent “Longest Table” initiative, a campus-wide event designed to foster connection and belonging among students, faculty, and staff.

Held on January 29, the Longest Table brought together 65 students from across Columbia University Irving Medical Center schools to share a meal and engage in meaningful conversation. The initiative aims to transform shared dining into an opportunity for dialogue, relationship-building, and cross-disciplinary connection.

Participants reflected on the value of stepping outside their usual academic circles. Students noted that the event created space to learn about peers’ academic journeys, research interests, and professional aspirations, while faculty and staff appreciated the opportunity to connect with students in a more informal and personal setting.

Events like the Longest Table underscore CUIMC’s commitment to community engagement and student well-being—values that closely align with IHN’s mission to cultivate collaboration across disciplines in advancing nutrition science, education, and public health.