Schedule of Events
Trustee-Council Annual Meeting 2024
Optional Thursday Tours (10:00 - 11:00 a.m. & 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.)
Select one of the following tours from the dropdown menu. Please note, tour spots are limited.
College of Engineering Student Project Teams Open House
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Cornell Engineering Student Project Teams offer students a unique opportunity to collaboratively solve complex problems while gaining real-world engineering experience. Project Team students have the opportunity to hone leadership and professional skills alongside teammates from across the college and university as members of multidisciplinary, student-run teams. Drop by the Experiential Learning Lab in Upson Hall to see our main build spaces and interact with current students to learn about their work.
Location: Meet in front of Upson Lounge, 124 Hoy Rd.
Tour capacity: 20 people
College of Engineering: Tang Hall Tour
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Explore the future of Engineering at the recently completed Martin Y. and Margaret Lee Tang Hall. Tang Hall represents the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering’s first presence on the Pew Engineering Quad and is also home to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. See new teaching, research, and lab spaces, and new student community spaces in the heart of Cornell Engineering.
Location: Thurston Hall is now called Tang Hall and is located on the quad between Duffield and Hollister Halls. Attendees should plan to meet in the Atrium, which is in the corner of the building closest to Hollister Hall, 130 Hollister Dr
Tour capacity: 15 people
Cornell Law School Tour
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Join Carlos McCluskey, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs, for a tour of the recently renovated Law School. Over the past ten years, Cornell Law School has undergone significant renovations to accommodate the expansion of resources for students, faculty, and staff. Come prepared with questions and hear about what steps the Law School has taken to remain prominent on the global stage of legal education.
Location: Meet at the College Avenue main entrance (the glassed entrance), Myron Taylor Hall. The tour group will be near the entrance for the first 5-7 minutes. However, once the tour heads in a different direction, it may be difficult to find us.
Tour capacity: 15 people
Note: The building can be challenging to navigate, especially for those who can't take the stairs. For accessibility matters, kindly notify Carlos McCluskey well in advance: cem348@cornell.edu.
Information and Decision Science (IDS) “Smart Cities” Lab Tour
**Sold out**
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Get a behind the scenes look at the College of Engineering’s Information and Decision Science (IDS) “Smart Cities” Lab with Civic and Environmental Engineering Professor Andreas Malikopoulos.
The Information and Decision Science (IDS) Lab works on creating data-driven methods to help large, complex systems (like smart cities and automated vehicles) learn and improve over time. They focus on developing theories and algorithms for these systems.
The lab believes diversity in age, experience, race, ethnicity, religion, and gender creates a dynamic environment. They are committed to a respectful, inclusive space that rejects discrimination and prejudice.
Location: Meet at the center entrance of Hollister Hall, 527 College Ave
Tour capacity: 12 people
Wilson Synchrotron Lab
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Wilson Synchrotron Laboratory is home to one of the most powerful accelerators in the world, allowing scientists to harness the power of light to answer questions about the world around us. Take a tour of Wilson Lab to explore Cornell’s historic synchrotron, the electron/positron storage ring (CESR), our x-ray experimental floor (CHESS), the new experimental hall which will soon house a 20-tesla magnet beamline and a plant/sustainability-focused beamline, and peek into the future of synchrotron radiation research.
Location: At 10 am, please meet at at the upper entrance to Wilson Lab, 651 Campus Road.
Note: All tour attendees should wear closed-toe shoes and bring a camera. If there are any accessibility concerns, please let Rick Ryan (rjr327@cornell.edu) know as far in advance as possible.
Tour capacity: 25 people
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Tour
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Join us for a special tour at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Enjoy a behind the scenes tour and explore our newly renovated visitor center in the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity. You will have the opportunity to learn a bit about the Cornell Lab’s rich history and the vision for the years ahead.
Location: Visitor center of Cornell Lab of Ornithology - 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850. There will be a shuttle bus with limited seating taking attendees to Sapsucker woods. The bus will meet at the Statler Bus Circle at 9:45 am and depart shortly after that.
Note: Tour is inside & the building is very accessible.
Tour capacity: 15 people
Optional Thursday Tour (11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Cornell University Library Conservation Lab
***Currently sold out***
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET (Note: this tour will also be offered on Friday, 10/18, from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of Cornell University Library’s Conservation Lab, which is responsible for preserving and protecting the Library’s collections, with priority given to rare and special collections. Led by the director of the Conservation Lab, this tour will give participants the chance to see some of the materials that are currently being preserved and learn more about the methods our expert conservation staff to preserve and protect the Library’s treasures for today’s scholars and for generations of future Cornellians.
