Tell us about what you're doing with your life
Member of the Foreign Service Grievance Board hearing employment law cases. Spending time with my family and friends. Traveling to our beach cottage in Cape May New Jersey. Attended a wedding in France this summer.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
American Labor History with Professor Korman
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
Living in Risley and Collegetown (above the liquor store) and all the fun times with my friends. Going to the Connection. Snow.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
My roommates Nancy Sherlock and Debbie Heller Hand. And Ellen Schloss Rudin. My sister, Marjorie Helitzer Swirsky (HumEc 1981) my mom Eugenie Alexander Helitzer (Arts/Science 1956).
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
I’ve used my background in American Labor History and Economics in my years teaching as an adjunct professor (business law) at George Mason University. When I started teaching in the 1990s, I was amazed that many of my students never heard of labor unions.
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was most meaningful?
Ice skating and karate
What random or surprising encounters with Cornell or Cornellians have you experienced since you left?
I get to speak to Cornellians every day as my mom and sister are both Cornell grads. My dad who passed away on 2021 also went to Cornell. And my great grandfather attended for a year.
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I was always so busy studying. I wish I spent more time exploring Ithaca.
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
The ILR school provided an amazing education and provided me with the skills to succeed at Georgetown University Law Center and have law career spanning from private sector practice, US Department of Justice, local government work and my current appointment to the Foreign Service Grievance Board.
What advice would you give to a student starting at Cornell?
Study hard but take time to enjoy the beauty of the campus and surrounding areas. Take as many courses out of your major as possible.
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
Unfortunately, I can’t attend Reunion because I have a wedding to attend, but look forward to seeing posts and hearing about the Reunion.