Even when Cornell College grads get their degrees and head out into the world, many find their way back to the Hilltop to support today’s students.
Alumni have an impactful mix of career experience and One Course At A Time knowledge that provides new insights and new connections as students plan their futures.
Patty Helland ’86, Libby Schnoor ’18, and Pete Alepra ’86 are three of many visiting alumni who could be found around campus during the 2026 spring semester, presenting in a class, catching up with faculty, teaching courses, and meeting with students.
We caught up with three of them to learn more about their return to campus.
Patty Helland ’86
Patty Helland ’86 spent Block 6 on campus putting her experience with One Course At A Time to use as she taught Human Resource Management.
“I think alumni have unique perspectives, as we know what it’s like to learn and study under the block plan,” Helland said. “What I try to do in my class, in addition to making connections between what they are learning and what happens in the ‘real world,’ is to make connections with other alums who can help them as they begin their careers.”
Helland studied biology at Cornell, but her career took her in another direction.
“While I didn’t become a working biologist, the learning experiences helped me to think critically, and that formed my career trajectory,” Helland said. “Mostly, it made me adaptable to new situations, which allowed me to be successful as I made my way to working in academia.”
Block 6 was Helland’s second time teaching, and she’s planning to come back next year, too. She enjoyed the opportunity to see an important Cornellian, her daughter Maggie Helland ’26.
“Teaching while Maggie is a student here has been really fun,” Helland said. “It has also been really helpful to bounce ideas off her.”
Pete Alepra ’86
Pete Alepra ’86 drove from Cedar Rapids to work with professors within the Department of Economics and Business and visit with students involved with the Cornell Finance Group.
“We discussed employment opportunities, the markets, and how to differentiate yourself when looking at job openings,” Alepra said. “I love the opportunity to make a difference for students and help with their perspectives.”
Alepra retired from RBC Wealth Management after 37 years as managing director and financial advisor and says alumni involvement strengthens students' experiences.
“Cornell was a very formative time of my life, and I want to help others navigate through this time in their lives,” Alepra said. “I think alumni can help students see the potential path and experiences that are possible when they see someone who had Cornell as a starting point.”
Libby Schnoor ’18
Libby Schnoor ’18 returned to Cornell to present to a class at the invitation of Professor of Economics and Business Santhi Hejeebu. The former Cornell volleyball player is putting her major, business analytics, to work as a lead data analyst at Target in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
This was her first time back in the Cornell classroom as a guest. She presented on marketing analytics, examined careers in the field, and discussed advanced analytical methods.
“My hope is that students walked away with the message that marketing analytics is a growing field with several opportunities,” Schnoor said. “And that staying curious, asking questions, and being able to communicate complicated analyses will always be valuable.”
This was the first time Schnoor had returned to the classroom since graduation, but as a young alum, she remembers what it was like to sit in those seats. She believes it’s helpful for students to see alumni who have succeeded beyond Cornell, so they realize what they can accomplish, too.
“Cornell helped me become a critical thinker, lifelong learner, and leader through a variety of courses and athletics,” Schnoor said. “It is meaningful for me to stay connected to Cornell because it has given me so much. The professors, coaches, staff, and students were and still are very special people. Visiting campus brings back some of my favorite memories, so I will always want to stay connected to the Hilltop.”
After Cornell, Schnoor received her master’s in data science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
These are just three examples of the many alumni who return to support the college in big and small ways, all of which make a difference in students’ lives. When grads walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, many never forget their time at Cornell and come back to share their talents. It’s an alumni community that continues to give back block after block, building lasting memories that inspire students to tackle their dreams and possibly return one day to share their success stories with the next generation of Cornellians.