Cornell legacy: Clara Haverstic ’23

By Cornell Report Staff

Clara Haverstic ’23
Clara Davison Davidson ’52, grandmother

Clara Haverstic ’23
Clara Haverstic ’23

Clara: My grandmother’s name was Clara Davidson (nee Davison). She graduated in 1952 with a degree in dramatic arts. 

I certainly have a lot more freedom here than she did. When my grandmother was here, she still had to abide by curfews and contend with house mothers. She also wasn’t allowed to have a car, even though I’ve heard that did not stop her. However, the spirit of community is the same. She found meaning through her involvement with the radio station, her sorority (Delphis), the dance troupe, and theatre. I also have found a lot of meaning and connection through Greek Life (Newts) and the theatre. She loved being a part of the Cornell community, and so do I. 

My grandmother passed away when I was pretty young. I didn’t get a chance to know her as an adult, and being here makes me feel closer to her. I’m not a theatre major like she was, but I’m still involved with theatre as an extracurricular activity.

Clara Davison Davidson ’52 (1952 Royal Purple)
Clara Davison Davidson ’52 (1952 Royal Purple)

We’re both performers, and it gives me a sense of connection to know we both performed in the same place. Not the exact same stage, though—all our performance spaces were built after she graduated. 

I think she would have been delighted to have her namesake go to her alma mater and follow in her footsteps with theatre. She found a place at Cornell and would be thrilled to know that I have too. We probably would have been able to bond over swapped stories about the campus shenanigans that happened during our times here!

Read about five other Cornell legacy families

 

Clara Haverstic ’23 (in red coat) and her family pose in front of King Chapel during her grandmother’s 50th reunion weekend in 2002. Children with Clara are her cousin (left) and sister (center). In the back row from left are her aunt, grandmother Clara Davison Davidson ’52, grandfather, and mother.
Clara Haverstic ’23 (in red coat) and her family pose in front of King Chapel during her grandmother’s 50th reunion weekend in 2002. Children with Clara are her cousin (left) and sister (center). In the back row from left are her aunt, grandmother Clara Davison Davidson ’52, grandfather, and mother.