Elizabeth Dunn von Keyserling Lynch

Cornell degree: BA ’90 (A&S), DVM ’95

Endorsed by the Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations 

Read Elizabeth’s interview.

“Higher education is facing an existential crisis, with public opinion trending negative and scientific principles being questioned. Increasingly, the cost of tuition is out of reach for many middle-class families. Cornell must continue to adapt, prove its relevance, and demonstrate the value of higher education.”

Professional experience

  • Pet Partners, national program educator, 2019–present
  • Greenwich Wildlife Center, veterinarian, 2003–2005 
  • Avian Health Clinic, veterinarian, 1995–1999  
  • The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, resident practitioner, 1997–1998 
  • The Animal Medical Center: Oncology, externship, 1994 

Alumni service

  • Cornell University Council, Development Committee, vice chair, 2024–present; Administrative Board, member at large, 2023–present; member, 2021–present, 2002–2006 
  • College of Veterinary Medicine Reunion Committee, member, 2024–present; fundraising chair, 2014–2015 
  • Reunion Campaign Committee, member, 2024–present, 2014–2015, 2009–2010  
  • College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Council, member emeritus, 2016–present; member, 1997–2016; chair, 2003–2005 
  • Cornell Club of Fairfield County, member, 2003–present 
  • Veterinary Women’s Engagement Philanthropy Committee, member, 2021–2023 
  • Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network, member, 2003–2023; committee chair, 2019–2022 
  • Major Gifts Committee, member, 2005–2015 
  • Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations, member, 2012–2014 
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Black Tie and Tails NYC Gala Committee, chair, 2009–2010

Community/public service/philanthropic priorities:

  • Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals, 2022–present; Board of Accreditation, member; Certification Commission, member; content expert 
  • Pet Partners of Fairfield County, evaluator, 2008–present; therapy animal team handler, 2000–present
  • Port Chester Obedience Training Club, member, 2003–present; house director, 2015–2020 
  • CT Licensed Clinical Social Workers annual meeting: People, Pets and Abuse, speaker, 2024
  • CT Medical Home Initiative Care Coordinators quarterly meeting: Animal-Assisted Interventions: Improving Youth Health Outcomes, speaker, 2024  
  • YWCA, professional series: People, Pets, and Abuse, speaker, 2023 
  • American Veterinary Medical Association, Leo Bustad Award Selection Committee, 2018–2020 
  • The Big Fix Committee member, CT Veterinary Medical Association, 2012
  • The Good Dog Foundation, therapy animal handler, 2000–2008 
  • Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, 1995–1999; chair, Committee on Animal Welfare, Committee on Public Relations; Meritorious Service Award 1999 

Other education:

  • Human Animal Bond Certification, Human Animal Bond Research Institute/American Veterinary Medical Association 
  • University of Washington, Certificate: Human Animal Interactions 
  • FEMA, Certificate: Animal-Assisted Crisis Response 
  • University of Denver, Institute for Human Animal Connection, Certificate: Animals and Human Health, Equine Behavior 
  • Board-certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Professional, C-AAIS 

Student involvements/activities:

  • Association of Avian Veterinarians 
  • Externship, Animal Medical Center, NYC 
  • Internship, WCS-Bronx Zoo 
  • Intramural sports: broomstick polo, equestrian team 
  • Pre-Vet Society 
  • Red Carpet Society 
  • Student Ambassador, College of Arts and Sciences 

Additional information:

A dedicated supporter of Cornell for over three decades, Elizabeth is active at the class, college and university levels: Cornell University Council Administrative Board, Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations, Women in Philanthropy committee chair, Veterinary College Advisory Council chair, CAAAN committee chair, and working on class Reunion campaigns. As a first-generation student, she believes in access to higher education for all qualified students. Elizabeth is a veterinarian and National Program Educator for Pet Partners, an international non-profit for therapy animals. She lives in CT and WY, with her husband (CALS ’90, MBA ’95), three children, and a lively household of pets.