• Lydia Blum

Sophomore

Class of 2027

Environment and Sustainability

Hi you! Yes, you! I would love to have your vote in this election to represent the student assembly as the CALS Representative! My name is Lydia Blum and I am a sophomore studying Environment & Sustainability. Here's some reasons why I would make a great candidate for this role:

1. I have already served as CALS Rep for one term on assembly and enjoyed being here to serve you! 
2. I have cosponsored/voted in favor of important resolutions, calling for: 
         a. Protection of immigrant students 
         b.Cornell’s commitment to upholding its climate vows 
         c. Meal Swipes at Trillium
3. I am currently a CALS Ambassador and Peer Mentor for first-year students coming into Cornell
   
My goals for this upcoming term include being an active member of the Environmental Committee and the Anabel’s committee, which is working to find funding sources to keep Anabel’s grocery accessible to everyone on campus.

Above all, I’m here to represent you! The most important part about serving as CALS Rep is collecting your ideas and turning them into ways we can improve the Cornell community together. I would love to continue as an active member of student assembly with your help. I would love to have your vote, thank you. :)

• Bransen Fitzwater

Freshman

Class of 2028

Environment & Sustainability

Hello, Cornellians!

My name is Bransen, and I'm from Upstate New York. Since arriving at Cornell, I have embraced this incredible community and grown deeply invested in the challenges we face as students. As your Student Assembly Representative, I will work tirelessly to ensure our voices are heard and our needs are met. My priorities include:
   
Protecting Academic Freedom:
Recent threats to vital research funding put our academic integrity at risk. Research opportunities are essential to Cornell’s mission and to our experiences as undergraduates. I will advocate to protect funding and ensure research remains a cornerstone of our university.
   
Improving Campus Affordability & Accessibility:
As CALS students, we often find ourselves far from dining halls during our busy days. I will push for more accessible meal plan options near class buildings so we can get the resources we pay for without disruption to our studies.
   
Advocating for Strong Environmental Action:
Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. While Cornell has set ambitious environmental targets, we as students must hold the administration accountable. Promises mean nothing without action, and I will work to ensure Cornell delivers on its sustainability commitments.

• Holden Hitchcock

Sophomore

Class of 2027

Food Science

If you vote for me, I'll be holden all your considerations each Thursday at student assembly meetings! I am a current sophomore who has previously held the LGBTQIA+ Liaison-at-large position after filling the vacancy in the late fall in the student assembly. I am also a current peer advisor for CALS student services, where I have advised many students on academic and career advising. My prior experiences inform my goals as a candidate for CALS representative on the student assembly, which all tie into the larger goal of improving student life on campus and listening to the issues of CALS students. As your representative, I will hear your concerns and utilize student assembly resources to promote and improve student experiences on campus when possible. Be golden and vote for holden!

• Grace Dorward

Junior

Class of 2026

Global Development and Agricultural Sciences

Hi CALS! I’m Grace Dorward, a Junior studying Global Development and Agricultural Sciences. At Cornell, I have learned about the joys and opportunities of being a CALS student, including Ag Day animals, hanging out with friends in Mann, and joining research labs. I also know the trials and tribulations of running to a class at Morrison Hall that I’m already late for and the million-dollar meals at Trillium. After three years, I know there is still more to learn about this community and its position as a cornerstone of the university. One of my key goals as a representative would be to learn about CALS experiences different from my own and to bridge the gap between departments, students, facilities, alumni and faculty within the college. I want to support CALS’ approach to interdisciplinary problem-solving by supporting college wide or cross-college student projects. I also support the current resolution that aims to bring a meal-swipe option to Trillium and other initiatives to increase equity on campus. Most importantly, I would like to learn more about my peers, hear your ideas and feedback, and connect CALS students to their representation! I would love to hear from you or meet you if I haven’t yet! gmd93@cornell.edu!