September 2022 Cornell University Council Town Hall

Cornell University Chair, Arturo Carrillo ’96, MEng ’97, shared details about Council’s intended focus for the coming two years, expanded on the plans for each committee, and shared how we can be Engines of Engagement.

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Mission

We aim to make a difference for the entire Cornell community by serving as catalytic agents who inspire, inform, engage and propel broad recognition of Cornell as one of the top 10 universities of the world.

History

Cornell University Council was formed in 1950 by Francis H. Scheetz, Class of 1916 after he served as vice chair of the successful 1950 Greater Cornell Campaign. Mr. Scheetz felt the campaign’s success was due to the focused work of knowledgeable and dedicated alumni, and he suggested a permanent group of such advisors. As the first council chair (1950-1953), he told new members they needed to be “catalytic agents…able to ferret out the interests of others and channel those interests to the right spots at Cornell.”

Since then, many chairs have guided the council through growth and accomplishment. They have led us from our first role in fundraising and development to serving the university in diverse fields and endeavors.