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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Donor Support Elevates the Cornell Student Experience

Students celebrate at Cornell Lifted
Student-led, Cornell Lifted, connects students through gratitude - sharing notes and balloons - at the end of each semester

Cornell University’s Division of Student & Campus Life (SCL) achieved a historic milestone in fiscal year 2025, raising a record $29.47 million in new gifts and commitments from 8,090 alumni, families, and friends. This remarkable achievement reflects the deep and growing commitment of the Cornell community to enhancing the student experience across every dimension of campus life.

Supporting the Whole Student, Every Step of the Way

Student & Campus Life is the heart of the Cornell student experience outside the classroom—spanning well-being, identity, purpose, community, and belonging. Through a comprehensive network of units and departments that include:

Student residents and RAs connect over programming within HILC Program House
A supportive and transformational residential experience is foundational to holistic student success. 
  • Health & Wellness
  • Residential Life & Campus Services
  • Athletics & Physical Education
  • Career Development
  • Community Engagement
  • Belonging & Student Support
  • Campus & Community Connection

SCL supports the full arc of student development—empowering students to build essential life skills, forge lifelong friendships and connections to the community, discover purpose, and become engaged citizens of the world

Transformational Giving in FY25

The $29.84 million raised in FY25 represents the second-highest cash year in SCL’s history, with $9.75 million in cash gifts. These contributions provide both immediate and long-term support for some of the university’s most visible and impactful student programs.

Among the most transformational gifts was a $20 million commitment from Cornell parents John and Melissa Ceriale. Their generosity will fund the support of embedded therapists directly within Cornell’s Ithaca campus’ schools and colleges and significantly expand the established well-being coaching program available to all students—an investment in mental health that will benefit generations of Cornellians. 

John and Melissa Ceriale along with (L-R) Vice President Lombardi, AVP for Health and Well-being Julie Edwards, and President Michael Kotlikoff
Dedication of The Ceriale Center for Cornell Health

“Remaining nimble and responsive to meet our students where they are today, tomorrow, and into the future is critical to our success in Student & Campus Life. Generosity of our donors allows us to provide the vital resources that help fuel innovation, support well-being, and unlock opportunities that define the Cornell student experience,” said Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life. “These contributions form the foundation of our work. They help us create a campus where all students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to lead, learn, and thrive.” 


Athletics: A Cornerstone of Student Life

Athletics at Cornell is more than competition—it’s a vital part of the student experience. Combined with the division of Student & Campus Life, the Department of Athletics and Physical Education contributes to the holistic development of students, fostering leadership, resilience, and school spirit.

The Power of Unrestricted Support

The Student & Campus Life Annual Fund—an unrestricted, current-use fund—plays a critical role in SCL’s ability to support students year over year. The SCL Annual Fund fund allows SCL to respond to emerging student needs and support essential services such as:

  • Holistic student health and well-being support such as the Light Up the Plaza initiative
  • Recreation and fitness programs
  • Creative and cultural initiatives
  • Community-engaged learning opportunities

These flexible resources ensure that students have access to the tools and support they need to thrive, no matter what challenges arise.

While this level of support is extraordinary, the work is far from done. As student needs continue to evolve—amid a changing world and increasingly complex challenges—continued partnership from donors and friends is essential to sustaining and expanding the transformative experiences that define a Cornell education.