Meet our New Christopher Reeve Scholar–Ashley Alexander
In early November I enjoyed the best Cornell Performing Arts experience of my life: the premiere of Orlando’s Gift, written and directed by Cornell professor, David Feldshuh. It’s an amazing script and was brilliantly acted. The choreography, set and costumes added a great deal to the story. I owe this memorable experience to our current Christopher Reeve ’74 scholar*, Ashley Alexander ’25, whom I recently met at a reception hosted by classmates John Foote and Kristen Rupert. Wow! You’ll read in her bio that Ashley is entrenched in theatre activities at Cornell.
My name is Ashley Alexander. I am a senior at Cornell University double majoring in Government and Performing Arts. I bring both talent and dedication to my studies and extracurriculars in the College of Arts and Sciences. I was born and raised in New York City. My parents were both born in Guyana, making me a proud first-generation college student. At Cornell, I have contributed to both on-stage and backstage roles in productions such as “Desdemona”, “Family Copali”, and “Orlando’s Gift”. Known for my kindness and hard work, I am a familiar face at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, where I not only take my classes but also hold a student job and spend countless hours in rehearsals.
My ambitions post-graduation include securing an internship at a production company, television studio, or courthouse while continuing to audition for film and theater roles. My ultimate dream would be to one day perform on Broadway or star in a major television show. In my day to day life as a student at Cornell, I find moments of joy by shopping at the Cornell Store and studying with my peers at Olin Library.
*The Christopher Reeve ’74 scholarship was started in 2005 by several of our classmates working with the College of Arts and Sciences. Recently, the newly appointed Dean of the College, Peter John Loewen, told a group of visiting alumni that support for College scholarships is a top priority; my ears immediately perked up, knowing that some of our classmates continue to support this scholarship in memory of Chris. If you would like to contribute to this scholarship click here.