The Cornell University Board of Trustees has included alumni-elected members since 1874. All alumni are encouraged to participate in this tradition by casting their vote this February. Voting begins on Saturday, February 1, 2025, and it concludes on Friday, February 28, 2025.
The Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations (CATN) has endorsed four candidates on this year’s ballot:
Paul Hayre ’91
Joy O. Higa ’89
Elizabeth Dunn von Keyserling Lynch ’90, DVM ’95
Karen E. Stewart ’85In addition, there are two unendorsed candidates on the ballot who each filed a petition with alumni signatures:
Cindy Crawford MBA ’90
J. Kennerly (Ken) Davis, Jr. ’68Prepare to cast your vote by learning more about each candidate.
Paul Hayre ’91
Why did you choose Cornell?
Cornell Engineering is world-renowned, so I jumped at the chance to see campus during April Admit Days. Throughout that visit, I experienced so many new things in a short time, all leading to an undeniable conclusion: Cornell was the right place for me.
Paired with another admitted student, we went to classes, ate in dining halls, roamed quads, and sampled nightlife—sharing impressions all along the way. Cornell was fabulous in every way I did not know I wanted: hills, gorges, plantations, birds, flowers, engaging people, storied buildings, and Cornell ice cream! That last item was farming, chemistry, and process engineering all swirled into one delicious outcome.
I had found a gorgeous place where engineering and the humanities routinely collided to offer unlimited opportunities to try, learn, and build new things. It was after that Ithaca campus visit that I knew I found my next home.
Describe an experience you had at Cornell that is especially meaningful today. Why is it still so important to you?
Serving on the student assembly, we took a stand that Cornell should divest from companies operating in Apartheid South Africa. The administration, much like today, struggled at the intersection of global politics and academic mission.
Lacking jurisdiction, our role was advocacy, working tirelessly with President Frank H.T. Rhodes and the Board of Trustees while protests erupted, a sit-in ensued, and a peaceful encampment was constructed. I took that voice and agency to heart and worked constructively within Cornell, and the roles and responsibilities I embraced then remain with me today: thinking big, speaking up, and acting with conscience.
As similar protests erupt on campuses today, I carry forward those lessons and, as a trustee, will help maintain that same delicate balance to foster academic freedom, encourage dialogue, and guide ethical and equitable progress.
Consider a problem in the world today. How are Cornell students and/or experts uniquely positioned to address it?
“… Any person … any study” defines and sets Cornell apart: No other university offers an extraordinary depth of expertise across such a breadth of disciplines. Where else in the world can plant and animal scientists, economists and rural sociologists, lawyers and engineers, all intersect their paths to create world-changing innovations?
At home in Ithaca, some students struggle with food insecurity, while the global community struggles with both famine and waste. Tackling these far-reaching challenges requires cross-disciplinary collaboration to design effective new behaviors, policies, technologies, and solutions. Simply put, complex challenges cannot be solved within a single discipline.
Cornell uniquely brings both depth and breadth of expertise to confront our most pressing global challenges.
What calls you to volunteer service for Cornell?
For what the Cornell experience was and is for me, I wish that it can be such a Cornell experience for others. My time on the Hill was shaped by innumerable opportunities to live, learn, and grow, made possible by staff, students, faculty, and the Ithaca community.
Now, years later, I find immense purpose in giving back, sharing experiences so others might learn from my stumbles and leaps alike. Also, volunteering with other passionate Cornellians, now dear friends, along with a shared purpose, is both great fun and truly moves the needle in advancing fundraising, academics, and meaningful change across the university.
I do what I do out of deep gratitude, paying forward what was so generously given to me.
Joy O. Higa ’89
Why did you choose Cornell?
Growing up in Hawaii, it was my high school counselor who opened my eyes to the possibility of a place like Cornell. While initially interested in pre-med studies, I was fascinated by all the courses in that Big Red catalog. I was struck by the ability to study biology in three colleges, each offering different ways to concentrate, apply, and pursue learning. The more I discovered, the more I thought this would be a great place for me.
While I was excited about Cornell, I was nervous too. I was a winter newbie who didn’t quite understand details like the kind of boots I’d really need for the snow. I still remember my freshman advisor and suitemates each offering to take me shopping to get those ubiquitous duck boots. That kindness confirmed my Cornell decision, and more moments like those made all the difference in my college transition—I’ll never forget them.
Describe an experience you had at Cornell that is especially meaningful today. Why is it still so important to you?
