2011-2012 Diversity Alumni Programs Summary - Alumni - Cornell

Contents 

Message from Director of Diversity Alumni Programs ................................................................................. 2 

Diversity Timeline in Alumni Affairs & Development ................................................................................... 3 

Summary of Diversity Alumni Associations .................................................................................................. 4 

Cornell Asian Alumni Association ............................................................................................................. 4 

Cornell Black Alumni Association .............................................................................................................. 7 

Cornell Korean Alumni Association ......................................................................................................... 10 

Cornell Latino Alumni Association .......................................................................................................... 11 

Cornell Native American Alumni Association ......................................................................................... 13 

Cornell University Gay & Lesbian Alumni Association ............................................................................ 15 

Cornell Mosaic ........................................................................................................................................ 16 

Diversity Fundraising Overview .................................................................................................................. 18 

Diversity Association Articles ...................................................................................................................... 19 

1

Message from Director of Diversity Alumni Programs 

Greetings Cornellians: 

I am pleased to present an overview of Cornell’s Diversity Alumni Associations for your review. 

It is my hope that you find this document helpful in learning more about an important segment 

of our alumni base. The Office of Diversity Alumni Programs, in Alumni Affairs & Development, 

is currently putting together a comprehensive annual report on Cornell’s diverse alumni. Our 

annual report will provide further demographic information and document progress made in 

achieving our diversity alumni goals. 

My first year as Director of Diversity Alumni Programs has been rewarding and illuminating. It 

is truly a privilege to work with such distinguished and passionate alumni. In conjunction with 

Sheryl Tucker ‘78, Trustee and Chair of Mosaic, I look forward to an exciting and impactful year 

ahead. 

Cheers to the Big Red, 

Yve-Car Momperousse 

Director, Diversity Alumni Programs 

2

Diversity Timeline in Alumni Affairs & Development 

3

Summary of Diversity Alumni Associations 

Cornell Asian Alumni Association 

Founded in 1990 

Website: http://caaa.alumni.cornell.edu/ 

Mission Statement 

Founded in 1990, the Cornell Asian Alumni Association (CAAA) serves the needs and interests of Asian 

alumni, Asian students and the University. Our objectives are to: 

• Maintain an international network of Asian alumni from Cornell 

• Promote greater Asian alumni involvement in all aspects of University affairs 

• Support the academic and career development of Asian students on campus 

• Facilitate the exchange of ideas and information between Asian alumni, Asian students and the 

University 

• Increase the awareness of the University to outstanding Asian students and encourage their 

application process. 

Demographic Overview 

• Total Asian Alumni = 19,255 

Contact Data Overview 

• 15,313 Asian alumni have given us permission to e-mail them 

• 16,047 Asian alumni have given us permission to mail to them 

Self-Identified Asian University Trustees = 2 

Mr. Benson P. Lee ‘63 Mr. Chiaki Tanuma ‘80 

Self-Identified Asian Council Members = 38 

Andrea May Chan Esq '00 Ms. Margie M. Wang '79 Theodore Teng '79 

Ms. Betty Eng '92 Mr. Tejpreet S. Chopra '96 Mr. Gordon Paik '75 

Mr. Vahid Alaghband '74 Donald Kwok Tung Li MD '75 Mr. Jay H. Shah '90 

Mr. Daniel N. Kim '85 Mr. Tetsuo Hirata '83 Ms. Jennifer Chung '98 

Mr. Samir S. Somaiya '90 Mr. Andrew R. Chang '74 Mr. Wai-Leong Chan '83 

Ms. Ginger K. So '79 Ms. Nuntica Rose Tanasugarn '90 Mr. Anthony Chao-Yen Chang '00 

Ms. Alice M.K. Chan '01 Ms. K. Lisa Yang '75 Ms. Annie Y. Wong '77 

Mr. Kent G. Sheng '78 Dr. Hyun Kim '84 Mr. Anand Chandrasekher '86 

Mrs. Joy Y. Boatwright '92 Ms. Monica Lee Gelinas '99 Mr. Paul N. Hayre '91 

Evangeline D. Loh PhD '95 Dr. Henry K. Shum '83 Ms. Tomoko Morinaga '89 

Mr. Niraj S. Shah '95 Mr. Mei-Wei Cheng '72 Mr. Raj K. Chandnani '95 

Ms. Jane J.K. Hyun '90 Ms. Karen Lim '94 Mr. Raj Datta '90 

Dr. Irene H.S. So '61 Mr. Calvin W. Cheng '74 

4

Scholarship Information 

Ethnicity Fund Name Date 

Established 

Fund Type 

Asian Benson P. Lee Cornell Tradition Fellowship 3/1/1995 Undergraduate 

Asian Chu Family Scholarship 6/9/2005 Graduate 

Asian Cornell Asian Alumni Association Cornell Tradition Fellowship 5/5/1991 Undergraduate 

