Doug Belden
College of Engineering
Tell us about what you're doing with your life
I'm enjoying the passing of time with my wife, family and friends; making the most of each day; and doing my best to not resist and react to whatever life throws my way.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
My freshman writing class was "Criticisms of Contemporary Music" and I absolutely loved getting to discuss and write about music while receiving advice and input to shape my writing style. One week it was The Clash; then next week it was Phillip Glass. The exposure to different types of music was a blast and the grad student who taught it was a hoot.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
It is a common refrain but I learned more in between classes off the hill than on it. The Greek and Engineering communities that I socialized and studied with (in that order) were instrumental to molding my adult self. My fondest memory would be encompassed by a day-in-the-life: Optimization lecture in Olin hall; a problem set with my Engineering crew in the afternoon; skating between periods as the Cornell Hockey Bear in the evening; drinks at Rulloff's with friends; and dancing on the table in the Phi Bar at night.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
Mostly the guys from my fraternity, but I enjoy observing while not posting (aka. "creeping") on Class of 84 friends on social media.
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
I may have had it earlier, but I definitely adopted and ingrained a work hard - play hard attitude at Cornell. I also developed an affinity for smart, curious and fun loving people. My OR&IE education funneled me right into the computer revolution and gave me a rewarding career in IT consulting which I retired from earlier this year.
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was most meaningful?
I had a lot of extras so it is hard to choose. I would say the fraternity - where I held several positions that taught me a lot about leading vs. managing - and Student Agencies - where I opened and ran a stereo retail store that taught me a bunch about marketing and sales (through poor results).
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I would slow it down and stretch it out. :-) I and many of my friends knew how special and formative our time at Cornell was when we were there and we didn't want it to end. Perhaps Zonker from Doonesbury had the right plan.
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
I have a lot a pride in my alma matter most likely instilled by my parents and paternal grandparents who all went to Cornell. The quality of the people I continue to meet in my life who went to Cornell add to that pride and confirm my appreciation for smart, curious and fun-loving people.
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
I'll be glad to see my fraternity guys; am really hoping to catch up with my Engineering crew; and also meet some NEW smart, curious and fun-loving people.