Assemblies Elections

Albert Capogrossi (ac629)

Community involvement on campus:

At this time I am eager to find more opportunities to be more involved on campus. In addition to the Employee Assembly I intend to serve on at least one Employee or University committee this year.

Community involvement off campus:

AIDS Ride for Life supporter, Olean Soup Kitchen, Town of Allegany Cleanup Project.

Special interests:

Social inequality, diversity, culture, and statistics.

Something unusual about self:

I have a knack for considering all possible viewpoints despite what may seem obvious. I am native to Ithaca and like to practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in my spare time.

Personal statement:

My background is in society and applied research with experience gained in both the classroom and on the job at Cornell’s Survey Research Institute for the past 5 years. One day I hope to be in a position facilitating people, culture, society, and humanity through public administration. I believe I possess the necessary skills to be successful in this endeavor right here at Cornell and now. My naturally inquisitive approach to problem solving enables me to be a visionary, holistic, forward thinker and leader. I am highly approachable and easy to get along with. I think, I listen, I act.

I have been very fortunate to have received the training and opportunities throughout my life and at Cornell. However, awareness of this without action does very little. I am ready to start giving back to the University. I want to listen to your concerns and your needs. I believe the idea of “Reimagining Cornell” should be extended to something that is ever evolving, not just a strategic plan set forth in times of greatest need.

Bill Esty (wpe2)

Community involvement on campus:

I am responsible for the organization of all events that happen in Bailey Hall, I am a member of the Employee Assembly, of the Communications Committee, and a member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee.

Community involvement off campus:

I consult with area theaters from time to time.

Special interests:

I enjoy cooking, hiking with my son and dogs, sailing and vegetable gardening.

Something unusual about self:

I come from a long line of Esty’s who settled New England and eventually came to Ithaca. Esty Street, Esty Hill and the crypt in the City Cemetery are all ancestors.

Personal statement:

Through my involvement at Bailey Hall, I have a unique exposure to students, faculty and staff from all over campus. This gives me a broad spectrum of points of view on ways in which campus life can be improved.

I have decided to seek re-election because I feel as if the past 7 months of my EA tenure has been too short an amount of time to get any ideas or actions rolling.

Bill Smith (wcs24)

Community involvement on campus:

Prior to working for Cornell, I served a one year term as an AmeriCorps Paralegal with Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS), a nonprofit law firm assisting low income residents of the community with civil legal issues, located downtown in the Dewitt Mall. Working for NLS, I had the opportunity to conduct various outreach programs at community events sponsored by organizations such as Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County and Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga County.

Community involvement off campus:

I currently serve on the Alumni Board of Directors (“ISWZA”) for the Lambda Chi Alpha - Omicron Zeta chapter fraternity at Cornell University. Last year I served as the homecoming chairperson, coordinating events, lodging and meals for about 60 alumni and their families. As a resident of Ithaca, I also serve as the graduate advisor for the eighty-one undergraduate members of Lambda Chi Alpha. In addition, I very recently became a member of the Communications Committee on the Employee Assembly and look forward to contributing as an active member in the future.

Special interests:

I recently took up running (you might see me plodding along route 13 during rush hour). I also enjoy reading, and unfortunately, the New York Mets.

Something unusual about self:

I graduated from Cornell in May 2010 with a major in Communication and a minor in Africana Studies. While an undergraduate, I entertained (or thought I did) the Cornell Community as a member of the Humor Us!, a sketch comedy group. Additionally, I am an Eagle Scout hailing from Troop 25 of Suffern, NY, and worked for eight summers at Camp Ranachqua on the Ten Mile River Scout Reservation in Sullivan County, NY.

Personal statement:

Since September, I have been working in the Arts and Sciences Admissions and Advising Office, and am very thankful to work with such a bright, dedicated, and personable group of individuals. I especially enjoy the high level of interaction with students, faculty, and staff members that comes with working at Cornell University.

