Carol Leister
Tell us about what you’re doing with your life
Since graduation, I’ve helped raise money for various nonprofit institutions in New York City—including Columbia University, Channel 13 (WNET), WNYC Radio and Sesame Workshop. I now own my own consulting business, continuing to help nonprofits raise money for their missions. In my down time, I’ve been enjoying all the things New York City has to offer—from theater to restaurants to ice cream—as well as traveling the world. Since 1984, I’ve been involved in many Cornell-related volunteeer activites: a Class Officer, a Cornell Adult University board member, and a CAAAN interviewer. Basically doing my best to enjoy my life and to make the world better.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
My favorite class was Introduction to Phychopathology with Professor Ron Mack. Mack moved beyond textbooks, teeaching with novels and movies, illustrating priciples and theories using these relateable and accesible examples and, thereby, bringing those theories to life, making learning more entertaining and engaging. This taught me that you cal learn from all forms of media, not just texbooks. The class was in Uris Hall, immediately after Introduction to Astronomy with Professor Yervant Terzian. I would go to my class early and catch the tail end of Terzian’s lecture. It was always interesting to hear what he was teaching, even though I never got to take the full course.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
Walking back to North CAmpus, at the end of any given day. I would pass Lincoln Hall, the music building on the Arts Quad. I would hear the most beautiful music coming from the building—someone practicing piano or violin or some other instrument. Hearing those sounds and watching the sun set has created an indelible memory of Cornell. Whenever I go back to campus, I walk by Lincoln Hall, hoping to hear some new, young Cornellian similarly engrossed in their study of music.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
Mark Salzberg, Judy Sloan, Karin Bernt Colquitt, Jo Ann Krohn Boyko, Lindsay Liotta Forness, Bob Forness, Jim Eicholzer, Cindy Parrish, Robby Silvershein, John Boggan, Dan Speck, Steve Osborn and Kim Wagner.
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
My closest friends are from Freshman Year Donlon Second Floor. I’ve traveled with them, celebrated milestones with them and watched their kids grow (some graduating from Cornell). We have stayed in each others’ lives and I look forward to growing old with them.
What random or suprising encounters with Cornell or Cornellians have you experienced since you left?
It was my first week at Channel 13. I was brand new to the job, the low man on the totem pole. I heard someone shout my name from down the hallway. It was the General Counsel of the station, Ellie Applewhaite (Class of ‘59). She was there to welcome me and to make sure that I knew I had a friend at the station and that her door was always open to me.
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
I’m a second generation Cornellian. My father Edwin Leister was Class of ‘45. I first stepped on to campus in 1975 at his 30th Reunion. As a rebellious teenager, I had no desire to go to the same school as my father. However, I soon changed my mind after spending a summer on campus during high school, taking classes and experiencing life at Cornell. My father also volunteered his time for the school and I take great pride in following in his footsteps and, through my efforts, making Cornell a little better.
What are you looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
I have been Registration Chair for a long time. I look forward to seeing everyone at Reunion and I can make sure that everyone gets housed near their friends. So please put the dates on your calendar, look for Registration early next year and I’ll see you there!