The university-sponsored CAA was founded in 2005 and has grown to support over 100 alumni clubs and shared interest groups, an online Alumni Directory and numerous social networks facilitating unlimited connections, a suite of career resources, and opportunities to connect in person through social, cultural, and intellectual programs.

In 2012, Lee C. Bollinger launched a Presidential Task Force to look at the next five years of the CAA.  The CAA 2017 Strategic Plan lies out a healthy future for our Columbia connections and the possibilities of our alma mater, with a focus on five areas:

1. School-based relationships and collaborations
2. Volunteer development and empowerment
3. Best practices 
4. CAA Awareness
5. Communications

Houston has always been home to alumni who pulled us together, including Patrick Sharkey (College, '73), Charles Tate (Business, '72), and many others.

In 2006 a new alumni leadership board was formed in Houston, and Brian Swain and George Worthington became active members. In 2007 Theresa Quintanilla began putting out a newsletter. We've had many wonderful holiday parties and visits from professors and receptions for Columbia artists like Emanuel Ax. More historic images and stories will be added to this web site over time.