About President Garner

When Dr. Leslie H. Garner Jr. became Cornell's President in 1994, his top priority was to create a strategic plan for the college's future in an era of increased competition. With broad-based input, a plan was developed in 1996 that President Garner summarized with these words:

"To be successful, Cornell must act aggressively to improve academic quality, improve student life, encourage innovation, develop programs in leadership and community service, and enhance the effectiveness of its development, alumni, and communications programs."

The measure of President Garner's leadership is not simply in the words that formed the plan's seven goals, but in the impressive results that are evident all around campus a decade later.

Academically, exciting interdisciplinary initiatives took root, including Dimensions: The Center for the Science and Culture of Healthcare, and The Berry Center for Economics, Business, and Public Policy. These innovative programs offer students a liberal arts approach to important fields of study, and are bolstered by programs such as the annual Delta Phi Rho Lecture and the Beta Omicron Distinguished Alumni Visitors Program.

New facilities such as Kimmel Theatre created state-of-the-art learning environments. Renovations turned historic Law Hall into the campus technology center, while McWethy Hall became a marvelous home for the art department. And the library revolutionized its role in education by founding the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Students also benefit from renovated residence halls, as well as two new suite-style living options in New Hall and Clock Tower Hall. They enjoy updates to The Commons, including a modern fitness facility and redesigned dining hall, Rathskeller, and Orange Carpet areas. And a beautiful, winding pedestrian mall now runs through campus.

And in the area of leadership and community service -- President Garner's area of expertise -- the college welcomed the Cornell Fellows Program and the Program For Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility. These initiatives, as well as more than 100 student organizations on campus, give students ample outlets for learning and contributing beyond the classroom.

Perhaps the best reflection of President Garner's leadership is that these and many other campus improvements have come during a time when Cornell's endowment more than doubled in size. His impassioned vision and consistent message continue to inspire benefactors, even as they serve to guide the campus community.