CU Tradition announces awards for fellowships will be enhanced

By Christopher Greaves '01

Susan Hitchcock, director of the Cornell Tradition, surprised students at the program's annual convocation Feb. 23 with news that fellowships for the 2001-2002 academic year will be upped from $3,500 to $4,000 to keep pace with inflation and rising university costs.

"The bridge we forge for our student fellows to financial support is not a handout but a hand-up," said Hitchcock of the alumni-endowed program which awards 600 fellowships each year to students who demonstrate significant community service, work experience and academic achievement. Hitchcock said Tradition fellows will complete nearly 75,000 hours of community service -- far exceeding the 45,000 hours they are required to contribute. Additionally, the group will chalk-up 112,000 hours of paid work, while maintaining GPAs that consistently surpass that of the average Cornell student.

"We see your contributions," Hitchcock said. "And we know, dollar for dollar, we couldn't make a better investment."

"It's part of Cornell Tradition's continuing commitment to ensure that the best students attend Cornell regardless of their financial circumstances," said Nathaniel Guest, the program's assistant director, earlier this week.

CNN congressional correspondent Jonathan Karl, right, speaks with sophomore Richelle Carino, a Cornell Tradition fellow and Student Advisory Council member, before Karl's address at the Tradition's convocation in Call Auditorium of Kennedy Hall, Feb. 23. Nicola Kountoupes/University Photography

Former high-school principal Joe Clark, subject of the movie "Lean on Me," was slated to address the crowd, but missed the ceremony due to inclement flying weather. Clark was replaced -- on very short notice -- by CNN congressional correspondent Jonathan Karl, who urged students to overcome the myopia of prior generations, whose shortsightedness put the federal government in debt and wrought havoc on the environment.

Despite the traditionally lacklustre political involvement of America's young adults, Karl said that programs like Cornell Tradition prove that young people "are committed to leadership and entrepreneurial service." He told students to continue their commitment to hard work and service and urged them to translate these energies into political action. "Your duty is to lead and to inspire others to lead," said Karl. "Your duty is not just to rock the vote, but to rock the system."

Abiola Dele-Michael, a senior in the College of Human Ecology and a Cornell Tradition fellow, was enthusiastic about Friday night's message. "It serves as an inspiration to work hard and reminds you that it's not only about the work, but about being part of the community. Cornell Tradition is vital in terms of making you a superstar," said Dele-Michael.

Cornell Tradition was established in 1982 with an anonymous gift of $7 million. Since then, it has replaced over $21 million in student loans for its fellows. Approximately 150 freshman and transfer students are selected for the program each year during the admissions process. Upperclass students can apply directly in the spring of each year. Applications are available online at www.commitment.cornell.edu and are due in 107 Day Hall by March 1.