PUBLISHER'S LETTER
From the Publisher
Tommy Bruce
Although this is the second issue of Ezra, Cornell's quarterly magazine, it is the first full-size issue, with 32 pages, four more than our fall inaugural issue. We are debuting several new standing features: In addition to our cover story package, you will find two new sections, Arts & Humanities and Research Spotlight, which will appear in each future issue.
An update on Ezra's fall issue cover story, which took an in-depth look at Cornell's new financial aid initiative: As our story on Page 3 details, that package has now been enhanced even further. Increasing our investment in need-based student financial aid is especially important in today's economic climate, but it is even more crucial for us to make Cornell affordable for as many students as possible.
This issue's cover story is about an investment of a different kind: the newly opened Weill Hall, a complex research facility that brings life scientists together from across campus and uses proximity, collaboration and lots of open space to position Cornell at the forefront of life sciences research. Facilities like Weill Hall are important not just because they encourage cutting-edge science, but also because they help attract promising young scientists and researchers -- as well as giving established scientists room to grow.
The stories that appear in Ezra come from quite a few of Cornell's talented writers. In particular, I want to thank our student writers, such as Jennifer Wholey '10, whose talents are indispensible to the success of this fledgling publication.
Thomas W. Bruce
Vice President, University Communications