Please join Cornell University, fellow alumni and current students at the inaugural First-Generation Alumni Summit at Cornell Tech on April 5th. We will explore issues of access to higher education, discuss pilot programs to support First-Generation students, address how we can collectively create better mentoring and professional development opportunities for students, and celebrate the excellence in volunteerism that brings such opportunities to life.

Cornell Mosaic will award the Mosaic Medal of Distinction to Elizabeth “Liz” Moore ’75 and Sheryl Hilliard Tucker ’78 for their visionary leadership of Mosaic and their commitment to Cornell. Join us to honor these two distinguished alumnae.

Friday, April 5th, 2019
Doors Open at 1 p.m.
Summit Begins at 2 p.m.
Reception from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

First Generation Alumni Summit Program (short version)

Welcome Remarks and Opening
Marla Love, Senior Associate Dean of Students for Diversity and Equity
Katrina James ’96, Trustee and Vice-Chair of Cornell Mosaic
Emerging Issues in Access to Higher Education: A Panel
Jimmy Suarez ’09, Senior Assistant Director for Diversity Initiatives, New York University
Shakima Clency, Associate Dean of Students for First-Generation and Low Income Students, Cornell University
William Horning, MPS ’10, Senior Association Director for the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives, Cornell University
Moderated by Shane Dunn ’07, Director of Advancement Strategy and Regional Development at Uncommon Schools
First-Generation Students at Cornell: A Panel
Jessica Velesaca, College of Arts and Sciences
Major/Area of Study: American Studies, Anticipated Graduation Year: 2022
Baxter Speed, College of Arts and Sciences
Major/Area of Study: History, Anticipated Graduation Year: 2020
Cierra Benson, The Hotel School
Major/Area of Study: Hotel Administration, Concentration in Corporate Food & Beverage, Anticipated Graduation Year: May 2019
Michelle Duong, PhD Candidate, Cornell Graduate School
Major/Area of Study: Food Science and Technology/ Bioengineering and Food Safety, Anticipated Graduation Year: 2019
Moderated by Shakima Clency, Associate Dean of Students for First-Generation and Low Income Students, Cornell University
Networking Break
First-Generation Students across the Generations: A Presentation and Facilitated Discussion
Presented and moderated by Phyllis Haserot, ’65, MRP, ’67
Community Based Organizations and the First-Gen Pipeline to Cornell: A Panel
Dan Blednick, Director of College Guidance, The TEAK Fellowship
Shari Fallis, Director of College Guidance, Prep for Prep
Emil Kim, Director of Programs, SEO Scholars
Presentation of Mosaic Medal of Distinction
Honoring Trustee Emerita Elizabeth Moore ’75 and Trustee Emerita Sheryl Hilliard Tucker ’78
Presented by Trustee and Mosaic Chair, Laura Wilkinson MBA ’85, JD ’86
Celebration Reception