Location: Olin Library, B31, 161 Ho Plaza
Tour capacity: 25 people
Note: Attendees should enter by the main doors to Olin Library. For those who can take the stairs, they are immediately to the left upon entrance to the building. There is an elevator but because of construction, attendees will need to go around past the service desk to get to it. It is marked and a guide will be on hand to direct.
Optional Thursday Tours (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Select one of the following tour options from the dropdown menu. Please note, tour spots are limited.
Autumn in the Botanic Gardens
**Sold out**
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
Enjoy a relaxing autumn tour through Cornell Botanic Gardens - the gardens, arboretum, and natural areas of Cornell - and discover the beauty and diversity of our cultivated plant collections. We’ll visit several gardens around the Nevin Welcome Center, including the Robison Herb Garden, Young Flower Garden, Mullstein Winter Garden, and more. Come savor the arrival of autumn in a place of peace, beauty, and well-being!
Location: Nevin Welcome Center, 124 Comstock Knoll Dr
Note: If it rains lightly, please bring an umbrella. This will be a walking, outside tour, so wear comfortable shoes.
Tour capacity: 15 people
Cornell University Insect Collection Tour
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
Cornell is home to one of the largest insect collections in the country, with more than 7 million samples (no, they’re not alive), representing about 20% of the world’s known insect fauna. Take a tour of the facility in Comstock Hall, examine just a portion of the samples on display (including Vladimir Nabokov’s famed butterfly collection) and also hear how the collection supports New York state residents and farmers with their insect issues.
Optional Thursday Tour (12:00 - 1:00 p.m.)
Cornell Law School Tour
Join Carlos McCluskey, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs, for a tour of the recently renovated Law School. Over the past ten years, Cornell Law School has undergone significant renovations to accommodate the expansion of resources for students, faculty, and staff. Come prepared with questions and hear about what steps the Law School has taken to remain prominent on the global stage of legal education.
Location: Meet in the College Avenue main entrance (glassed entrance), Myron Taylor Hall. The tour group will be near the entrance for the first 5-7 minutes. However, once the tour heads in a different direction, it may be difficult to find us.
Note: The building can be challenging to navigate, especially for those who can't take the stairs. For accessibility matters, kindly notify Carlos McCluskey well in advance: cem348@cornell.edu
Tour capacity: 15 people
Cornell University Council Session: Council New Member Networking
Join us to welcome Council’s newest members in this upbeat and interactive session. For new and returning members, it’s your chance to meet your mentor face to face, spark connections, and get the inside scoop on the TCAM weekend. Get ready to network, learn, and kickstart your Cornell Council mentorship with that signature Big Red spirit and enthusiasm!
Location: Carrier Grand Ballroom, Statler Hotel (2nd floor)
Cornell University Council Session: Building Community - Sharing our Cornell Stories
In this interactive session, Council members will have the opportunity to hear and share their unique Cornell stories. This gathering will provide each of us an opportunity to highlight our shared values and traditions that unite as Cornellians, and enhance our appreciation for the diverse experiences and perspectives that contribute to our ONE Cornell community.
- John W Rawlins III ‘06, Chair, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee
- Reginald White ‘80, Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee
- Matt Carcella, Senior Director, Diversity & U.S. Regional Alumni Engagement
Location: Carrier Grand Ballroom, Statler Hotel (2nd floor)
Cornell University Council Session: Open Forum with Vice President for Univer. Relations Joel Malina
Join Joel Malina, Vice President for University Relations to discuss recent campus issues and the university's strategies for addressing them. The majority of the session will be dedicated to addressing your inquiries and fostering a collaborative dialogue.
TCAM Kickoff & Welcome - Active, Engaged, Experimental, & Crucial: The Future of Teaching at Cornell
TCAM Kickoff and Welcome - Active, Engaged, Experimental, and Crucial: The Future of Teaching at Cornell
Teaching is the ‘elemental relation’ at the heart of Cornell. It is an experimental practice, both an art and a science. And it is crucial to Cornell’s continued success, especially as AI is integrated into disciplines. Learn how Cornell is improving students’ learning experiences by investing in outstanding teaching. See the exciting ways learning is being transformed at Cornell, learn about The Center for Teaching Innovation, and experience active learning in action.
