Preserving the Past is an exciting and important project sponsored by CACO. Our most senior alumni are interviewed by Cornell younger alumni in order to capture their experiences as undergraduates. Interviews take place at Reunion in the regions throughout the year.
Purposes Of CACO’s Preserving The Past Project:
Collect and preserve an oral history of the Cornell experience and Cornell’s influence on the personal, professional, and community life of its graduates.
Honor our most senior alumni by recognizing the impact of their time on the Hill as an integral part of a dynamic university.
Teach and reaffirm the history and mission of Cornell; promote interclass activity and a sense of Cornell community across the decades; expand the impact and meaning of reunions; increase alumni commitment to Cornell; support development goals.
Provide historical reference materials for students, alumni, and faculty exploring the academic and social commitment of Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White to an "Any Person…Any Study" educational model.
Trace the evolution of values and life styles through memories of the Cornell experience—how the four undergraduate years reflect, and/or react to, a changing American and world
New Officer Leadership Training (NOLT)
Every fall, in order to provide fundamental, targeted training to CACO’s newest class leaders, recently inducted officers are invited back to Ithaca for a weekend of instruction, guidance, and orientation. Volunteers are given an opportunity to meet the staff they will be working with, learn more about their roles, and ask questions or express their concerns. Plenty of time is set aside for officer teams to collaborate on the development their 5 year plan, and socialize with CACO Board members, experienced local officers, and other alumni class officer groups.
Pre-Freshman Ice Cream Social
In collaboration with the Office of Minority Educational Affairs (OMEA) CACO hosts an annual Ice Cream Social at Risley Hall in late July. A short presentation emphasizing class unity and alumni affairs opportunities is made to students who are on campus participating in a program to orient them to Cornell’s academic and work-study environment. A sundae making reception follows the informational session, complete with alumni affairs representatives, handouts, and informational displays.
Alumni and Students: Making the Connection
In September, CACO representatives and Cornell Alumni Affairs staff collaborate to host a session for a group of minority undergraduate leaders who are working with Office of Minority Educational affairs (OMEA) to receive funding for their student organizations. Personal testimonials and presentations highlight the vast benefits of establishing and maintaining a connection with alumni from their groups. Instructional brochures containing an array of tips and resources are distributed, and the session is concluded with an opportunity to meet with staff and alumni over pizza.
Mid-Winter Meeting Mentoring
Several years ago CACO began to host students at Mid-Winter Meeting in order to give those who may be interested in alumni affairs and developing their leadership skills an opportunity to learn what alumni class officers do to support their class and Cornell firsthand. These undergraduates are paired with CACO Board mentors for the weekend, attend workshops and receptions, and network with fellow Cornellians to encourage their future participation. More recently, CACO has worked with Office of Minority Educational affairs (OMEA) to subsidize all travel, accommodations and meals for six student leaders to travel to New York each January.