Asian Cornell Asian Alumni Association Scholarship 12/1/1997 Undergraduate 

Asian Dr. Elizabeth Beach Keller Cornell Tradition Fellowship 4/29/1998 Undergraduate 

Asian Frederick P. Beach Cornell Tradition Fellowship 11/2/1983 Undergraduate 

Asian Frederick P. Beach Cornell Tradition Fellowship #2 5/6/1989 Undergraduate 

Asian Garrick L. Kwok Cornell Tradition Fellowship 5/12/1994 Undergraduate 

Asian Green House Hospitality Scholarship for Asian Careers 9/7/1997 Graduate 

Asian Horwath HTL - Asia Pacific Scholarship 12/9/1997 Undergraduate 

Asian James CM Yuan Scholarship 5/17/2007 Undergraduate 

Asian Mui Ho Scholarship 12/6/1999 Undergraduate 

Asian Nicholas Cheng Scholarship in the College of Engineering 3/31/1998 Undergraduate 

Asian Ruth Ward Beach Cornell Tradition Fellowship 11/2/1983 Undergraduate 

Asian Anonymous Asian American Undergraduate Scholarship 2/29/2012 Undergraduate 

Chinese LCP Ho Cornell Tradition Fellowship 11/12/2010 Undergraduate 

Korean Joh Family Foundation Student Support Endowment in Food 12/12/2003 Undergraduate 

Science 

Korean Kae Family Scholarship 4/30/2010 Undergraduate 

Korean Ryu Family Scholarship 3/15/2010 Undergraduate 

Most Recent Scholarship Information: 

Cornell Asian Alumni Association Scholarship 

Book value as of May 25, 2012: $225,760 

Market value as of April 30, 2012: $200,631 

Estimated payout: $8,254 

Cornell Asian Alumni Association Cornell Tradition Fellowship 

Book value as of May 25, 2012: $199,639 

Market value as of April 30, 2012: $232,015 


John Henrik Clarke Cornell Tradition Fellowship 

Book value as of June 30, 2012: $200,584 

Market value as of June 30, 2012: $201,954 


5

Board of Directors 

President: 

Michael Lee ’99, 

Industrial & Labor 

Relations 

Senior Vice President: 

Enoch Chu ’06, 

Arts & Sciences 

Treasurer: 

Ketan Zaveri ’02, 

Engineering 

Co-Vice President 

Alumni Affairs: 

Prerna Saini ’10, 

Agriculture & Life 

Sciences 

Vice President: 

Catherine Lee ’06, Arts 

& Sciences 

Secretary: 

Klara Ng ’99, Arts & 

Sciences 

West Coast Liason: 

Vincent Zou ’07, 

Engineering 

6

Cornell Black Alumni Association 


Website: http://cbaa1976.com/ 

Objectives and focus 

Founded in 1976, the Cornell Black Alumni Association (CBAA) was conceived as an organization devoted 

to providing a communication network for Black alumni. Over the years, CBAA's mission and scope of 

activities has expanded, resulting in myriad programs that have a direct and significant impact on alumni 

and future Cornell students. 

Activities include: 

• Maintaining alumni communications through newsletters, reunion, and other social activities; 

• Recruiting students to maintain Cornell's diversity and to increase African-American enrollment; 

• Raising funds for CBAA Scholarships; 

• Encouraging alumni participation in the life and development of Cornell; and 

• Developing alumni leaders for service as trustees, council members, class officers, fund officers 

and alumni posts. 


