About Us
We are dedicated to supporting first-year and transfer students throughout their first year at Cornell University, as well as upper-level students serving in student leadership positions within Orientation and the Tatkon Center. We work together with our colleagues throughout Student & Campus Life to support the student experience.
Mission, Vision, & Guiding Principles
The Tatkon Center for New Students is committed to the care, connection, and confidence of new students. Through intentional collaboration with university and college partners, we strive to support students as they create community, develop a sense of belonging, and transition to life at Cornell. We empower new students to explore their diverse identities and encourage them to take ownership of their college journey. Our passionate professional and student staff serve as an intellectual bridge for students navigating their academic and co-curricular success. We provide robust programs designed to inspire students and guide them through a transformational college experience.
Vision Statement: To provide new students the foundation they need to thrive at Cornell
Guiding Principles: Agency, Connection, Community, Support and Readiness
Meet the Tatkon Center for New Students Staff
Kevin Perry
Director, Tatkon Center for New Students
Since 2022, Kevin has served as the Jack and Rilla Neafsy Director of the Tatkon Center for New Students. Bringing over a decade of experience in higher education and student affairs, with an expertise in first-year experience and orientation. Kevin serves as a resource for student, families and campus partners to help ease the transition of new students to Cornell.
Alyssa Talvi
Associate Director, Tatkon Center for New Students
Alyssa joined the Tatkon Center for New Students in February 2024. Alyssa has been supporting new students for her entire career! Prior to Cornell, Alyssa served as the Assistant Director for New Student Programs at Binghamton University, where she coordinated the new student Orientation program. She has had a passion for working with incoming students since her tenure as an Orientation Leader during her undergraduate experience. Alyssa attended SUNY Oneonta, where she earned a B.S. in Psychology and went on to earn an M.S. in Student Affairs Administration and an M.S.W.
Olivia Hunt
Assistant Director, Tatkon Center for New Students
Olivia joined the Tatkon Center for New Students in June 2024. Prior to Cornell, she gained professional experience in Enrollment Management, Student Engagement, and Academic Advising at Syracuse University. While earning her MSEd in Higher Education Administration through The State University of New York at Brockport, Olivia worked at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). At TC3, she planned New Student Orientation and her love for supporting incoming students flourished.
Molly Eder
Administrative Assistant, Tatkon Center for New Students
Molly joined the Tatkon Center for New Students in April 2024. Prior to Cornell, she worked in the arts as a professional tap dancer and dance teacher in Chicago. Molly holds a B.S. in Dance & Arts Management with a minor in business from Oklahoma City University. When not working, Molly enjoys traveling, hanging at the gym, and spending time with her partner and their dog, Fin.