Featuring:
- Steven Jackson, Professor of Information Science and Science and Technology Studies, Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science; Vice-Provost for Academic Innovation
- Robert Vanderlan '88, Executive Director, The Center for Teaching Innovation
Thursday Wine and Dine at Duffield Hall
Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and share in the camaraderie that defines our Cornell community, all while celebrating the Spirit of Zinck’s.
Location: Duffield Hall, 343 Campus Rd
Concurrent Friday Breakfasts
Please select one of the following breakfast options from the dropdown menu:
Endowment Breakfast
Featuring: Kenneth M. Miranda, Chief Investment Officer, Office of University Investments
Location: Carrier Grand Ballroom, Statler Hotel (2nd floor)
Global Connections Breakfast: Engaging Internationally
**Sold out**
Join us for an exclusive breakfast event where you'll have the opportunity to network with international trustees and council members. We'll share important updates from Alumni Affairs & Development and offer insights into the latest initiatives from Global Cornell. This is your chance to stay informed about the university’s international outreach and its impact on global development.
• Erin Kelly, Director of International Alumni Relations
• Michelle Vaeth ’98, Associate Vice President, Alumni Affairs
• Wendy Wolford, Vice Provost for International Affairs and Robert A. and Ruth E. Polson Professor, Department of Global Development
Location: Taylor A/B in Statler Hotel (2nd floor, behind Banfi's)
Location: Conference Foyer, J. Willard Marriott Executive Education Center, The Statler Hotel (1st floor) Additional seating in the Yale/Princeton Rooms
Joint Annual Meeting, State of the University Address
Join us for the Cornell University Board of Trustees and Cornell University Council Joint Annual Meeting, State of the University Address with Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff.
- Kraig Kayser MBA ’84, Chair, Cornell University Board of Trustees
- Michael I. Kotlikoff, Interim President, Cornell University
- Debra Stern ’87, P ’27, Chair, Cornell University Council
Keynote Program: The Plastic Paradox
Fisk Johnson, CEO of SC Johnson, will discuss the emerging dangers of plastic pollution to planet, animal, and human health, and his thoughts on how to tackle this increasingly urgent situation.
- Dr. H. Fisk Johnson '79, MEng '80, MS '82, MBA '84, PhD '86, Chairman and CEO, SC Johnson
- Andrew Karolyi, Charles F. Knight Dean of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Concurrent Friday College & Unit Lunches
Select one of the following lunch options from the dropdown menu. Please note, some lunches have a limited number of spots available.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Benjamin Z. Houlton, The Ronald P. Lynch Dean, invites you to join him for a CALS-themed lunch and an update on CALS strategic priorities, including research and innovation, CALS students and faculty, and the work of the Cornell Botanic Gardens.
Location: G10 Biotechnology Building; Capacity: 80 people
College of Arts and Sciences
Peter John Loewen, Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, welcomes Trustees, University Council members and their guests to join us for a luncheon program to feature a College Update on news and priorities within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Location: B20 Lincoln Hall, Neylan Rehearsal Room; Capacity: 125 people
College of Engineering
Join Lynden Archer, Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering, and faculty to hear an update from the College.
Location: Upson Lounge, Upson Hall; Capacity: 80 people
College of Veterinary Medicine
Please note, this event has been cancelled and registrants will be notified.
Lorin D. Warnick, Austin O. Hooey Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, welcomes Trustees, University Council members, and their guests to join him for an update on the college and its role in cross-college collaborations spanning animal, human, public, and planetary health.
Location: Pennsylvania Room, Statler Hotel (1st floor); Capacity: 20 people
Cornell Human Ecology
Connect with Rachel Dunifon, the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean of the College of Human Ecology, and fellow alumni for lunch and conversation about the College’s renewed focus on improving human health and wellbeing through world-class teaching, research, and public engagement.
Location: Yale/Princeton Room, Statler Hotel (1st floor); Capacity: TBD
Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
Join Dean Colleen Barry and Cornell’s Intergroup Dialogue Project (IDP) for a conversation about Dialogue Across Difference for Effective Policymaking. Dean Colleen Barry, Adi Grabiner-Keinan, Jazlin Gomez Garner, and Stephen Kim will share how the Brooks School and IDP partnership enhances students’ education and skills. Learn more about the speakers: https://idp.cornell.edu/leadership-team.
Location: Martha Van Rensselaer (MVR) Hall 2219, 116 Reservoir Ave; Capacity: 30 people
Cornell Law School
Jens David Ohlin, Allan R. Tessler Dean & Professor of Law welcomes trustees, University Council members, and their guests to hear an update on the exciting happenings at the Law School.