• Total Black/African-American Alumni = 7,531 


• 4,874 Black/African-American alumni have given us permission to e-mail them 

• 5,850 Black/African-American alumni have given us permission to mail to them 

Self-Identified Black/African-American Trustees = 7 

Mr. Ronald D. McCray '79 Ms. Lisa M. Skeete Tatum '89 

Ms. Elizabeth D. Moore '75 Mr. Joseph H. Holland '78 

Prof. Emts James Lowell Gibbs Jr '52 Mr. Robert L. Ryan '68 

Ms. Sheryl Hilliard Tucker '78 

Self-Identified Black/African-American Council Members = 31 

Laura A. Wilkinson Esq '85 Mr. Danny E. Brundage '74 Ms. Angela E. Clark '88 

Dr. Jason T. McGill '88 Ms. Petula Y. Brown '92 Dr. Cynthia A. Cuffie '74 

Ms. Lisa C. Jones '84 Mr. Michael G. Hoard '81 Mr. Joseph T. Wilson '86 

Mr. Dean L. Burrell '79 Mr. Marlon K. Brownlee '84 Mitchell David Lee Esq '90 

Mrs. Lauren Myers-Marion '97 Ms. Katrina E. James '96 Honorable Leah Ward Sears '76 

Ms. Regina Little '78 Mr. Frank B. Wilkinson '84 Dr. Deborah J. Arrindell '79 

Mr. Gerald A. Beechum Jr '96 Angelina Kathleen Ruffin '04 Ms. Linda Marcelle Gadsby '88 

Carl Elvis Jones '03 Mr. Reuben A. Munday '69 Mr. Bruce D. Mosby '72 

Mr. Kenneth R. Theobalds '80 Ms. Tatia Renee Mays-Russell '88 E. Eric Elmore Esq '86 

Ms. Magda Noemi Yrizarry '84 Mrs. Zawadi P. Bryant '95 

Mr. Frank P. Scruggs II '73 Leonard J. Kennedy Esq '74 

7



Established 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

African 

American 

Fund Type 

Slapp Family Scholarship 6/16/1998 Undergraduate 

Austin W. Curtis Fund 7/1/1992 Undergraduate 

Black Law Student Association Scholarship 

Graduate 

Byron K. Monroe Hope Scholarship 12/2/2010 Undergraduate 

Cornell Black Alumni Association Cornell Tradition Fellowship 8/8/1989 Undergraduate 

Cornell Black Alumni Association Cornell Tradition Fellowship 2/21/2000 Undergraduate 

Deborah I. Rawson Scholarship 2/10/1999 Undergraduate 

Dr. Fenton B. and Dorothy H. Sands Scholarship 12/12/1989 Undergraduate 

James and Janice Turner CBAA Scholarship 11/16/2010 Undergraduate 

John Henrik Clarke Cornell Tradition Fellowship 5/7/1999 Undergraduate 

Marilyn Laverty Scholarship 3/21/2012 Undergraduate 

Michael Neumann Architecture Summer Program Scholarship 3/30/2009 Undergraduate 

Paul and Gloria Sonnabend Scholarship 2/22/1973 Undergraduate 

Robert D. Kennedy Scholarship 1/11/1999 Undergraduate 

Robert D. Kennedy Scholarship 6/1/1994 Undergraduate 

Robert L. Ryan Scholarship 4/4/1999 Undergraduate 

Salvatore Louis Casola Scholarship 2/22/1999 Undergraduate 

Seneca Matteo Cayo Scholarship 12/17/2007 Undergraduate 

Most Recent Scholarship Information: 

Cornell Black Alumni Association Cornell Tradition Fellowship 




8

James and Janice Turner CBAA Scholarship 


Book value as of September 25, 2012: $189,356 


Market value as of August 31, 2012: $191,842 



President: 

Anika Daniels-Osaze 

’96, Arts & Sciences 

Treasurer: 

Darien Ward ’90, 


Relations 

Secretary: 

Zachary Murray ’12, 

Architecture, Art & 

Planning 

Vice President of 

Membership: 

Carol McIntosh ’83 Arts 

& Sciences, MD ‘87 


Programming: 

Jade Patterson ’08, 

Hotel Administration 


Fundraising/Scholarship: 

Ebony Ray ’10, 


Relations 


Student Relations: 

Cynthia Cuffie ’74, 

Human Ecology 

9

Cornell Korean Alumni Association 


Website: http://cornellckaa.org/ 


To promote growth and friendship among Korean Alumni here and abroad, to enhance the quality of life 

of Korean students, to support the University, to encourage communication between alumni, students, 

faculty and the University. We will collaborate with other university organizations, related 

organizations, and entities to enlarge our scope to reflect the imagination of fellow alumni. 


• Total Korean Alumni = 109 


• 108 Korean alumni have given us permission to e-mail them 

• 100 Korean alumni have given us permission to mail to them 

*Please note we have a larger Korean alumni base, however most are coded as Asian. 


