Cornell News: New President Appointed, Research Advocacy, Wildlife Hospital Expansion, CIS Building, Coach Farewell, and Campus Updates

Good afternoon, Cornellians. Today is Monday, July 28, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus community. Michael I. Kotlikoff has been officially appointed as Cornell University's 15th president, effective March 21, 2025. Previously serving as interim president since July 2024, President Kotlikoff has been a part of the Cornell community for many years, including his tenure as provost from 2015 to 2024. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the university's mission and initiatives. Cornell University is actively engaging with Congress to advocate for the protection and enhancement of federal research funding. The university community has been encouraged to contact congressional representatives to emphasize the importance of funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and NASA. These efforts aim to ensure the continuation of vital research projects that contribute to national health, safety, and global competitiveness. The Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell has announced plans to expand its facilities to meet the growing demand for treating injured or ill native wild animals. Over the past decade, the hospital's caseload has more than tripled, highlighting the need for enhanced resources to support wildlife health and conservation efforts. Cornell's Computing and Information Science department is set to open a new 135,000 square-foot building in 2025. This expansion aims to accommodate the rapidly increasing enrollments in computing and information science subjects, reflecting the university's commitment to advancing education and research in these critical fields. The 2024–25 Cornell Big Red men's ice hockey season marked the 108th season for the program. Under the leadership of Coach Mike Schafer in his 29th season, the team demonstrated strong performance throughout the season. Notably, Coach Schafer announced that this would be his final season, with Casey Jones ('90) set to succeed him as head coach. Cornellians are encouraged to participate in the university's online book club, which features a diverse selection of titles each month. This initiative fosters a sense of community and intellectual engagement among alumni, students, and faculty. That's all for today's update. Stay informed and engaged, and we'll be back with more news next week.