Location: Zhu Faculty Workshop Room – Hughes Hall L28; Capacity: 35 people
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
The Business of Entrepreneurship: Come hear Andrew Karolyi, Charles Field Knight Dean, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, and faculty guest speakers discuss entrepreneurship within the College. There will be a special focus on social and tech entrepreneurship as the College advances knowledge, works for the greater good, and empowers the purposeful business leaders of tomorrow. You’ll learn about new and existing programs including the Life Sciences Technology Innovation Fellows aimed at developing the next generation of life science leaders.
Location: Carrier Ballroom, Statler Hotel (2nd Floor); Capacity: 175 people, all are welcome
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Join Dean Alex Colvin, ILR Faculty, and a cohort of current students to learn about applied research and teaching happening now at the ILR School.
Location: 423 King-Shaw Hall; Capacity: 70 people
The Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Join the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability as they showcase their unique partnership focused on biodiversity and pollinator health. You will hear from David Lodge, Director of Cornell Atkinson, Ian Owens, Executive Director of the Lab of Ornithology, and Amanda Rodewald, Senior Director of the Center for Avian Populations Studies at the Lab of Ornithology and Cornell Atkinson Faculty Director.
Location: Taylor A/B Room, Statler Hotel (2nd floor, behind Banfi’s) Capacity: 40 people
Concurrent University Spotlights I
Please select one of the following spotlight options from the dropdown menu:
Option 1) Precision Nutrition: Tackling Health Disparities Around the World
**Sold out**
Nutrition is much more than the food you eat. Precision nutrition explores the ways that genetics, metabolism, and your environment impact health and well-being. Join Cornell experts for a conversation on how innovation in this field is promoting health equity across the globe.
- Sander Kersten, Director of Division of Nutritional Sciences and the Schleifer Family Professor, College of Human Ecology
- Saurabh Mehta, Janet and Gordon Lankton Professor, Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology
- Laura Smith, Assistant Professor, Department of Public & Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Elad Tako, Associate Professor, Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Location: Statler Hall, 265
Option 2) Privacy, Trust, and Security in the Era of AI
The era of AI is unleashing new risks that the world must prepare for and mitigate, particularly in digital infrastructure, personal privacy, and human safety. This panel will explore the complexities of safeguarding our digital world amidst rapid technological advancements, emphasizing the critical need for interdisciplinary approaches. Discover how Cornell’s pioneering efforts are shaping the future of digital trust and safety, reinforcing its position at the forefront of AI innovation. Additionally, Dean Greg Morrisett will provide an update from our iconic NYC campus, sharing the latest news on our ongoing growth.
- Alexios Mantzarlis, Director of the Security, Trust, and Safety Initiative, Cornell Tech
- Greg Morrisett, Jack and Rilla Neafsey Dean and Vice Provost, Cornell Tech
- Helen Nissenbaum, Andrew H. and Ann R. Tisch Professor, Cornell Tech and in the Information Science Department at Cornell University; Director, Digital Life Initiative
- Fred Schneider, Samuel B. Eckert Professor of Computer Science; Chair, Computer Science Department
Location: Statler Hall, 196
Concurrent University Spotlights II
Please select one of the following spotlight options from the dropdown menu:
Option 1) Climate Change: Justice, Policy, and Democratic Resilience
Join us for a forum highlighting the intersection of law, policy, and culture in building democratic resilience in the face of climate change. Faculty members from Cornell Law School, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy will provide a multidisciplinary lens on this pressing topic.
- Andrew Reid Bell, Schleifer Family Associate Professor of Sustainability, Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Rachel Beatty Riedl, Peggy J. Koenig '78 Director of the Center on Global Democracy and professor in the Department of Government in the College of Arts and Sciences and Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
- Maria Cristina Garcia, Howard A. Newman Professor of American Studies and Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow, College of Arts & Sciences
- Leehi Yona, Assistant Professor of Law, Cornell Law School
Location: Statler Hall, 196
Option 2) Natural History of the Animal Kingdom
Animals are often featured in animated films like “The Lion King” and “Finding Nemo,” where they take on human roles rather than reflecting accurate natural histories. Join CALS associate professor of neurobiology and behavior and Peter and Nancy Meinig Family Investigator in the Life Sciences Michael Sheehan as he gives you a taste of his popular undergraduate class. Do animals have language? Is it realistic for Scar to kill Mufasa? Exploring how movies portray animals reveals insights not only about the natural world but also about our own human narratives and storytelling choices.