President: 

Han Eol Cho ’07, 


Treasurer: 

Jane Kim ’07, 


Membership Chair: 

Diane Park ’07, 


Marketing Director: 

Irin Kim ’10, Industrial & 

Labor Relations 

Public Relations Chair: 

Vivian Lee ’10, 

Agriculture & Life 

Sciences 

Events & Programs 

Director: 

ShinAh Ko ’09, 


Campus Liaison: 

Christine Lee ’10, 

Engineering 

10

Cornell Latino Alumni Association 


Website: http://claa.alumni.cornell.edu 

Objective and Goals 

The Cornell Latino Alumni Association (CLAA) was founded in 1994 with the mission of representing and 

promoting the needs and interests of all Latino alumni as they exist at Cornell University and beyond. By 

definition, CLAA’s constituency is broad and encompasses Cornell University’s Latino American, Latino 

Caribbean, Latin American, and Latino European alumni, which collectively comprise about 15% of the 

total alumni population. CLAA’s goals are: 

• To promote and facilitate the interests and activities of Latino alumni of Cornell University 

• To foster a sentiment of regard and support amongst Cornell Latino alumni; 

• To facilitate communication between Cornell, CLAA, and other Cornell alumni associations; 

• To identify Cornell Latino alumni leaders; 

• To promote Latino alumni service to Cornell and local communities; 

• To encourage and assist in the development and growth of other local CLAA associations; 

• To assist Cornell in the recruitment and retention of Latino students; 

• To assist Cornell in the academic and personal development of Latino students, faculty, and 

staff; 

• To participate in the formulation of Cornell policy; 

• To do any and all things necessary or incidental to the realization of these goals. 


• Total Latino Alumni = 6,817 


• 4,897 Latino alumni have given us permission to e-mail them 

• 5,518 Latino alumni have given us permission to mail to them 

Self-Identified Latino Trustees = 2 

Mr. Ruben J. King-Shaw Jr '83 Mrs. Dalia P. Stiller '84 

Self-Identified Latino Council Members = 15 

Ms. Adrienne Rose Martinez '01 Luis O. Garcia PE '69 Ms. Anaiza E. Morales '00 

Ms. Natacha Carbajal '00 Mr. Samuel Ramos '82 Mr. Gregory T. Robinson '01 

Mr. Enrique J. Vila-Biaggi '94 Mr. Felix B. Laboy '86 Mr. Abe Tomas Hughes II '84 

Dr. TJ Carrizales '01 Mr. Jose F. Vazquez-Perez '95 Dr. Elia Colon-Mallah '88 

Eric Rosario '91 Mr. Steven Chernys '83 Ms. Archangela DeSilva '78 

11



Established 

Fund Type 

Latino Latino American Law Students Association Scholarship 12/3/2002 Graduate 

Malaysia Milton L. Barnett Scholarship 9/16/1994 Undergraduate 


President: 

Jonathan Kracer ’08, 



David Suriel ’07, 


Secretary: 

Sasha Lopez ’10, 


External Relations Chair: 

Nicholas Diaz ’10, 


Treasurer: 

Luis Taveras ’08, 

Johnson School 

12

Cornell Native American Alumni Association 


Website: http://aip.cornell.edu/alumni/cnaaa/index.cfm 


To engage and connect Native American students and alumni. 


• Total Native American Alumni = 956 


• 650 Native American alumni have given us permission to e-mail them 

• 763 Native American alumni have given us permission to mail to them 

Self-Identified Native American Council Members = 1 

Mr. Frank A. Dellecave ‘54 



Established 

Fund Type 

Native American Annie M. Hatch Indian Scholarship 1/15/1936 Undergraduate 

Native American Baldwin Family Fund 12/17/1990 PP 

Native American Bishop Family Scholarship for Native American Students 8/27/2008 Undergraduate 

Native American Frank and June Bonamie Scholarship 11/16/1999 Undergraduate 

Native American M. Harold Dwyer Scholarship 3/15/1985 Graduate 

Native American Mario St. George Boiardi Scholarship 3/17/2006 Undergraduate 

Native American Native American Scholarship 12/31/2003 Undergraduate 

Native American Ongweoweh Scholarship 12/21/2011 Undergraduate 

Native American Pamela Mikus Graduate Fellowship 6/5/2009 Graduate 

Native American Robert E. and Dora Wagner Conrath Scholarship Undergraduate 

13


President: 

Carrie Strohl ’99, 



Jason Corwin ’02, 

Agriculture & 

Life Sciences 

Reunion Co-Chair 

Barbara Abrams ’84, 

Agriculture & 

Life Sciences 

Reunion Co-Chair 

Leisha Conners-Bauer 

’82, Agriculture & 

Life Sciences 

• Treasurer/Secretary: Wendy Bray ’84, Human Ecology & David Bray ’77, Agriculture & Life 

