Bradford Garrigues Sr. '77 is an alumnus of the Nolan School of Hotel Administration. He can be reached at bga7347@gmail.com.
You are about to begin one of the most exciting journeys of your life. A Cornell education will mark you for the rest of your life. It will open doors and expand your thinking in ways you cannot imagine. The University has set up a system that will enable you to accomplish almost anything. You, however, must make that opportunity a reality. What you do from August 25, 2026 until they place a degree in your hand will determine whether you actualize or squander your Cornell experience.
Things such as sports, social interactions and political involvement are important, but they are not the reason you are at Cornell. You are here to become outstanding in your “any study.” No matter what that study may be, from architecture to zoology, your goal should be the achievement of excellence in that discipline. You might not stay in that field all of your life. But discipline, self-control, critical thinking skills, work ethic and commitment to excellence, along with being a Cornellian will enable you to achieve great things.
The work begins in three short weeks. Make lasting friendships. Make every course count toward your success. Utilize the knowledge and expertise of your professors. They are the best of the best. All we who have gone before you wish for nothing but success for your time at our great university.
Go Big Red,
Bradford C. Garrigues, Sr. Hotel ’77
Guest authors are people who submit pieces to The Sun and undergo the same thorough editorial process as any Sun staff writer. The Sun does not endorse the views of any guest author. If you would like to get in contact with the author of a Guest Room article, please use the undersigned author's email provided at the bottom of the article.
The Cornell Daily Sun welcomes any and all submissions of guest columns and letters to the editor for review. Please visit this website for information on how you can submit as a guest author to The Sun: https://www.cornellsun.com/page/join-the-suns-opinion-section. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact us at associate-editor@cornellsun.com.
