Stories of the Cornell Spirit: Gilda Vinzulis Boyer ’84
It is absolutely true that the power of the Cornell experience is lost if our students cannot afford to attend. Here is one emblematic story, from Cornell graduate and current Board Chair Gilda Vinzulis Boyer ’84. — Jonathan Brand
Extending financial aid for those with the greatest need
The summer of 1982, between my sophomore and junior years, was tumultuous for my family. During that time, first my mother, then my father, lost their jobs. I was already at Cornell through the generosity of others via scholarships, plus federal and state grants and loans. I held a work-study job in Old Sem, and cleaned a few houses in Mount Vernon to make some fun money. This was not atypical of many Cornell students back then, as it is today. I was devastated when my parents made it clear that they had no means by which to make my upcoming tuition payments.
Distraught, I called Barry Boyer ’84, then boyfriend, Cornell student, and now 33-plus years my husband, to break the news. He was undeterred. He said: “I know Barron Bremner will help us.” Barron had recruited Barry to Cornell to play football. He was a legendary figure at Cornell, a most gregarious and generous spirit. He assured Barry that he would find a way to help me bridge my funding gap. True to his word, I was awarded some additional money that made it possible for me to return to the Hilltop that fall. I couldn’t believe that Barron, who had this big job and more pressing things to worry about, had made getting me back to Cornell a priority.
It was one of those momentous moments in my life. It solidified for me that Cornell was indeed a special place, a place where I mattered and I belonged, a school that went beyond to help its students succeed. Barron’s actions allowed me to complete my degree at Cornell, graduate magna cum laude, later attend law school at Iowa, and enjoy a 20-year career in private practice.
As a result, it’s been part of my personal creed to give back and pay it forward. Over the years I have volunteered in my community and supported a variety of organizations. And of course, I have always given back to Cornell, starting as a freshly minted grad diligently making my small Annual Fund gift, and most recently serving as a member of the Board of Trustees and supporting the Russell Science Center as part of Greater > Than, The Campaign for Cornell College. I do so knowing that perhaps my time and my gifts will make that life-changing difference for a few students here and now. And lucky us, we have been able to experience that amazing sense of community and place that is Cornell.
Other stories in this series:
The generous, overarching warmth and spirit of campus: Dyan Smith, honorary alumna
Faculty generosity toward students: Freya R. Brier ’80
Staff generosity toward students: Jeff Zupancic ’91
Alumni helping alumni: Brandon Crawford ’12
Current staff, faculty, and students describe the Cornell Spirit
Adapted from a January 2018 presidential white paper
