Paul M. Cashman ’73 and Ginger K. So ’79 began their roles as alumni-elected trustees on July 1, following their election to the Cornell University Board of Trustees in spring 2024. They share their hopes and expectations in their new positions.

What is your primary focus in your first year as a trustee?

Paul M. Cashman ’73: The Board of Trustees has a dozen committees covering everything from compensation to student life, auditing to academics. New trustees are encouraged to attend as many of these committees as possible during the first year, in order to determine which committees they would like to be assigned to in their second year. So like all new trustees, my primary focus in my first year will be to come up to speed on the many issues that the board works on, to get to know as many of my fellow trustees as possible, and to understand where I can make the greatest contribution through my committee assignments.

Ginger K. So ’79: My foremost goal is to do a deep-dive into how the university functions—to learn how I can meaningfully contribute in a manner that enhances Cornell as a premier learning and research institution, one that is also sustainable and affordable. I will listen, promote a healthy learning environment, and respect all voices in challenging times so we can find sustainable solutions that are consistent with our core values and founding ethos. I will also be mindful of unexpected events that may impact the Cornell community to ensure that the university can be nimble.

How will your service on the board help to do the greatest good for current students?

Cashman: The Board of Trustees is mainly focused on long-term issues of preserving Cornell, in all its aspects, for future generations of students. The board carries out its responsibilities by dealing with issues such as responsible asset and financial management, faculty growth and excellence, preserving affordable access, and choosing and supporting outstanding leaders. At the same time, though, the vicissitudes of life, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the October 7 Hamas terror attack and the subsequent war in Gaza, sometimes demand board actions that can’t be anticipated or planned for. It is the board’s response to these events that most affect current students. I think a trustee’s greatest power and responsibility in these situations is to ask questions, get answers, listen to as many people and segments of campus opinion as possible, and work to achieve a board consensus based on the best and widest possible information.

So: I will bring my perspective as a first-generation student who attended Cornell on financial aid with my extensive alumni volunteer experience and my work in financial risk and strategic sustainable solutions. I will support academic excellence, affordability efforts, and student and alumni programs that deepen the ties between university and alumni to promote mentorship, engagement, and development opportunities. I am excited about the discoveries and research undertaken by our students and faculty across all academic disciplines and support an interdisciplinary approach across multiple campuses so Cornell can address global challenges.

How has your past experience with Cornell helped you prepare for this role?

Cashman: In five decades as a Cornell volunteer, with leadership roles spanning class, club, and alumni-wide organizations, I’ve talked and worked with people ranging from prospective and current students, to alumni who graduated before I was born, to university staff, faculty, and officials. I’ve learned to listen, to reconcile divergent viewpoints, to build consensus, and to navigate the university’s way of doing things (the “Big Red Tape,” as a staffer once called it). While I suspect that being a trustee will expose me to whole new levels of complexity, I believe the skills I honed as a volunteer leader will help me to work effectively with my new colleagues.

So: In my extensive volunteer experience participating, leading, and starting clubs, I have kept alumni connected, strengthening class, regional, and affinity groups that keep Cornell strong. I strive to deepen the connection in fun ways. I have worked with University Council, CAAAN, Alumni Association, Mosaic, the Cornell Asian Alumni Association, my class, and local clubs to financially support student activities, promote mentorship, while bringing together alumni groups that don’t know each other and encouraging them to become active Cornellians. I have also particapated in major development drives, in the recruitment and interviewing for senior staff positions, and have worked with faculty in support of academic programs to enhance Cornell.