END NOTE
from the publisher
Tracy Vosburgh
Looking back and looking forward at this point in time is poignant and exciting. This past year we have all steeped ourselves in the traditions, history and impact of Cornell University as we celebrated our sesquicentennial around the world. For me, it was a time of great learning, pride and a ton of fun. It was an historic journey tracing Cornell's first days – its founding and opening its doors to students – to today, 150 years later, still committed to the mission of the original charter.
The cliché "the more things change, the more they remain the same" seems appropriate, in the best sense of the expression. We have enduring traditions of excellence and inclusion; the expansive land-grant mission; and a global commitment to outreach and engagement and our Engaged Cornell effort in a reimagined – and quintessentially Cornell – public service mission.
At the same time, significant changes are happening in our senior leadership, which is both exciting and hard. As we wish David and Robin well on their next adventure, we have the honor of welcoming President-elect Elizabeth Garrett in July.
Many of us already have gotten to feel the infectious enthusiasm Beth will bring with her as she makes Ithaca her home and moves into Day Hall as our 13th president. I am excited to tell you that she has asked to share a message with Ezra readers in each issue and, beginning with our next issue in the fall, she will write in this space.
Perhaps it is simply good timing, but this issue focuses on Cornellians living and working on the West Coast as we welcome our 13th president – from California. I, for one, am hoping she brings the sun with her.
This issue is full of great stories of Cornell alums who either returned to the West Coast or moved to the coast after graduating to forge their careers, raise their families and make their impact on the world, all while staying connected to Cornell and fellow Cornellians.
It makes me realize that the world is not only flat (in the level-playing-field, globalized view), but it is also small.
Tracy Vosburgh
Associate Vice President, University Communications
University Relations