First-Ever Diverse Programs at Cornell Homecoming
Diversity Alumni Programs, within the Office of Alumni Affairs & Development, worked with 16 Cornell offices and
alumni groups to create programming for LGBT and alumni of color during homecoming 2012. “This first-ever
initiative to create comprehensive and targeted activities for Cornell’s diverse community promotes the
university’s goal of engaging alumni, students, staff, faculty and the Ithaca community with this marquee event”
said Yve-Car Momperousse, Director of Diversity Alumni Programs.
The weekend began, on Friday evening, with a tour of the Intercultural Center. Alumni and students had a chance
to network and talk about the impact of the new center on campus. Later that evening, more than 500 Cornellians
participated in the Autumn Festival organized by Cornell's Asian and Asian-American students. The festival
combines elements of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Vietnamese cultures in a celebration
of unity symbolized by the moon, and of the fall harvest and its bounty.
Mosaic, a trustee formed subcommittee tasked with engaging LGBT and alumni of color, held a series of events
such as the Mosaic Exchange: Alumni-Student Panel & Networking. This year’s discussion focused on “Defining &
Achieving Personal Success as a Cornellian.”
Gustavo Arnavat ‘84, Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank, spoke passionately about the
opportunities Cornell afforded him. He urged students to take advantage of the support offered by the Office of
Academic Diversity Initiatives (formerly known as COSEP). Gustavo credits his success as a Presidential appointee
to the intellectual curiosity that Cornell provoked in him.
The panel also discussed issues of race, gender, and sexuality when working in industries dominated by white
males. Two other panelists include: Dr. Cynthia Cuffie ‘74, an Endocrinologist, was Vice President of Global Clinical
Development-Cardiovascular Diseases at Merck and Katrina James ’96, an Associate at Skadden Arps. Both
emphasized the need for support from family, friends and mentors in order to succeed. Nathan I. Shinagawa ’05,
the youngest county legislator in the history of Tompkins County, reminded students to do what they love and are
passionate about.
"Diversity Alumni Programs and Mosaic are elated to be at the helm of starting new traditions that promote
inclusiveness at Cornell," said Momperousse. “Over 200 alumni, students, and staff participated in the Mosaic
tailgate. International food, an opportunity to learn about the diverse alumni associations, catching up with old
friends and making new ones, are a few of the highlights of the Mosaic tailgate” she stated.
The weekend was brought to a close by celebrating Ujamaa’s 40th anniversary at Willard Straight Hall. Alumni,
students and friends learned about the rich history of Ujamaa and honored those who have contributed to the
program house.