An Improbable Life

Columbians-and all readers-will love and be moved by Mike's inspiring and personal story and his remarkable contributions to a great university during turbulent-and not so turbulent-times. The range of adventures extends to many notables-from Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Salman Rushdie to Joe DiMaggio, Harry Belafonte, and the Rolling Stones. The most notable, of course, is Michael Sovern: student, professor, dean, provost, president, and celebrated intellectual. -- David Stern, commissioner, National Basketball Association, and chair emeritus, Columbia University Board of Trustees There really is nothing 'improbable' at all about the life of Michael Sovern, one of the finest leaders of higher education this country has produced. His brilliance and principled character are apparent on every page of this wonderful memoir. -- Vartan Gregorian, president, Carnegie Corporation of New York Although the peak of his career was as president of Columbia University, Michael Sovern was first and foremost a teacher. His memoir certainly demonstrates this fact. All readers, whether Columbians or not, will find something to learn from his remarkable life story. From his childhood in the South Bronx to becoming the youngest full professor in Columbia's history to almost becoming a Supreme Court nominee, Mike's life story is riveting, illuminating, and educational. -- Bill Campbell, chair, Columbia University Board of Trustees, and chair of the board, Intuit, Inc.