As an undergraduate at Cornell, I took pride in maintaining an active role in the Cornell community; serving as Vice President of Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, Social Chair of my fraternity, as well as a CALS Ambassador, Communication Peer Advisor, and Orientation Leader. As a young professional, I would very much like to give back to Cornell from the perspective of a Staff member. I am excited about this opportunity, and believe that my organization, communication skills, and approachability make me ideally suited to serve as one of your representatives on the Employee Assembly. I would be truly honored to represent my co-workers and fellow staff members at Cornell University. Thank you for your time!

Curtis Ferguson II (cf272)

Community involvement on campus:

I am an active member on committees dealing with diversity on Campus. I attend the monthly Men of Color Colleague Network Group meetings, and I attend many student group activities around campus.

Community involvement off campus:

I am a mentor for a scholar of the Point Foundation, class agent for my alma mater-Oberlin College, and an active member of ACPA. Additionally, since being at Cornell, I have taken a class every semester.

Special interests:

Civic engagement, intercultural competency, and issues around diversity

Something unusual about self:

I have dedicated my life to being a civic educator. As a civic educator, I recognize that knowledge is socially constructed and that the way we learn requires a diversity of opinions. When working in groups, I am committed to making sure that all voices are heard and viewpoints are considered before making a decision.

personal statement:

My name is Curtis Ferguson, II, and I am running for reelection. During my first term on the Employee Assembly (EA), I was an active member on the EA, and I aided in the creation and execution of the first employee survey. With over 70% of employees responding to the survey, it is imperative that the results and concerns of the staff are heard and acted upon. I am a person who is not satisfied with simply discussing the concerns and achievements of staff members; rather I am committed to an action orientated approach that includes accountability.

If I am reelected to the employee assembly, I hope to achieve these following goals:

• Meet with all the deans and division heads to discuss the results of the employee surveys
• Develop an action plan to encourage more non-exempt staff to run and

be on the employee assembly

• Work with the university administration to ensure that staff is

represented in the new diversity strategic plan.

By allowing me to continue my membership in the Employee Assembly, I hope to exceed your expectations in service and excellence.

Vote for me!

Eric Lee (ewl46)

Community involvement on campus: Was the employee representative to the executive board at the diagnostic lab facility located at the Vet School.

Special interests: Hunting, Fishing, Outdoorsman, Working out, hiking.

Something unusual about self: Fun loving easygoing individual loves video games and fantasy board games. Avid traveler of the world visiting many parts of Europe and Japan. Attended wrestlemania twice.

Personal statement: I have been a part of the cornell community for 5 years and in that time I became the first employee representative to the executive board for the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at the vet school. I attended the executive board meetings representing the ideas and concerns of the staff working directly with upper levels of management. I hope to bring what I have done and learned to the rest of the cornell community. Working not only with staff but the upper levels of management. Listen directly to the people we all work with, their ideas and concerns and be the voice that brings those to the forefront. Being far from main campus its easy to get compartmentalized which is something I hope to change because we are all effected by what happens in our community. With your April vote we can open a dialogue and impact the community for the better.

Joe Ambrosetti (jwa72)

Wherever I have lived and worked during my professional career, I firmly believe in getting involved within my community both on and off campus making a positive impact for our work and home environment. My family and I recently moved to Ithaca and I look forward to continuing this belief by becoming a member of the Employee Assembly. I will work diligently with my involvement by helping craft and articulate important policy changes that will improve, enhance and promote the quality of our work life for everyone within the Cornell Community.

See my LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/josephambrosetti

Michelle Stefanski Seymour(mms24)

Community involvement on campus:

Shelter Outreach Services

Community involvement off campus:

McLean Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, St. Mary’s School Cortland, NY

Special interests:

Advances in Medicine, Healthcare Reform, Continuing Education.

Something unusual about self:

I believe it is possible to multi-task.

Personal statement:

I have experienced the dynamics of Cornell University over time and appreciate the many benefits and opportunities that are extended to the employees. I have worked for the Veterinary College since 1993 and also attained a nursing degree from TC3 in 2006. I would like to share my experience to help others continue life-long learning. I have concerns about some recent changes and would like to learn more about rising insurance costs after banner years for insurance companies. Tuition benefits and elder care issues also spark my interest. I have decided to run in memory of my Dad.

