Dear Class Officers,
 

Thank you to the hundreds of class officers who responded to the brief online survey included in my September note to you. The Cornell Association of Class Officers (CACO) Board is currently reviewing the feedback, suggestions, and questions that you submitted; we appreciate your input! A few of you mentioned that you would like time to review the materials contained within the class officer toolkit and would follow up with suggestions. I invite you to continue to reach out with your ideas at caco@cornell.edu.
 

Additionally, I am happy to share that nominations are now open for Director at Large positions on the CACO Board. We strive to assemble a diverse board that represents the many facets of the Cornell alumni community, and your nominations help us to achieve that. Please take a moment to think of current or former class officers who could bring their energy, ideas, and commitment to the CACO Board. You can nominate others — or yourself! — on CUVolunteer through the end of the calendar year. If you have any questions about the board or the available positions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to any of the current CACO board members.
 

This year has required creativity, and you have clearly risen to the challenge, creating even more ways to bring each other together: Zoom mixers, virtual wine tastings, and more. CACO wants to support you by providing novel ideas to connect with your classmates and councils during this challenging time. Below are a few examples that I hope will inspire you.
 

Cornell According to Sound
We’re excited to announce a new program called Cornell According to Sound, an immersive live sound experience designed to allow you to ‘visit’ campus and relive some favorite on-campus moments. This holiday season, hear the roar of Ithaca Falls, the music of the Chimes resonating across campus, and the clatter of a Big Red Hockey game, all while cozy at home. Public radio sound producers Chris Hoff '02 and Sam Harnett spent time recording sounds on and around campus, digging through archives, and listening to research. Now, they are going to share everything that they have discovered and created with you! This program is co-sponsored by the Cornell Association of Class Officers (CACO), Cornell Regional Clubs, Alumni Affairs and Development, and International Alumni Relations.
 

The program will be presented live to listeners three times in December across various time zones, to allow listeners across the country and internationally an opportunity to participate during a convenient time in their day. Following these live sessions, there will be a Q&A with the sound producers. The program will be available without additional cost to alumni or classes. Your class might consider choosing a session to attend and pairing the event with a virtual social gathering afterward. Happy listening!
 

New digital ‘hub’
It was announced last month that Cornell is creating a new, free digital ‘hub’ to centralize alumni news. Launching in July 2021, the virtual hub will mark the first step in an initiative to connect alumni in an expanded and amplified way — we are excited to see the possibilities this will present for you to connect with your classmates! Don’t forget that Class Notes will continue to exist in this new format. While the digital platform will make news accessible to many more alumni, a print option is in development for those who prefer a traditional magazine. If you have questions, this FAQ page may be helpful.
 

Cornell Alumni Wine
The Cornell Alumni Association’s collection of Cornell Alumni Wine is back! Not only are these wines made by Cornellian vintners, but the labels also feature alumni-designed campus illustrations. The wines are great to keep in mind for the upcoming holiday season, and would also make a great focal point for a virtual happy hour or wine tasting with your class!
 

Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference (CALC)
CALC will take place virtually on February 26-27, 2021; please save the date! I hope to see many familiar faces there and to meet many new Cornell friends from near and far! Stay tuned for more information.
 

Thank you for all that you continue to do for your classes and for the larger Cornell community. I hope that you are all able to enjoy a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season.
 

Warmly,
A’ndrea