I worked as a Day Hall campus tour guide during my junior and senior years and the summer in between. In addition to the fine art of walking backward while talking and pointing, I loved the opportunity to share so much about Cornell, whether fun facts about our history and traditions or information about academics, research, and campus life. Engaging with visitors to campus also prompted reflections on my own why: Why Cornell?
Why in the world did you come to Cornell from Hawaii—and stay? What kind of major is biology and society, and how will you find a job? What is there to do if you’re so far from a big city? And so many other questions. I think back on some of those conversations and love that what I thought then—about why Cornell is special—still rings true to me today.
Consider a problem in the world today. How are Cornell students and/or experts uniquely positioned to address it?
Through its scholarship and ability to work effectively across disciplines, Cornell is uniquely able to address many of our global challenges. One of these is the amazing velocity of technological change—realize that the mobile phone took 16 years to reach 100 million users while ChatGPT took only two months! This pace brings both excitement and trepidation as we hear about personalized medicine and autonomous vehicles while legal, ethical, workforce, and other issues are yet to be addressed.
By bringing together experts across the sciences, medicine, ethics, public policy, and other disciplines, the Cornell AI Initiative enables consideration of these issues as we develop new technologies and applications. This approach positions Cornell to keep pace with the dynamic environment, share key learnings and ideas, and promote open discussion on these complex issues.
What calls you to volunteer service for Cornell?
I think it’s all about paying it forward. I remember how generous Cornellians were with their time when I first explored career options or started off in a new city. While I enjoy volunteering across different regional, class, college, and university programs, engaging with students and young alumni continues to resonate with me.
Recently, a young alumna I met through an informational interview reconnected with me to share the exciting news that she had joined a rotational program within my company. Another alumna who attended a networking brunch at my home as a student twenty years ago is now an active mentor, volunteer, and President’s Council of Cornell Women (PCCW) member. Connecting with students as they transition to the “real world,” staying connected with them on their life journeys, and seeing them give back—all inspire me to serve Cornell.
Elizabeth Dunn von Keyserling Lynch ’90, DVM ’95
Why did you choose Cornell?
When I was in second grade, a veterinarian came to speak to the class. After the presentation, I went up to say that I wanted to do what he did. He replied that if I wanted to be a veterinarian, then I should go to the best vet school in the world: Cornell. So, at the tender age of seven, I decided that was my goal.
Throughout high school, I worked for Cornell veterinarians. Their passion and love of Cornell cemented the idea that Cornell, ranked number one, was the best school for veterinary medicine. I applied early decision to the College of Arts and Sciences—my only application—and I was thankfully accepted as a biology major. After, I was fortunate to intern at the Bronx Zoo under the tutelage of a Cornell vet. An acceptance to the College of Veterinary Medicine followed. My love for Cornell has continued to grow over the years. I never had a doubt that Cornell was the right place for me.
Describe an experience you had at Cornell that is especially meaningful today. Why is it still so important to you?
I remember many nights sitting on the floor of my dorm room trying to convince my roommate that she was making a grave mistake. Upon graduation from Cornell, she was to enter into an arranged marriage. I was shocked. Didn’t she have the right to choose her life partner? Back and forth we went, both certain that the other was wrong. Her point was that who in the world knew her better than her own parents? She felt that they were best qualified to choose her husband. As an American, this way of thinking was a revelation for me.
I received an excellent academic education from Cornell. Equally important were the experiences of living with students from other countries, with different perspectives and from different cultures. This had a tremendous impact on my life. These Cornell experiences continue to shape how I see and understand the world today.
Consider a problem in the world today. How are Cornell students and/or experts uniquely positioned to address it?
Our world is changing, and the resulting problems require a multi-disciplinary approach. Cornell uniquely offers “… any person … any study” and access to any college. Many departments span several colleges. In the past decade, there has been an emphasis on collaboration across disciplines at Cornell. Cornell has created nexuses that draw on multiple areas of expertise (e.g., Brooks School, Cornell Atkinson, and public health). Breaking down barriers and eliminating siloes, has allowed unorthodox and creative solutions to come forward.
At Cornell, there’s a lot of talk about “the secret sauce.” I think it’s more like a hearty soup, with many ingredients mixing together to flavor the end product. This culture of radical collaboration is why I believe Cornell is uniquely positioned to continue to solve many of the world’s problems today.
What calls you to volunteer service for Cornell?
I am a proud and loyal supporter and have been deeply involved with Cornell for most of my life. I remember the words of Frank H.T. Rhodes, who instructed Cornell volunteers: “Noses in, fingers out.” I have served on many councils and committees for my class, college, and the university, where I sought to collaborate and contribute.