Robert “Bob” Blanco(rlb278)

Community involvement on campus:

Member of Team ‘Losing It’ in the No Excuses Weight Loss Challenge

Member of the Pi Sigma Epsilon Chapter Professional Advisory Council

Community involvement off campus:

Local and regional involvement in Alpha Phi Omega

Something unusual about self:

During my time as a student and employee at Cornell I have worked in six different departments within the University.

Personal statement:

Hello, my name is Robert “Bob” Blanco. I am one of the two new Conference Planners for Conferences Services under Residential and Event Services. Starting last November, I spent the last four years as a student, graduating last May from the Applied, Economics and Management program.

As a recent graduate I have spent the last four years being exposed to the variety of resources that Cornell has available for the health, safety and well being of its students, as well as the different avenues that the University has used to communicate those messages. With that experience I feel I can bring a new perspective to the EA and provide good insight on how to effectively communicate information, assist and learn from the employee community.

Additionally, in my position as a Conference Planner, I have the privilege of being able to work with employees in many different roles across campus. From this exposure I am able to gleam a better understanding of the wants and needs of the employee community.

Even in my short time as a staff member, I have noticed the differences in the scope and frequency of information that is communicated. Cornell provides many great resources for the employee community, but the information about these programs often appears to be known only be those who specifically seek it out. Forming an effective way for the University to inform employees about the different resources available, as well as forming an effective lines of communication from the employees to the administration are important goals.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve the employee community, and help the University grow healthier, safer and stronger.

Tom Mitchell(tpm34)

Community involvement on campus:

Veteran’s Colleague Network Group, CU Web Forum, I was a member of the College of Engineering work-life balance group however the group no longer exists

community involvement off campus:

Lansing Middle School PTSO lifetime member, Lansing Middle School Activity night volunteer (turned down the chair position due to time limitations), lansing youth soccer coach…

special interests:

Youth Soccer, world peace… happy productive employees

Something unusual about self:

Below are a few quick facts about me in chronological order:

• I grew up in Tampa FL where I was exposed to very culturally diverse

population. Favorite topics of study where art, physics, and math.

• Elected to team captain of my state championship soccer team in high

school.

• Voted “honor man” by my peers in US Navy boot camp. Received desert storm campaign medal.
• Lived in San Francisco for 9 years where I received my BFA in

Computer Arts and had a cultural experience that has informed and educated me for a lifetime.

• Worked at a “dot com” start-up in silicon valley during the boom in early 2000’s this was the hardest I have ever worked as well as being

one of the most enjoyable.

• I stayed home to raise my daughter for the first two years of her

life (she is now 10) and believe that this is my most important achievement in life to date (if she goes to Cornell and plays soccer then I can retire as a successful Dad ;-) ).

• I approach life with a great deal of curiosity and often enjoyed

learning new things.

• I want to return to school one day to get an advanced degree.

Personal statement:

Several of my co-workers have suggested that I get involved with the employee assembly mainly due to my outspoken views on the following two topics.

1.) Work place environment: I sincerely believe that an individual’s work environment has a profound effect on their productivity at work as well as their ability to carry on the goodwill mission of Cornell University outside of work in the community. I also believe that this environment is established and maintained by a partnership between the employee, their direct manager, and the policy makers at the University level. Is is a well now fact that happy well-adjusted employees who feel valued in the work are more productive so why is this not a priority? My desire to learn more about how Cornell policy is formed especially as to how it relates to the workplace environment has led me to the decision to submit my application to join the employee assembly? I hope to be able to work in a collective manner to help employees find their own voice as we work towards making positive change at this wonderful but complex University.

2.) Diversity in the workplace for staff. I do believe that we have a wonderfully diverse faculty and student body however there is some room for a better and more diverse staff pool. My family moved across the country to work at Cornell University, which gives us the added perspective of outsiders looking in, and well there is room for improvement. I hope that with education enlightenment by be achieved where staff from different points of view and experiences are appreciated and valued. I realize that we are physically located in a geographically isolated area however we need to think big and act globally.