This is the second part of the Centennial episode series that features Chiara Alvisi (Class of 2020, Biology and Society) and Anna Rodriguez (Class of 2021, Biological Sciences), young alumni who served as registration chairs for the Chorus's Centennial celebration. Chiara and Anna reflected on the transition from students to young professionals and the challenges of balancing historical traditions with fresh perspectives. As registration chairs, they coordinated logistics, supported attendees, and navigated last-minute adjustments. Chiara emphasized not taking challenges personally, while Anna encouraged saying "yes" to experiences that foster personal growth and connection.

In the first part of the two-part Centennial Series, Erin Flinn ’00, Nancy James ’96, and Olivia Dybas ’23 reflect on the Cornell Chorus’s centennial celebration, offering insights from both seasoned and recent alumni perspectives. Founded in 1920, the Chorus had planned to commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2021. However, the pandemic necessitated a delay until 2022, providing additional time to connect with alumni across generations and organize pre-centennial virtual meetups. The alumni delve into the event's planning logistics, including the creation of a dedicated co-centennial chair executive position to ensure its success. Their stories highlight their shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the Chorus’s history.

Mary McDonald, a 1979 graduate in Communication Arts from Cornell, discovered her passion for opera through the Cornell Chorus. A Romulus, NY native, Mary helped found Nothing But Treble, a female a cappella subset of the Chorus that later became an independent group. During Chorus-sponsored voice lessons, Mary uncovered her coloratura range, leading to a Master’s in Vocal Performance and a professional opera career, performing in major venues across New York and Philadelphia. Now, she is dedicated to creating the Seneca Falls Performing Arts Center, transforming a historic 1870 church into a cultural hub. Mary's time in the Chorus profoundly shaped her artistic journey, leaving a lasting impact on her career and community contributions.

Kate Benjamin, a 1993 graduate with a major in design and environmental analysis from Cornell’s College of Human Ecology, played a pivotal role in creating the Cornell Chorus subset a cappella group, After Eight. She also served as its first music director. Now a renowned cat-centric designer living with 11 cats, Kate creates innovative spaces for cats and owners, with work featured in The New York Times and The Washington Post. Her passion for creativity and collaboration continues to shine in her career and community.

Coming January 24th, 2025 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, this season contains 15 episodes with a 2 part Centennial Celebration Special, along with pandemic-focused episodes exploring the planning and efforts made by Cornell Chorus alumni to keep the traditions of the chorus alive through difficult times.
It was such a privilege to speak with so many hardworking women so passionate about the Chorus. Stay tuned for weekly episodes every Friday morning!! 

Karina Melgar, an electrical and computer engineering major, and Crystal Arguelles, a biology and society major, both graduated from Cornell in 2023 and were deeply invested in rebuilding the Cornell Chorus after the pandemic. Karina, as President, and Crystal, as General Manager, helped revive traditions like tours and chariot while fostering a close-knit community. They reflect on the friendships, leadership lessons, and musical experiences they gained, encouraging current members to embrace the chorus’s legacy and opportunities.

Jane Hubbard, a 1981 biological sciences graduate, reflects on her transformative experiences in the Cornell Chorus, emphasizing the unique opportunities provided by the all-women’s choral group and its collaborative spirit with the Glee Club. She shares stories of lifelong friendships, leadership growth, and memorable performances, including collaborations with orchestras and singing in iconic spaces like Carnegie Hall. Now a genetics and developmental biology researcher, Jane highlights how the discipline and camaraderie of the Chorus continue to influence her professional life and inspire her passion for music and science.

Carol Bartholomew, a 1981 graduate of Cornell's College of Engineering, is an accomplished electrical engineer and a passionate choral singer. Her time in the Cornell University Chorus played a pivotal role in fostering her lifelong love for music. During her time in the Chorus, the ensemble was comparable in size to today but offered fewer social and extracurricular opportunities for women. In this episode, Carol reflects on how the Chorus has evolved over the years, sharing her insights on its growth and the lasting impact music has had on her life since graduation.

Jessie Briggs, a 2012 biology graduate, reflects on her time in the Cornell Chorus as a member, vice president, and president. She shares unforgettable memories of tour performances, traditions, and the lifelong friendships she formed. Now a pediatric hematology and oncology fellow, Jesse credits the Chorus with shaping her leadership skills, sense of community, and ability to tackle challenges. She encourages members to embrace the unique and transformative experience the Chorus offers.

Heather Robbins, a 1983 Cornell graduate and English major, was a member of the Cornell Chorus and its original subset a cappella group, Nothing But Treble. Passionate about classical and contemporary music, she fondly recalls the close-knit community and transformative performances during her time at Cornell. Heather remains an engaged alumna, advocating for the preservation of the chorus's traditions and the vibrant community it fosters for future generations.