Business Students Uphold Tradition of Generosity
Every day, students at the SC Johnson College of Business experience the effect of alumni generosity, from the buildings where they study to the projects that prepare them for global leadership. Thanksgiving week in the United States provides an opportunity for reflection and gratitude for our community’s tradition of paying it forward. Students, grateful for the support, are applying it to enable their dreams and shape their futures.
Mischa Kandel ’27, a student at the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, envisions a more sustainable future in hospitality, a career path fueled by mentors, innovative coursework, and a tight-knit alumni network. Last summer, Kandel interned at The Ritz Carlton Pentagon City in a role supported by Nolan School alumni. There, she gained important skills in team leadership, customer engagement, and operational strategy.
On campus, Kandel participates in Hotel Ezra Cornell, the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, and Women in Hospitality, experiences she says expand her understanding of sustainable business practices. “The environment and hospitality go hand in hand,” Kandel shares. “The Nolan School is always teaching us these incredible ways to give back to people, and what better way to leave a positive impact on the world?” Beyond her coursework, she draws inspiration from Nolan’s faculty, who lead research on sustainability and its intersection with hospitality. “These are the topics I’m keen to learn about,” she adds.
Logan Day ’27, from the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, is turning classroom lessons into real-world social change. As executive vice president of Social Enterprise at Cornell, a pro bono consulting organization, Day is already making an impact by addressing challenges faced by local nonprofits. Dyson’s curriculum, including courses like “Design Your Dyson” and the forthcoming capstone “Grand Challenges,” has provided Day with practical skills in data analysis, financial modeling, and team collaboration.
“Dyson fosters an environment where every student can succeed in their own way,” Day explains. “We’re encouraged to blend our personal passions with business skills to create meaningful change.” Recently, Day joined the Consulting Career Trek in New York City, where he visited firms such as Deloitte and McKinsey & Co. and networked with Cornell alumni. “These experiences strengthened my professional relationships and reinforced how deeply Dyson invests in its students,” he recalls.
Takwa Elmesawy MBA ’25 is leveraging her Cornell education to address global challenges. With support from the Social Impact Internship Fund, Elmesawy spent her summer working with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited initiative, helping design programs to connect youth worldwide with education and employment opportunities. Her contributions included developing strategies for partnerships and presenting actionable plans to UNICEF leadership.
At the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Elmesawy’s commitment to equity and innovation extends beyond the classroom. As a leader in the Johnson Africa Business Society and the Arab Business Association, she mentors aspiring students while advocating for a more inclusive business environment. “I’m learning to blend my business strategy skills with a genuine desire to make a difference,” she says. Elmesawy also credits the tight-knit culture at Johnson with helping her balance professional growth and personal aspirations. “Whenever I felt stressed, I reminded myself of the bigger cause and refocused my energy on leveraging my experiences to serve those who need it most,” she said.
These students and so many others like them exemplify the generosity and forward-thinking character of the SC Johnson College of Business community. With each project, internship, and mentorship opportunity, students are not only building their futures but also creating pathways and continuing a culture for those who will follow. This cycle of giving ensures that the spirit of gratitude remains central to the Cornell experience, fostering a legacy of leadership and service for generations to come.