Lee C. Bollinger served as the President Emeritus and Seth Low Professor at Columbia University from 2002 to 2023, marking the longest tenure of any Ivy League president in the modern era. Throughout his presidency, he was a prominent advocate for freedom of expression and diversity in higher education. He held a J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.S. from the University of Oregon, contributing significantly to Columbia's academic landscape. Bollinger was instrumental in various transformative initiatives to ensure the university's status as one of the world's leading institutions. His efforts included the establishment of the Columbia Climate School, expansion of the Data Science Institute, and the creation of Columbia Global Centers to engage with diverse cultures globally. He also focused on enhancing student diversity and financial aid, reflecting a commitment to making education accessible. His notable awards include the National Humanitarian Award, the Clark Kerr Award, and multiple honorary degrees. Bollinger is recognized for his scholarly contributions, particularly regarding free speech and affirmative action, and he has authored several notable works on these subjects.