Sciences 

14

Cornell University Gay & Lesbian Alumni Association 


Website: http://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/CEL/cpages/interests/about.jspchapter=181&org=CEL 


The Cornell University Gay and Lesbian Alumni Association (CUGALA)—a network of more than 1,700 

Cornell alumni, staff, faculty and friends—provides opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and 

transgender Cornellians to meet and socialize, as well as to support current students and LGBT programs 

on campus. CUGALA is a constituent member of the Cornell Alumni Federation and participates in the 

Cornell Club Alumni Association Board in New York City. 


• Total CUGALA members = 1,881 


• 1,469 LGBT alumni have given us permission to e-mail them 

• 1,575 LGBT alumni have given us permission to mail to them 


President: 

Emanuel Tsourounis II ’00, 

JD ’03, Arts & Sciences 

Treasurer: 

Scott Pesner ’87, 

Agriculture & Life Sciences 

Secretary: 

Olivia Tai ’11, 


Charter & Bylaws 

Committee Co-Chair: 

Jason McGill ’88, Arts & Sciences 

Charter & Bylaws 

Committee Co-Chair: 

Terry Horner ’92, PhD ’98, 

Human Ecology 

Networking Coordinator: 

Nancy Law ’84, Human Ecology 

Membership Survey 

Committee Chair: 

Nick Daniels ’88, Arts & Sciences 

Organizer of Ithaca/ 

Upstate NY Chapter: 

Joyce Muchan ’96, 

Industrial & Labor Relations 

NYC Social Committee Chair: 

Matt Hyde ’04, Engineering 

15

Cornell Mosaic 


Website: http://www.alumni.cornell.edu/mosaic/ 


Mosaic is a coalition of alumni whose primary mission is to promote the involvement of diverse alumni 

organizations and individuals in programs and volunteer activities, to represent the interests of Cornell 

University’s diverse constituencies, and to support development efforts by Cornell’s diverse alumni. 

Goals 

• Support and serve as a resource to Cornell’s diverse alumni organizations 

• Assist in identifying and attracting diverse alumni into leadership positions within the University. 

• Support and initiate programs, projects, and initiatives that benefit diverse alumni, students, 

faculty, staff, administrators, parents and families. 

• Promote, engage, and support fundraising efforts by diverse alumni and alumni organizations. 


• Total Diverse Alumni = 36,549 


• 27,311 diverse alumni have given us permission to e-mail them 

• 29,853 diverse alumni have given us permission to mail to them 

Steering Committee 

Chair: 

Sheryl Tucker ’78, 


Vice Chair: 

Ginger So ’79, 


Vice Chair: 

Adrienne Martinez ’01, MBA ’08, 


CAAA Representative: 

Klara Ng ’99, 


CAAA Representative: 

Michael Lee ’99, 


CBAA Representative: 

Ruby Saake ’84, 

Agriculture & Life Sciences 

16

CBAA Representative: 

Cynthia Cuffie ’74, 

Human Ecology 

CKAA Representative: 

Han Eol Cho ’07, 


CLAA Representative: 

David Suriel ’07, 


CLAA Representative: 

Jonathan Kracer ’08, 


CNAAA Representative: 

Carrie Strohl ’99, 


CUGALA Representative: Emanuel 

Tsournounis II ’00, JD ‘03 


CUGALA Representative: 

Jason McGill ’88, 


At Large Member: 

Anthony Chang ’00, 



Carl Jones ’03, 



Jonelle Bradshaw de 

Hernandez ’96, 

Human Ecology 


Katrina James ’96, 

Human Ecology 


Jay Vix ‘05 


Tarik Zawia ’09, 

Industrial & 

Labor Relations 

17

Diversity Fundraising Overview 



Established 

Fund Type 

Multiple 

Constituents 

Multiple 

Constituents 

Multiple 

Constituents 

Multiple 

Constituents 

Multiple 

Constituents 

Multiple 

Constituents 

Multiple 

Constituents 

Arthur Boller Scholarship 12/7/1970 PP 

Caroline Roero and Armand Copacino Scholarship 12/3/1993 Undergraduate 

Marco A. Baeza Scholarship 10/23/1992 Undergraduate 

Antoinette C. Robbins Scholarship 11/1/1993 Undergraduate 

Poché Endowment Club Scholarship 5/1/1995 Undergraduate 

Malcolm Hecht Jr. Scholarship 8/1/1977 Undergraduate 

Leon and Concetta Bernstein American Indian Scholarship 6/5/1985 Undergraduate 

Donors of Color by Decade 

1970's 

1980's 1990's 2000's 

All Diverse Alumni # of Donors NG&C Total # of Donors NG&C Total # of Donors NG&C Total # of Donors NG&C Total 

