Minus 1 on Campus: Meet Our New Class Scholar

I am almost thawed out after being on campus last week when it was minus 1 degree (felt like minus 20). I don’t remember days that cold when we were undergrads…. This winter, Cornell was actually closed for 24 hours in January due to heavy snow.

Between snowfalls, Kristen and I had the opportunity to meet with our Class Scholar, Marianna Wineinger ‘29, who spent her first semester in Washington DC as a member of the inaugural DC Start program through the Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy. After 3 weeks on the Ithaca campus, Marianna had the following observations:

“Getting to experience DC through a Public Policy lens as a freshman was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witnessing the result of hundreds of years of US history surrounding me through the memorials and monuments fortified my passion to continue to pursue a career in policy and advocacy. Along with opportunities to meet lobbyists, former and current House members, White House staff, lawyers, and more, the program offered a unique beginning to my college journey through an in-depth understanding of the political field. Living and going to class with the same forty peers each day allowed us to grow close as a cohort, an aspect I value deeply as I transition to Ithaca. I have truly enjoyed carrying these friendships on campus while also making new ones. 

 I am a Californian at heart, so it is difficult for me to fully acclimate to the freezing temperatures, as I am sure you all recall from your time at Cornell. I do find Ithaca and the Cornell campus very beautiful, and I am excited to see how the campus looks through all the seasons, especially the fall and the spring cherry blossoms. The snow adds another layer of beauty, even if I cannot feel my fingers at times. Exploring all the various clubs, cafes, and libraries has been wonderful, and I am excited to fully settle in as a Cornellian. Thank you very much for making this experience possible!”

 Sincerely, Marianna

Because of the generosity of the many classmates who have contributed to the Class of 1974 Scholarship Fund, our class has supported eight Cornell undergraduates since 2000. We will likely have Marianna as our scholarship recipient throughout her Cornell years, so we will get to know her better as she experiences all that Cornell has to offer.