When you hear the phrase “Rhodes Scholar,” an elite, distant, almost unattainable achievement may come to mind. But at Cornell, the story of national fellowships is, and always has been, about something more: personal reflection, finding and defining purpose and opening up possibility.
Cornell’s connection to these transformational programs runs deep. Our first Rhodes Scholar, Warren Ellis Schutt, graduated in 1904. In the years since, Cornellians have been selected for many of the world’s most competitive fellowships, earning opportunities to study, conduct research, and serve communities across the globe. Yet for every fellowship recipient, there are many more students and alumni who have gained something equally valuable through the process of applying: the chance to articulate what matters most to them and how they hope to make an impact.
As one student described, “Applying for fellowships was one of the most transformative parts of my undergraduate experience as a first-generation college student. It strengthened my confidence and clarified the impact I hope to create after Cornell. It opened doors I once thought were closed and reminded me how powerful mentorship can be.”
That reflection captures what I believe to be the true value of fellowships — not as markers of prestige, but as catalysts for growth. The application process invites students to pause and ask questions that can shape them for a lifetime: What motivates me? What do I hope to change? How will I use what I’ve learned here to do it?
Recognizing the power of that process, Student and Campus Life recently launched the Office of National Fellowships — an enhanced campus resource in 100 Barnes Hall. With the office launch, student and alumni applicants will now have access to:
- A team of two advisors to guide them through this transformational career development opportunity,
- Student peer writing support through a partnership with the John S. Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines,
- Critical connections with faculty, alumni and academic leadership to provide expert advice and encourage students to consider these opportunities.
Enhancing fellowships support has proven to elevate awareness of these opportunities, increase communication and networks with faculty, and build connections with national fellowships organizations and peer institutions. In just its first year of this dedicated support, the office saw a 195% increase in advising appointments.
For Alex Herazy ’25, who applied to four major fellowships and reached the final rounds for two, the experience was defining even without a “win.”
“The entire process forced me to ponder the difficult, yet necessary, questions of purpose and meaning,” Herazy said. “My main takeaway was learning the importance of good processes irrespective of the outcome. My definition of success changed.”
That insight embodies the spirit of Cornell: the belief that the pursuit of knowledge and self-understanding is as valuable as the outcome itself. Our goal is to ensure every student knows that fellowships are for them. These opportunities are for anyone curious about how their experiences, challenges and ambitions might contribute to something greater.
If you’re wondering what comes next, or how to connect what you’re learning here to the impact you hope to have outside of Cornell, I encourage you to start a conversation with the Office of National Fellowships.
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Ryan Lombardi is the Vice President of Student and Campus Life. Since acquiring the role in 2015, he has overseen the student experience outside of the classroom. His office can be reached at ryan.lombardi@cornell.edu.