Donors of Color 637 $7,829,023 2,103 $13,521,824 3,637 $3,989,226 4,432 $851,799 

Not Specified/Blank 10,779 $210,481,577 2,257 $25,646,610 1,224 $3,846,760 2,366 $1,372,582 

Total 18,036 $400,183,390 19,523 $154,614,430 17,812 $43,114,151 19,383 $9,438,594 

1970's 

1980's 

1990's 

2000's 

Breakout of Ethnicity # of Donors NG&C Total # of Donors NG&C Total # of Donors NG&C Total # of Donors NG&C Total 

American Indian/Alaskan/Hawaiian 21 $212,370 44 $101,790 49 $34,894 69 $13,075 

Asian 206 $5,509,307 1,104 $5,586,182 2,301 $2,667,360 2,564 $576,365 

Black or African American 305 $1,494,295 532 $1,021,475 546 $390,218 760 $111,968 

European 4 $4,854 6 $1,011 2 $195 99 $8,859 

Indian 14 $1,091 

Latin/Central American 101 $608,197 417 $6,811,366 738 $896,522 899 $137,521 

Middle Eastern 13 $1,701 

South American 1 $38 14 $1,218 

White 6,620 $181,872,790 15,163 $115,445,996 12,951 $35,278,166 12,585 $7,214,213 

Not Specified 6 $8,480 2 $3,170 15 $36,496 229 $49,251 

Blank 10,773 $210,473,098 2,255 $25,643,440 1,209 $3,810,264 2,137 $1,323,331 

Total 18,036 $400,183,391 19,523 $154,614,430 17,812 $43,114,153 19,383 $9,438,593 

18

Diversity Association Articles 

Jan. 23, 2012 

Cornell Chronicle Article on 2012 Pan-Asian Banquet 

Cornell Asian Alumni Association honors Irene So 

By Susan Lang 

More than 270 members of the Cornell Asian Alumni Association (CAAA) 

and their guests honored its former president, Irene H.S. So '61, at the 21st 

annual CAAA Banquet Jan. 21 at Grand Harmony Palace in Manhattan's 

Chinatown. 

The banquet raised more than $40,000 and also celebrated the awarding 

of CAAA's 51st, 52nd and 53rd Cornell scholarships to outstanding 

undergraduate students of Asian and Asian Pacific American heritage. 

So, a dental surgeon who served as CAAA president 1995-97, was 

recognized for her commitment to Cornell, the Asian/Asian-American 

community and CAAA, and for being instrumental in ensuring the 

organization's vitality during its formative years. She also has been active 

with the Cornell Club of Northern New Jersey, the University Council, and 

the Cornell Alumni Federation's committee on alumni trustee 

nominations. She is a member of the President's Council of Cornell Women 

and the Library Advisory Council. 

Irene H.S. So '61 is honored for her 

commitment to Cornell and the 

Asian/Asian-American community. 

In referring to Ezra Cornell's statement, "I would found an institution 

where any person can find instruction in any study," So said, "The 

founder's purpose for Cornell University is evident in my own experience 

as a woman and a first-generation Chinese immigrant, enabling me to 

enter the world of science and the community of educated men and 

women. ... Since my graduation, this university experience has become 

commonplace for persons with Asian background. But none of us should 

forget the value of the opportunities we have received or the wonder that 

we are a part of the Cornell experience." 

Also at the dinner, artist and art expert Kwong Lum, chief consultant of the 

Beijing National Museum of China and one of the world's leading experts 

in traditional and modern Chinese art and antiques, presented one of his 

works -- created especially for this banquet -- as a gift to Cornell. Frank 

Robinson, recently retired director of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of 

Art, accepted the gift: an excerpt, in free script calligraphy, from a poem 

by Li Bai (A.D. 701-762, Tang Dynasty). 

"It's very exciting," Robinson said, "and it symbolizes the great, intimate 

relationship Cornell and the Johnson Museum have with Asia and Asian 

art." 

In discussing the annual event, President Emeritus Frank Rhodes 

remarked: "These are always wonderful festivities. They are important, it 

Artist Kwong Lum posing with the 

artwork he presented to Cornell at 

the CAAA 21st Banquet in New York 

City Jan. 21. 

