Veronica Schuchart ’26 followed in her father’s footsteps when she enrolled at Cornell 36 years after Andy Schuchart ’90 graduated. Some may say the phrase, “like father, like daughter,” applies to this duo.
They both have two majors, although in very different subjects. Andy studied politics and philosophy. Veronica is majoring in geology and studio art. They both treasure the friends they’ve made on the Hilltop and the connections they have with the faculty. They both also served as president of Student Senate. Andy was elected in the spring of 1989, and Veronica took the role in the spring of 2026. With decades in between their presidential posts, they reflect on the similarities and differences in their service to Cornellians.
What does it mean to you to share this unique connection as father and daughter?
Andy: As a parent, I’m proud of her, plus I commiserate.
Veronica: For me, it makes the role more fun, asking my dad for advice and bouncing ideas off of him is always special.
Did you ever imagine this would become a family tradition?
Andy: You might think the Ronster grew up with me crowing about Cornell, and my being president of student government, with the meetings, administration, faculty politics, and financial pressures, but I think I spared her all of that. When she arrived at Cornell and took an interest in Student Senate, I suggested she investigate running for chair of Academic Affairs. Catherine Quehl-Engel ’89 and Wendy Welsh ’90 pioneered that role in my mind. The faculty are the gold of Cornell, and you want to work with them. Smartly, she took that challenge first.
Veronica: Haha, never. I’m interested in science and the arts with a passion in the humanities, but I never assumed I would go on to be student body president, following in my Dad’s footsteps.
How would you describe the role of the Student Senate president?
Andy: Students live complicated lives, and they just need someone they can trust to keep the clubs funded, advocate for student interests, and keep an eye on the administration, which includes winning the administration’s trust as well.
Veronica: It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work and active listening. The Student Senate president has the opportunity to build strong connections with both students and staff and, over time, becomes a kind of encyclopedia for navigating and resolving the wide range of issues brought forward.
Do you ever swap stories or advice about leadership roles?
Andy: A lot has changed. We didn’t have email, let alone social media, and we didn’t have the level of conspiracy nonsense that can run amok through Yik Yak, burning up good energy. We did have the Freshling talent show at the end of orientation. We had the risk of HIV/AIDS on the scene. The drinking age rolled from 19 to 21. We had the Royal Purple. Ronnie is hugely levelheaded, and I do rely on her for not getting swept up in nonsense.
Veronica: Yes, we do! He always had goofy stories from his time at Cornell. A lot of which seem illogical and professionally idiotic, but it helps me gain insight into ways to bring more fun and joy to my peers’ time here.
What’s your favorite memory from serving as Student Senate president?
Andy: Cornell has amazing student groups. It’s the perfect-sized student body to contribute and better each other. The president of Student Senate is mostly a catalyst, or cheerleader, for wide, diverse interests on campus. My personal favorite event was Honey Boy Edwards playing a two-hour set on the Orange Carpet. It’s a privilege to be on campus with such a passionate student body.
Veronica: My favorite memory was the General Assembly we had this past fall, in which over 100 students came to support each other. I also greatly enjoyed a Get Out of Town activity that we hosted last spring, which a senator orchestrated. We got to play laser tag endlessly.
What’s one thing about campus life and the community that has stayed the same across generations?
Andy: Cornell changes lives, and U.S. News still hasn’t found a way to measure that. A close-knit, caring community thrives at Cornell. The block plan is intense. The hilltop is intense. You can’t just run and hide. You must engage. I’ve enjoyed having Cornellians join us for Thanksgiving the past few years, and as overnight guests on their travels through Illinois. They are deeply thoughtful, enthusiastic, and the kind of people you want on your team.
Veronica: How close-knit our community is. It truly fosters friendships that last a lifetime. I grew up meeting and visiting my dad’s college friends and always hoped I’d be just as lucky. Coming to Cornell, I found it easy to form those same kinds of connections, and now I know some of the best people I’ve ever met, who I get to call friends for life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to future student leaders?
Andy: Listen. There is bedrock deep down. You can’t find it, unless you listen. Build from that.
Veronica: Never be afraid to rely on others. You may not have all of the answers, but build connections with others, and a resolution will unfold.
Andy went on to graduate school, worked on staff at Amnesty International, and taught government and economics at various levels, primarily in community colleges. He currently teaches online part-time as an adjunct professor at Iowa Central Community College. For years, he volunteered to organize and lead Junior Great Books discussion groups with elementary school kids. At Cornell, he enjoyed playing violin in the Chamber Orchestra and Opera Workshops. He currently serves on the board of directors of the local professional symphony orchestra.
Veronica describes her Senate president leadership style as observant, caring, and thrifty. She enjoys BudgetFest, which is where Student Senate distributes funding for all student clubs. Veronica’s family lives in Champaign, Illinois, now, but says she was originally an Iowan—born in Fort Dodge. She plans to pursue a career in geology and paleoclimatology after she graduates, to further her love for scientific research. Veronica has traveled to Australia to conduct research with William Harmon Norton Professor of Geology Rhawn Denniston. Veronica's Student Senate presidency at Cornell wraps up on March 4, 2026.