One Wish: Jonathan Brand

Jonathan Brand has served as president of Cornell College since July 2011. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, President Brand teaches in the Department of Politics; participates with students, faculty, and staff in a wide range of college activities; and travels extensively to meet with alumni and friends of Cornell. He and his wife, Rachelle LaBarge, are also engaged in the community and the region.

Theologian Frederick Buechner generally defines vocation as that place where “your deep gladness and the world’s deepest need meet.” My one wish for the world in 2025 is that we collectively commit to removing all unnecessary obstacles that prevent more people from discovering that place for themselves so that we can unlock the full expanse of human potential as we seek greater health and contentment globally. After all, it is proverbially hard to be creative (and productive) when you are being chased by lions. I just imagine how much more we could accomplish as a society—to our collective benefit—if people could devote more time to realizing their passion.

I specifically focus on the removal of unnecessary obstacles because some obstacles are good. They build resilience. Cornell students are among our future leaders, and they will get closer to that place where their deep gladness and the world’s deepest need meet by persisting through both successes and failures. 

Read all 11 Wishes for 2025 from Cornell visionaries.