Michael Whiting
Tell us about what you're doing with your life
I retired after 30+ years at J&J. I am still working part-time teaching Supply Chain at Rutgers and running their Co-op and Intern program. When I’m not sailing, traveling, or relaxing, I’m volunteering in town on the Planning Board and Environment & Landmarks Committee. My latest project is preserving a slice of a 300-year-old tree for display at our local museum.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
Navigation. It was critical for my role as a Naval Officer and sailor. You must know where you are to get where you want to go.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
Taking my future wife Wendy, ’85, out on our second date on a cruise on the China Doll, the NROTC sailing vessel. I spent many Cornell summers on that boat cruising the coast of Maine, racing to Bermuda, and even motoring up the Hudson to Montreal. Being on the water or on a beach always brings me joy.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
My wife and I regularly see Lindsay ’84 and Bob Forness ‘87. Their son, Brian, who we call our temporary son, lived with us for 6 months while he was playing Junior Hockey. We always try to see my roommate Pete Matthews when we are in the Wine Country. He and his wife Cheryl graciously took my daughter Jillian in when she was evacuated from Sonoma during one of the fires. I also look forward to seeing many of my Phi Sigma Kappa brothers at Red Hot Hockey at Madison Square Garden after Thanksgiving.
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
I decided to pursue teaching as my retirement gig, because I remember how dedicated instructors could help shape a young mind. It also gives me a chance to tell stories, most of them true.
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was most meaningful?
Rowing lightweight crew was central to my time at Cornell. I distinctly remember waiting to sign-up for my mandatory gym class as a freshman and getting enticed to try out the sport. Over the next 4 years many of my room mates and fraternity brothers were on the team. My oldest daughter Amelia took up rowing in high school and college and was the inspiration for me to start a J&J Rowing and Sailing program. We even competed at the Head of the Charles.
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I wish I had taken Wines. My youngest daughter, Jillian got a minor in Wines, and even worked in Sonoma for a harvest. I strongly recommend the Outer Bound 2019 Chardonnay.
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
I believe in the value of storytelling. I think how Corey Earle preserves the great legacy of Cornell is a master class in how we give back. Relaying the emotional appeal of our alma mater, far above Cayuga’s waters, is how we will ultimately summon the next generation of students to the Hill.
What advice would you give to a student starting at Cornell?
Commit yourself to something, a sport, a club, a passion outside of the classroom that involves others. Working as team, both leading and following, and failing, rising back up, and succeeding together, takes practice and cannot be learned from a book or lecture. I will favor the applicant with these experiences over the student with only a higher GPA.
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
Showing the younger classes that we still know how to party.