Welcome from the ALS Alumni Association
Dear Fellow CALS Alumni, It is with gratitude that I accept this opportunity to serve as your leader of the CALS Alumni Association during the next year. As I have reflected over the past few weeks on my goals and wish list of accomplishments for the upcoming year, I have frequently found myself recalling my early years as a Cornellian.
I was a naïve freshman that came from a small farm community to our large institution known as Cornell University. Throughout my four years I was blessed with people that supported me and allowed me to grow into the person I believe I am today. These people included those with direct connections to the University such as professors, fellow students, financial aid staff, alumni, etc. Also included were others that weren’t directly connected to the University: Ithaca community members, parents of fellow students, and my family. All of these people had one value in common… the belief in the institution of Cornell University and its founding mission statement written by Ezra Cornell.
“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” -Ezra Cornell 1868
Ezra was able to see into the future with this founding statement. Cornell University has been, and is today, and will continue to be an institution that values diversity and promotes life-long learning in all areas of study. We, as alumni, have many opportunities to ensure this diversity continues, and to strengthen the Cornell connection to the world we live in. I encourage you to reflect on how the education that you received at Cornell, and how the honor of being a Cornellian has impacted your life. I believe that you will be able to identify many ways that being an alumnus of CALS has made a difference in your life, the life of others, and to the communities in which you are involved. If you have not been directly connected to the University in some manner, I encourage you to consider re-building your connection. Your increased involvement will provide the respite of coming home again.
Several opportunities will be afforded this year to make connections to CALS. We are planning a return to campus weekend retreat in the spring of 2009, the CALS Outstanding Alumni Awards dinner will take place in November, the careers exploration outreach program between alumni and students will be initiating events, and the capital campaign continues to be a priority for ensuring the financial stability and outreach of Cornell University. Another high priority continues to be offering regional events for alumni to connect locally.
Our CALS Alumni Association is growing thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers that support this organization. My predecessors have served us with dedication, foresight, and loyalty. It is my hope to continue this leadership for a stronger College and Alumni Association. I encourage you to contact any of our district leaders or myself to share your thoughts on or about how we can continue our life-long journey of learning and growing.
Sandra J. Gardner, ‘84
2008-2009 CALS Alumni President
The ALS Alumni Association exists to promote fellowship and leadership among alumni and students and to advance the teaching, research, and extension functions of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
To contact us by email: ALSAA@cornell.edu