I understand the inner workings of Cornell, the many strengths, and the challenges. I always endeavor to learn more. My professional experience will help me to make complex decisions about the direction of the university. I believe that I have the capacity to absorb the information, synthesize it, and use sound judgment to further the mission of Cornell.
I am indebted to Cornell for my education, my veterinary career, my husband, and my life’s purpose. I am willing to answer the call to do what is needed to ensure the continuation of the excellence of Cornell.
Karen E. Stewart ’85
Why did you choose Cornell?
I chose Cornell because of the wide range of study options, academic excellence, and diverse student body that would offer me the opportunity to interact with people from across the country and world.
While browsing my high school’s college resources, I came across the College of Arts and Sciences catalog. The cover featured a beautiful photo of the clock tower surrounded by vibrant red and orange autumn leaves and stately grey stone buildings. Intrigued, I opened the catalog and was energized by the variety of majors and academic options. I especially appreciated that I could apply without declaring a major, as I, like many high school students, had no idea what I wanted to study. I added Cornell to my list and was thrilled when, at the end of the admissions process, Cornell and I chose each other. It remains one of the best decisions of my life.
Describe an experience you had at Cornell that is especially meaningful today. Why is it still so important to you?
My journey at Cornell started off rocky. I arrived in Ithaca from Florida extremely late with two giant suitcases, missing all the move-in and team-bonding activities. I was assigned to Sheldon Court, a new dorm in Collegetown intended for upper-level students.
While people in the dorm were pleasant and helpful if I asked a question, I was not making friends. I realized I would be in a better position to build community and make friends if I lived on campus with more activities and a wider selection of students. I persistently worked with the housing office and secured a room in Balch. There, I finally began to make friends and feel connected.
That experience of starting without a community makes me passionate about supporting initiatives that help students feel welcome and connected to university resources. I am committed to expanding programs that give students a true sense of belonging.
Consider a problem in the world today. How are Cornell students and/or experts uniquely positioned to address it?
Water scarcity: I became interested in water management after noticing institutional investors buying up water sources. Cornell offers several initiatives addressing water management and scarcity on local, national, and international levels.
One program I have supported is the AguaClara program. It gives undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to enhance their education with hands-on experiences involving projects with real-life applications. With local input, students design sustainable treatment systems that run without electricity, making them cost-efficient, scalable, and adaptable to community needs. They use locally sourced materials and labor so that these systems are environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. The treatment systems are also community-owned and governed. AguaClara is currently serving over 25 communities in Central America and India.
What calls you to volunteer service for Cornell?
I volunteer because I believe in Cornell’s mission and enjoy helping organizations and individuals to find solutions to issues of concern. Eight months into my tenure as PCCW chair, the pandemic was declared. It came to my attention that access to childcare in Ithaca was getting scarce because of the cost of protective gear, and distancing rules meant they had to reduce the number of children they could accept.
The steering committee and I wanted to provide support to reduce some of the stress. We approved a $50K grant for a local childcare facility where staff and faculty took their children during the workday. PCCW grants disbursement process is typically within Cornell, so I worked with staff to set up a temporary external disbursement process. Gratitude for all the staff who helped us to make this grant.
Cindy Crawford MBA ’90
Why did you choose Cornell?
I came to Cornell as a 22-year-old recent math graduate who wanted to study something practical—hence business school. Cornell was willing to take a chance on me when many elite programs required a certain amount of aging before they were willing to open the bottle.
I also wanted to take a chance by changing coasts, environments, and approaches. At the same time, moving to Ithaca had a certain “coming home” quality because my grandparents’ farm is only about a half-hour away. I quickly found both—from the fresh smell of the air that told me I was in a place I loved, to the rapid-fire business school schedule that was so different from the hours of quiet study that my undergrad required.
Cornell also exposed me to people with different ways of problem-solving and views of the world.
Describe an experience you had at Cornell that is especially meaningful today. Why is it still so important to you?
I played ice hockey on the business school women’s team. We went to the annual business school tournament at Dartmouth. That was the first time I was in a competitive environment with other business schools where the characters of the schools were very evident.
Cornell and Dartmouth had well-deserved reputations for being nice. But “nice” didn’t mean we didn’t fight hard and focus on winning. It meant we competed fairly and treated our competitors cordially and with respect.
My experience from that time has been similar both in business and in law. People who fight hard but are cordial and respectful make the best colleagues. They also make the best adversaries because they leave open the possibility of reaching an outcome that works for everyone, as well as the possibility of working together when both may end up on the same side.