- Michael Sheehan, Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior and Nancy and Peter Meinig Family Investigator in the Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University
Location: Statler Hall, 265
Optional Friday Tour (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.) Atkinson
Atkinson Hall Tour
**Sold out**
4:00 - 5:00 p.m ET
Get a firsthand look at the new Atkinson Hall set to open fully in early 2025. David Lodge, Director of Cornell Atkinson will lead through the building and give insights into building use.
Location: Atkinson Hall, 350 Tower Road
Tour capacity: 12 people
Optional Friday Tour (4:00 - 5:00 pm) Cornell University Library Conservation Lab
4:00 - 5:00 ET
**Sold out**
Cornell University Library Conservation Lab
Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of Cornell University Library’s Conservation Lab, which is responsible for preserving and protecting the Library’s collections, with priority given to rare and special collections. Led by the director of the Conservation Lab, this tour will give participants the chance to see some of the materials that are currently being preserved and learn more about the methods our expert conservationists to preserve and protect the Library’s treasures for today’s scholars and for generations of future Cornellians.
Tour capacity: 15 people
Location: Olin Library, B31
Three Minute Thesis Showcase
An 80,000-word thesis, if read aloud, would take about eight hours. At this session, a group of Cornell PhD students will have just three minutes to present their theses, using just one slide. This is intended to give you a look at the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) international competition, in which Cornell is one of more than 900 colleges and universities participating. Discover the incredible research being conducted by our graduate students during their (very concise) presentations and the Q&A follow-up.
Location: Statler Hall, 196
- Katherine Koebel DVM ‘23, PhD student, Biomedical & Biological Sciences
- Lora P. Tran MS ‘24, PhD student, Biological & Environmental Engineering
- Sydney Womack, DVM/PhD candidate, Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical & Biological Sciences
TCAM Friday Reception and Seated Dinner at Barton Hall
Join us for an evening of camaraderie and new connections as we enjoy a celebratory reception and seated dinner in Barton Hall.
Location: Barton Hall, 117 Statler Dr
Concurrent Saturday Breakfasts
Please select one of the following breakfast options from the dropdown menu:
Cornell Annual Funds Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious breakfast while listening to a panel of deans and directors share examples of the transformative power of the Cornell Annual Funds. Panelists will include the newly appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Peter Loewen and will also feature special appearances by volunteer leaders including National Chair of the Cornell Annual Funds Mary Meduski, ’80, P ’18 Join us in recognizing our dedicated volunteers and affirming our collective commitment to the university. You can also use this opportunity to welcome our special guest at the breakfast, Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff. This will be a morning of inspiration, celebration, connection, and Big Red pride that you won’t want to miss! Be prepared to join in a robust performance of your alma mater, “Far Above Cayuga’s Waters!”
Location: Carrier Grand Ballroom, Statler Hotel (2nd floor)
- Lynden Archer, Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering, and James A. Friend Family Distinguished Professor in Engineering
- Alex Colvin, The Kenneth F. Kahn ’69 Dean and Martin F. Scheinman ’75, MS ’76 Professor of Conflict Resolution at the ILR School
- Stamie Despo, Executive Director, Leadership Annual Giving
- Vishal Gaur, The Anne and Elmer Lindseth Dean, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management
- Jessica Martinez, The Richard J. Schwartz Director, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
- Mary Armstrong Meduski ’80, P’18, Board of Trustees, National Chair of the Cornell Annual Funds
- Peter John Loewen, Harold Tanner Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Informal Buffet Breakfast at The Statler Hotel
Location: Conference Foyer, J. Willard Marriott Executive Education Center, Statler Hotel (1st floor)
Winning, Wellness, Spirit & Leadership feat. Student & Campus Life and Athletics
Close out TCAM by joining us for an inspiring discussion led by Student & Campus Life administration. In this event, coaches, Big Red student-athletes, and alumni will come together to explore the profound impact of athletics on shaping winning mindsets, fostering wellness, building school spirit, and cultivating leadership. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how the principles of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance on the field translate into success in all areas of life. After the panel, continue the celebration with a special Athletics event.
Location: Alice Statler Auditorium, Statler Hall
- Dr. Marla Love, Robert W. and Elizabeth C. Staley Dean of Students
- Mike Schafer '86, Jay R. Bloom '77 Head Coach of Men's Hockey