Charter Day

Charter Day is the anniversary of Columbia's "official" founding on October 31, 1754, the date on which acting Governor DeLancey signed a royal charter for King's College on behalf of King George II. Yes, Columbia was founded on Halloween.

At various points in Columbia's history Charter Day was actually a 'thing'- there'd be speeches and other good stuff.

Alternatively, Charter Day can be April 13, 1787, the date on which the New York State legislature passed the charter constituting Columbia College as a private institution.