Although I didn’t think it was possible, the Rose Cafe with Martha Pollock this week left me even more proud to be a Cornellian. By incorporating the university’s history, present, and future in her discussion, I was encouraged and proud of all the ideals Cornell stands for.
One idea that stood out to me most was that Cornell manages to stay true to its founding and history while still being innovative and at the forefront of academic advancement and social progressivism. For example, Dr. Pollock emphasized how diversity in the student population was important even at the origins of the college, and continue to be important today. Ezra Cornell was extremely progressive for his time and might be considered so under today’s standards. This is ASTOUNDING and I truly do not think I could be any more proud to be part of Cornell (and I mean it for real this time!)
I sadly was not able to attend the Rose Cafe, but I am so glad that you had a great discussion! I was actually thinking about this other day as one of the main reasons why I love Cornell is the fact that almost everyone I have had the privilege of interacting with make a genuine effort to improve classes, student orgs, etc. so that the environment can be more inclusive and a better experience in general for everyone.
I was also surprised by the brief history of Cornell that President Pollack talked about, and how the University, even in its beginning years, was commitment to inclusiveness and diversity. I was particularly amazed when President Pollack told us that the language in the original charter documents of the University was completely gender neutral, and also how Ezra Cornell himself was committed to staying true to the University’s motto of “any person any study”, especially during the tumultuous period following the civil war. I believe this is one of the many ways in which Cornell has distinguished itself from other institutions, by allowing any qualified individual to pursue an education in any academic field of their choosing.
Knowing that President Pollack took the time out of what I am sure is a very busy schedule to listen to and share with students also really makes me proud to be a Cornellian. It is also exciting to hear how committed President Pollack is to investing real efforts in continuing Cornell’s tradition of being a place for “any person, any student.” It definitely makes me appreciate being here.