Judith (Cavell) Cohen
College of Arts & Sciences
Tell us about what you're doing with your life
I'm currently living in a Maryland suburb of Washington, D.C., where my husband and I raised our two children. We're now adjusting to life as recent empty nesters. Fortunately, our daughter lives locally and is gainfully employed. Our son is still in college and just got married over Thanksgiving weekend — see above!
I've been working for the federal government (I.R.S.) for the past 34 years, but in a very taxpayer-friendly role! I'm an Assistant Director in what has to be the most fun division in the agency. I lead U.S. delegations all over the world to negotiate, with our tax treaty partners, agreements concerning the taxation of multinational companies. Taxpayers actually come into our program voluntarily because they don't want to be taxed on the same income twice: once by the U.S. government and a second time by a foreign government. Not only do my amazing colleagues and I get to see other countries and experience different cultures, but we have the satisfaction of knowing that we're protecting the U.S. fisc to the tune of billions of dollars. I'm honored to work with so many wonderful colleagues, several of whom are Cornellians.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
I was a psychology major, which of course has proven useful in just about every aspect of my life. I found both my Abnormal Psych and Sex Roles courses particularly fascinating. The husband and wife team of Sandra and Daryl Bem taught the latter class and I now realize just how ahead of the time they were. Society is only catching up now.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
One of my favorite memories is the beauty of the campus and its surroundings. I actually miss the snow, having grown up in the snow belt and having lived in Ithaca for years.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
The main Cornell classmate with whom I keep in touch is Nancy Kim, my freshman roommate. She not only lives in my area but works in my division, which is not totally a coincidence. Nancy has been a dear friend of mine longer than anyone else in the D.C. region, and I've known her longer than I've known my husband and kids!
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
After I graduated from college I attended Cornell Law School, so I spent seven years in Ithaca. My Cornell undergraduate experience introduced me to people from all walks of life. I had grown up in a very homogeneous community, so meeting all kinds of people at college was vital for my personal growth. Also, the rigor of the academics helped prepare me for law school and my career.
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I most definitely would have taken better advantage of what the university and the surrounding community had to offer. To this day, I regret that I did not do this. I'd say that, at least in my case, youth was wasted on the young.