Tell us about what you're doing with your life
Worked in record stores for 3 years; then went to Law School in San Diego. Practiced in LA and SF for 10 years. Unfortunately, along the way, tested positive for HIV. Quit my job to participate in 7 long distance fundraising bicycling events and worked for that event production company. Went back to law in 2000 as a Research Attorney for the LA Superior Court where I still work. Did a marathon and 7 sprint distance triathlons. Finding myself alive in 2004, I focused on enjoying everything the world offered - been to all 50 states; 30 NHL arenas; and 115 countries - safaris, bungee jumping, shark cage diving, parasailing, surfing, mechanical bull riding and other adventures. I've seen amazing waterfalls, sunrises and sunsets. "Life hands you rotten lemons? Throw that crap away, find the ingredients for top shelf margaritas and make some pitchers to share with your friends." MSS
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
Favorite class - Wine Tasting
Most Useful class - Human Sexuality (or is it the other way around?)
Really - Comm Arts 301 for both answers
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
Saturday nights at The North 40! Not only would I be out dancing with friends, but we would always run into so many other people we knew.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
My brother from another mother - Wayne Darragh. My sisters who've always taken care of me - Karin Colquitt, Carol Leister, Judy Sloan and Cindy Parrish. My high school buddies - Rob Silvershein, Melissa Jacobs, Michelle Ehrenreich. Other assorted superheroes - Andrea Shaw, Jim Eicholzer, Eric Friedman and Steve Shippee.
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
I had a tough first year at school, but that taught me to focus on what needed to be done and I learned to priortize. My last year, I decided (through the guidance of my Comm Arts 301 teacher Toni Russo), that I didn't want to move forward in my chosen major. I learned from that experience that you have to be honest with yourself and make decisions that are for you, not for the sake of others.
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was most meaningful?
Working at WVBR/FM 93. I got to be on the radio, but also made a substantial contribution to our promotion where we gave away a 1984 Dodge Daytona Turbo. Can you solve the Musical Puzzle?
What random or surprising encounters with Cornell or Cornellians have you experienced since you left?
A surprising and horrifying Cornell related encounter - On two separate occasions, someone has pointed to the Cornell t-shirt I'm wearing and asked "Is that a real school? I thought it was made up for The Office"
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I would take better advantage at all the school had to offer - from semesters in other countries to knowing the campus better.
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
I am so incredibly proud to be a Cornell alumnus. I received an incredible education from an amazing school (thanks to Corey Ryan Earle for letting me know how amazing) and met people who are my lifeline. Despite recent tv and movie disparagement, Cornell remains a top level school with new breakthroughs every year. Go Big Red.
What advice would you give to a student starting at Cornell?
Definitely take advantage of what the school has to offer; talk to as many people as possible - current and alumni - to find out as much as you can. And, don't feel that you have to exit the school the same way you entered. Change your major if you want, change your life if you want. College is the time to change from who you are into what you want to be. (extra points for those who are familiar with that last phrase)
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
Dancing at the Tent parties. A certain famous (or is it infamous?) news personality gave me the nickname Disco Bunny freshman year. I take pride in that time and live up to it always.
Love reading your comments, Mark! Looking forward to seeing you in '24!