Marcy Dubroff
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Tell us about what you're doing with your life
Since 2010, I have been with The POGIL Project, a non-profit dedicated to changing the way people teach and learn. Prior to that, I worked in higher education in a number of roles that ran the gamut from sports information to public relations, to director of a free humanities program designed for under-served students. I have also freelanced as a writer/photographer, dabbled in politics, and run websites with my amazing husband, Steve Ulrich. I finished my master’s degree during the height of COVID. Have worked hardest at my most important job—being a mom to two wonderful children. Since turning 60 in May, I have decided to do “all the things” and so I have started playing tennis again, have been a movie “extra”, and am planning trips to places on my bucket list. I also bought a ukulele…..
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
It’s hard to just pick just one. They include Parliamentary Procedure (with Russ Martin), which taught me how to effectively run meetings; Science Writing for the Mass Media (Mike Shapiro), which taught me how to communicate complex concepts to lay audiences; Recent American History (Richard Polenberg), which made the dusty history books come alive; and Personalities, Portraits and Profiles (Bob Ascher), which gave me insights on storytelling using different media. And finally, my writing seminar, where I had a phenomenal TA named Lorrie Moore (yes..THAT Lorrie Moore), who encouraged me to find my voice and to write authentically.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
My favorite memory of my time at Cornell is probably the time I spent working at The Cornell Daily Sun as a photographer. There were so many creative, talented, and kind people at The Sun, and I learned to appreciate the rush of chasing down leads and meeting deadlines. I will also remember the late nights, the long walk back up the hill, and the satisfied feeling I had as I crawled into bed at 3 AM knowing that my work would be in front of the entire community in just a few short hours.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
I keep in touch with Sun photogs (Kim Schaye, Melissa Benno, Lance Benner, Mike Goldmann, Jon Barkey, Dave Bock, Jim Leynse, and Jim West), and we often get together to reminisce. My college roommate, Karen Johnston, and I are also still in touch, and there is an active Cornell Club in Lancaster where I see Andy Nissly, Rick Faulkner, Rodney Gleiberman, and Roy Baldwin. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my best friend for almost four decades, Esther Pearl ’86, and the Cornell Sports Information alums including Mark Goldberg, Mary Mulroy, Alicia Luchowski, and Mike Grogan.
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
My time at Cornell taught me the value of being a lifelong learner, and the value of exploring new roads wherever they arise. I honestly believe that the wide variety of courses, and the diversity of people I met on The Hill have made me a much more curious person, and one who always appreciates new experiences and new people.
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was most meaningful?
I first picked up an SLR when I was at Cornell and it became an ongoing love affair—a camera has been at my side ever since. Documenting the world, seeing things from new perspectives, and capturing moments have been incredibly meaningful for me. And sharing some of those images with the wider world has brought me a great deal of joy as well!
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I would have pushed myself to take more classes in subject areas that were of interest to me. I think I will always regret not signing up for some Hotel classes, where I could have learned more about food and beverage, or computer classes where I could have learned to wrangle some robots. But honestly, when I look back, I was able to do a lot, and for that, I am so thankful.
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
Being an alumna gives me an incredible sense of gratitude and pride. Cornell gave this kid from Brooklyn a world-class education that prepared her for an active and productive life, opened her eyes to the possibilities in the world, and it continues to do so for thousands of other students every year.
What advice would you give to a student starting at Cornell?
I would tell a new student to embrace everything Cornell has to offer, both in and out of the classroom. Make sure you expand your world view by getting to know different people and by pushing yourself to try new things. These four years are pure magic...so enjoy the ride.
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
I can’t wait to see my classmates, to hear their stories, and to be back in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Cornell was and always will be my happy place.