Come join your fellow Columbia Lions in another in our series of popular Columbia community dinners. This one is Thursday, September 22, at the central Birmingham home of Thomas Libby, the prominent auto industry analyst for S&P Global. He is a graduate of Amherst College and Columbia University, where he earned his MBA.

Tom graciously shared his expertise for five years in our tours of the North American International Automobile Show in Detroit. These exclusive tours led by Tom were among our club’s most popular events and always sold out — and no wonder.  They offered a special opportunity to hear an automotive expert with more than 25 years in the business share his intimate knowledge of the U.S. new and used vehicle industries.

Our event on September 22 starts on Tom’s patio, weather permitting, at 6 p.m. We'll begin with a little ice breaker where alumni will introduce themselves, so you'll get a chance to meet your fellow grads in a casual and fun atmosphere.

Then, just prior to dinner, Tom will offer a brief overview and his thoughts about this year’s greatly reimagined Detroit auto show at Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center). This year’s public auto show runs inside — and outside — the convention center September 17-25.

Our community dinner will be catered by Union Woodshop of Clarkston, renowned for its slow-smoked BBQ. A vegetarian gluten-free mac & cheese dish will be part of the menu. Dinner will be offered buffet style inside Tom’s home at 7 p.m. We will provide bottles of water. If you want something different to drink, please bring a beverage to share, from soda to wine and beer, whatever you wish. Guests will be kindly requested to remove shoes when going inside to protect floors and carpeting. 

The suggested minimum donation for dinner is $20 per person.

Due to space limitations, attendance is restricted to just 30 people, including any guests. Each Columbia grad is limited to just one guest. We expect this event to sell out very quickly.  Be sure to RSVP early with your donation to gain one of the limited spots. The event address will be provided to those who secure a space.