Consider a problem in the world today. How are Cornell students and/or experts uniquely positioned to address it?
Cornell is uniquely positioned to address the challenge of slow-moving poisoning by our food supply. The world has made enormous strides in expanding the capacity of agricultural and food processing systems to satisfy the needs of a growing population. Such advances also have ensured that food can remain edible for long periods of time with minimal waste.
But it has become increasingly clear that these advances have embedded harmful and/or risky elements in the food we eat. Efforts to improve the healthfulness of diets so that safe-for-today also means safe-in-the-long-run will be hampered if improvement is unduly costly or inconvenient. Cornell provides a broad range of study relating to food quality—from agriculture, to chemistry, to engineering, to food preparation and thus is uniquely positioned to make major contributions to improving the healthfulness of our food supply.
What calls you to volunteer service for Cornell?
There are times when need matches the skills one has to offer. I have not focused on building a Cornell-centered resume and typically direct my volunteer time toward legal development or my kids’ schools—keeping things close to home.
But we are at a tipping point in which all elite universities, and Cornell in particular, must decide whether they will remain beacons of learning or acquiesce to demands for censorship, conformity, and political activism. It is relatively easy to pay homage to free expression and diversity of thought. But it can be difficult to uphold those values when confronted by aggressive attempts to shout down (or shut down) that support.
I have dedicated my professional life to those issues, and I can guide and defend an incoming administration that is going to face severe challenges and tough decisions that will inevitably spawn outrage, whether real or feigned.
J. Kennerly (Ken) Davis, Jr. ’68
Why did you choose Cornell?
I was a high school sophomore in 1962 when President Kennedy challenged our nation to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade. I was very interested in astronomy and science, generally, and widely read in the classics of science fiction. JFK’s call to action fired my imagination. My grades in demanding courses were good, and my SAT scores were high.
A neighbor and Cornell alumnus recommended the College of Engineering. A campus visit was followed by a successful application for admission. I soon discovered that a solid preparatory education and a genuine interest in science did not necessarily translate to success in engineering. I struggled and considered withdrawing, but the associate dean of arts suggested I transfer and focus on government. I did and flourished ever since. Demanding academic standards are essential to helping students identify what they are truly suited to do.
Describe an experience you had at Cornell that is especially meaningful today. Why is it still so important to you?
The inspiring professors in Cornell’s government department in the 1960s had a profound impact on me. Their powerful intellects and committed teaching instilled a love of learning, and a deep and lasting appreciation of the humanity-affirming values of Western civilization and classical liberalism that define and animate American exceptionalism.
Their insistence on academic excellence taught me that the secret to happiness through any of life’s work is earned success. And the devastation wrought upon these good scholars and all of Cornell by the shameful capitulation of President James Perkins to the armed occupation of Willard Straight Hall by campus radicals taught me forever that constitutionally compliant enforcement of the law and rule-based order is absolutely essential to protecting and preserving the integrity of the academic enterprise and, indeed, all of civil society.
Consider a problem in the world today. How are Cornell students and/or experts uniquely positioned to address it?
The development of an effective solution to any problem must be based on a commitment to pursue the truth, to approach the complexity of our world with inquisitive humility, and to pursue solutions to its problems through the iterative application of empirical analysis to identify the most cost-effective practical solution. This approach embraces the open-minded rationalism of the Enlightenment and rejects ideologies that threaten Enlightenment values. It embraces the freedom of thought and speech that defines our humanity and rejects the use of administrative power to force intellectual conformity.
The vision of Andrew Dickson White and Ezra Cornell gives life and direction to a system of education that fosters this approach to the world and its problems. If Cornell remains faithful to this vision, its students and experts will indeed be uniquely positioned to address the problems of the world.
What calls you to volunteer service for Cornell?
For two decades as a volunteer leader of the Federalist Society, I have sought to enhance general understanding of the transcendency of our nation’s humanity-affirming founding principles and the vital importance of the U.S. Constitution that defends these principles. I have done so through blog posts, op-eds, articles, podcasts, speeches to students and adults across the country, media interviews, and the development of viewpoint-diverse panel programs.
Called to this service as a citizen lawyer, I serve Cornell by advancing principles of government, including freedom of speech, that support directly the democratic system of education envisioned by Andrew Dickson White and Ezra Cornell. When Thomas Jefferson wrote of the “pursuit of happiness,” he meant the opportunity to enlarge human experience through the life of the mind and spirit, the kind of opportunity offered by Cornell to any person in any study.