19

seems to me, because they not only link all the richness and culture of the 

Asian peoples, but also in the most remarkable way, unite their richness 

with every other member of society -- every other member of the human 

race. And I know of no other group on campus, and no other alumni group, 

that has that remarkable capacity." 

"Since its founding in 1990, CAAA has led the way in connecting Asian and 

Asian-American alumni and students," noted CAAA President Michael Lee 

'99. "The banquet is an integral part of our fundraising efforts ... [for] the 

CAAA Scholarship Program. We are excited to work with Cornell to forge a 

stronger bond [and] ... look forward to being partners in [Cornell's] 

diversity initiatives to bring together alumni, students and university 

officials." 

The event, which was co-sponsored by Cornell University Diversity Alumni 

Programs, also included entertainment by members of the Cornell 

Ballroom DanceSport Team, Lotus Music and Dance, and the Cornell 

Karaoke Club. 

20

Cornell Chronicle Article on 20/20 Panel 

From left, panelists Khary Barnes '02, Marcy Lopez '01 and Funa Maduka '04 offer advice at a career 

development event March 8 in New York City. 

March 20, 2012 

Alumni offer advice, perspectives on career development 

By Deirdra Hazeley 

At a career development event March 8, more than 100 Cornellians who graduated between 2000 and 2011 gathered at 

Cornell's ILR Center in New York City for the discussion, 20/20 Panel: Advice I Wish I Knew. 

"The panel was designed to provide direction and inspiration to diverse young alumni from the perspective of their successful 

peers, as opposed to seasoned alumni well into their careers," said event co-chair and moderator Khary Barnes '02, who works 

at American Express. 

Backgrounds and perspectives of panelists varied widely. 

Marcy Lopez '01, dean of programs at NJ SEEDS, an academic preparation nonprofit, spoke about engaging in self-reflection and 

risk-taking. She also suggested using such resources as literature in her field, self-help books, volunteer projects and Cornell 

Career Services to find the right career opportunity. 

Funa Maduka '04, an MBA candidate at Harvard University, stressed the importance of finding a mentor and building a personal 

brand. Maduka benefitted from personal relationships she cultivated at Cornell to help her transition from a Goldman Sachs 

analyst to a position as dean of students at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Following a more traditional finance path, Carlos Almodovar '01, who works for a hedge fund, highlighted his drive for 

excellence and strong work ethic. By taking on multiple projects under challenging conditions, he said he was able to develop a 

"personal brand" at such firms as UBS Investment Bank and Lehman Brothers that led to new opportunities. 

"The vantage point of one who looks like you and has recently conquered the very challenges you are currently facing is 

invaluable," said Yve-Car Momperousse, director of Diversity Alumni Programs at Cornell. "This is why I felt it was important to 

co-sponsor this event in conjunction with the Cornell Black Alumni Association and Cornell's Young Alumni Program." 

The panelists took questions on the utility of graduate degrees, best practices for financial management during career 

transitions and relationship building. 

"Audience members could relate to the panelists and were open to hearing about their experiences in navigating the real 

world. The audience sought advice to use in today's turbulent economic environment," said Kassandra Frederique '08, the 

event co-chair. 

Deirdra Hazeley '04 is an artist and teacher in Brooklyn, N.Y. 

21

Cornell Chronicle Article on Café con Leche 

More than 50 alumni from the United States, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Brazil gathered for 

"Café con Leche" with the Cornell Latino Alumni Association in Miami April 21. 

May 2, 2012 

'Café con Leche' brings Latino alumni together in Miami 

By Jonathan Kracer 

More than 50 Cornell Latino alumni and friends gathered in Miami for a "Café con Leche with CLAA" (Cornell Latino 

Alumni Association) networking event April 21. 

"Café con Leche" was held in conjunction with the Cornell Law School and the Samuel C. Johnson Graduate School 

of Management-sponsored Cornell Latin America Alumni Symposium. This third biannual symposium, which 

attracted alumni from the United States, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Brazil, focused on 

diverse business, legal and social issues in the region. 

While enjoying complimentary Cuban coffee and snacks typical of Miami, "Café con Leche" attendees networked 

with local and international Latino alumni professionals and learned more about CLAA, which was founded in 1994 

to represent and promote the needs and interests of Latino alumni at Cornell and beyond. CLAA's constituency 

encompasses Cornell's Latino American, Latino Caribbean, Latin American and Latino European alumni, which 

collectively comprise about 10 percent of the total alumni population, according to CLAA leaders. 

