Young Trustee position allows graduates in ‘the room where it happens’

Each spring Cornell’s Board of Trustees chooses one member of the senior class to be a Young Trustee, to serve on the Board to see and be part of what goes into making Cornell the best it can be. 

“You get to be in ‘the room where it happens,’’’ said Board Chair Gilda Boyer ‘84, quoting the Broadway musical, “Hamilton.” 

If you’re interested in being in the room where it happens, attend the Young Trustee information sessions being hosted on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 11:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., in Ringer Dining Room or contact Jason Napoli (jnapoli@cornellcollege.edu) in the Berry Career Institute.

Many students aren’t familiar with the role of Young Trustee. Although it is a prestigious role, it’s not a secret or reserved only for students at the top of their class, yet it has remained somewhat unnoticed by many.

“I’d like to see more students start to think about this position even before they begin classes for their senior year,” said Rebecca Sullens, associate director for career coaching & communications in the Berry Career Institute. “After students graduate, the role of Young Trustee is an opportunity to return to the hilltop, make influential connections, and have a voice in the college’s future.”

But really, what is a Trustee and why might you consider applying for a role as one when you’re a senior?

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the college consisting of up to 39 members plus the president of the college. The Board formulates policies governing the operation of the college that are necessary to carry out its mission–its educational programs, its financial affairs, the physical campus, and the quality of student life.  

Each year, after a series of information sessions and formal interviews, the Board selects a member of the graduating class to serve a three-year term as a Young Trustee. 

“This opportunity is a win-win!” said Board of Trustees Governance Committee Chair Judy Jorgenson ’60. “The Board gets to hear a recent, young graduate’s view on lots of different topics and the young graduates learn from all of us older and, we hope, wiser Trustees! Plus it looks great on a resume.”  

The Berry Career Institute assists with the process of marketing, recruiting, and coaching Young Trustee candidates. The selected Young Trustee attends regular Board meetings, which take place a minimum of three times a year–on campus in the fall and spring and typically off campus in the winter.

“Very few colleges and universities offer a recent graduate the opportunity to be a voting trustee, which is too bad,” Boyer said. “These Young Trustees provide the Board with a much needed current perspective of what the student experience is like at Cornell. The Young Trustee will be expected to analyze data, review proposals, participate in conversations about the issues presented at the meetings, and vote when the questions are called.”

During the past three years the Board has selected as Young Trustees Emma Kaboli ’17, Husani Newbold ’18, and Jessica Meis ’19.  These students were athletes, art majors, resident assistants, and alternative break participants from as near as Marion, Iowa, and as far away as the Bahamas. 

“My short time serving on the Board has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life thus far,” said Newbold. “To anyone thinking about applying for the Young Trustee position, I would definitely encourage you to do so, as you have nothing to lose and stand to gain so much by just going through the process.”

Kaboli, who is completing her final year on the Board, said she has gained mentors and friends who will remain part of her life long after her term is up.

“Professionally I have gained confidence, conviction, and so much more. I would not be where I am now in my career if it were not for the Board of Trustees,” Kaboli said.

Those interested in applying will need to submit a personal statement, resume, and recommendation letters by 5 p.m. on April 2. More information regarding the timeline for these requirements and interviews can be found on the college website.