Cindy Parrish
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Tell us about what you’re doing with your life
Currently writing a hip hop sea shanty musical about two real life women pirates. An educator for justice impacted learners (including a couple of years at Rikers Island). Returning to professional storytelling this Halloween. A new grandmother, enjoying living in my round cordwood home near my husband's farm brewery.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
Most interesting - Comm Arts and Fine Arts photography classes.
Most useful - theater classes
Honorable Mention - Despite being a course with 1500 people, Psych 101 (Professor Maas) truly engaged me.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
Freshman year, I directed a short play at the Thirsty Bear Tavern involving two friends pretending to fight so as to distract the bouncers. By doing so, I was able to liberate a hand stamp so that all of us could be deemed legal. Just this summer, one of the actors surprised me with the hand stamp which he kept all these years.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
Mark Salzberg, Wayne Darragh, Jim Eicholzer, Judy Sloan, Karin Bernt, Carol Leister, Eric Friedman, Andrea Shaw. Eleanor Rich, Jay Indik, Sue Ellen Hamkins, Christine Gilman.
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
Cornell set me on a path to be a writer and visual artist and has fostered a life long interest in the sciences
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was most meaningful?
The Tin Can Fantasy Factory (a children's theater) which is still going today and using the silk screen design made by Sue Ellen Hamkins.
What random or surprising encounters with Cornell or Cornellians have you experienced since you left?
A very cool young man, who just started an organic grocery - New Lebanon Market - here in my small town, is a fellow alum.
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I would not have taken that hand stamp. See above.
Although...
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
The delight I get from seeing and talking with all of my friends from Cornell (especially Mark Salzberg, 'The Memory Keeper')
What advice would you give to a student starting at Cornell?
The size of the school makes it particularly daunting to find your people, folks with whom you can make a social and intellectual community. You may need to hunt around (or you might may find them immediately), but know that they're there.
Also, come to know some of your professors, find a mentor.
Success in college is directly related to studying with your peers and having a relationship with your teachers.
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
Returning that hand stamp.
Problem - there is no more Thirsty Bear Tavern.
Solution - the Historic Society may be interested in it
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
A grand time will be had by all.
I guarantee it
Hello wonderful Cornell friends. Would love to connect at reunion. It is so great to see your beautiful faces.