Attendees also learned more about the new CLAA executive board members -- those located in Miami: Jonathan 

Kracer '07, president; Sasha Lopez '10, secretary; and Nicholas Diaz '10, external relations chair; as well as those 

located in New York: David Suriel '07, vice president; and Kervin Pillot '06, webmaster. 

The three Miami executive board members are also on the board of the Cornell Club of Greater Miami and the 

Florida Keys (CCM), which has about 1,200 members; they worked closely with the CCM to attract local diverse 

alumni to "Café con Leche." 

Sponsored by Cornell's Diversity Alumni Programs and International Alumni Programs, "Café con Leche" welcomed 

Yve-Car Momperousse, director of Cornell's diversity alumni programs, and Hongnan Ma, director of Cornell's 

international alumni programs. 

"This is a natural progression for Cornell, as it has always been a global institution," said Gladys Margarita Diaz- 

Jourdain, AAP '81 and '82, a university council member. "Engaging the alumni in this hemisphere will strengthen 

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ties between Cornellians in North and Central America, South America and the Caribbean. It will also provide a 

platform to expand Latino leadership." 

The event also featured remarks by Gustavo Arnavat '84, U.S. executive director of the Inter-American 

Development Bank (IDB), the largest source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean, with a 

strong commitment to sustainable development in the region and the reduction of poverty and inequality. Arnavat 

discussed the importance of the IDB's role, his journey as a Latino Cornellian to his leadership position and how his 

efforts and activities at the IDB correlate with CLAA's goals of representing and fostering the interests of a broad 

and diverse Latino constituency. 

Jonathan Kracer '07 is president of the Cornell Latino Alumni Association. 

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First-Ever Diverse Programs at Cornell Homecoming 

Diversity Alumni Programs, within the Office of Alumni Affairs & Development, worked with 16 Cornell offices and 

alumni groups to create programming for LGBT and alumni of color during homecoming 2012. “This first-ever 

initiative to create comprehensive and targeted activities for Cornell’s diverse community promotes the 

university’s goal of engaging alumni, students, staff, faculty and the Ithaca community with this marquee event” 

said Yve-Car Momperousse, Director of Diversity Alumni Programs. 

The weekend began, on Friday evening, with a tour of the Intercultural Center. Alumni and students had a chance 

to network and talk about the impact of the new center on campus. Later that evening, more than 500 Cornellians 

participated in the Autumn Festival organized by Cornell's Asian and Asian-American students. The festival 

combines elements of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Vietnamese cultures in a celebration 

of unity symbolized by the moon, and of the fall harvest and its bounty. 

Mosaic, a trustee formed subcommittee tasked with engaging LGBT and alumni of color, held a series of events 

such as the Mosaic Exchange: Alumni-Student Panel & Networking. This year’s discussion focused on “Defining & 

Achieving Personal Success as a Cornellian.” 

Gustavo Arnavat ‘84, Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank, spoke passionately about the 

opportunities Cornell afforded him. He urged students to take advantage of the support offered by the Office of 

Academic Diversity Initiatives (formerly known as COSEP). Gustavo credits his success as a Presidential appointee 

to the intellectual curiosity that Cornell provoked in him. 

The panel also discussed issues of race, gender, and sexuality when working in industries dominated by white 

males. Two other panelists include: Dr. Cynthia Cuffie ‘74, an Endocrinologist, was Vice President of Global Clinical 

Development-Cardiovascular Diseases at Merck and Katrina James ’96, an Associate at Skadden Arps. Both 

emphasized the need for support from family, friends and mentors in order to succeed. Nathan I. Shinagawa ’05, 

the youngest county legislator in the history of Tompkins County, reminded students to do what they love and are 

passionate about. 

"Diversity Alumni Programs and Mosaic are elated to be at the helm of starting new traditions that promote 

inclusiveness at Cornell," said Momperousse. “Over 200 alumni, students, and staff participated in the Mosaic 

tailgate. International food, an opportunity to learn about the diverse alumni associations, catching up with old 

friends and making new ones, are a few of the highlights of the Mosaic tailgate” she stated. 

The weekend was brought to a close by celebrating Ujamaa’s 40th anniversary at Willard Straight Hall. Alumni, 

students and friends learned about the rich history of Ujamaa and honored those who have contributed to the 

program house. 

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2011-2012 Diversity Alumni Programs Summary - Alumni - Cornell

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