March 7, 2016
Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the following statement about the death of the president of Cornell:
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Garrett. Throughout her accomplished career, and especially as President of Cornell University, Elizabeth was a visionary leader who was wholeheartedly committed to furthering the education and growth of those around her. She devoted her life to creating a better future for everyone, and she understood that in order to accomplish that, part of her responsibility as a leader was to boldly challenge the status quo. As the first woman to lead Cornell University as its President, she lived that promise herself.
“Elizabeth’s passing is a great loss not only for her University, but for our state. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I offer my deepest condolences to all of her many friends and loved ones.”
Senator Tom O’Mara:
“I can only express my heartfelt sympathy to President Garrett’s husband, Andrei, her entire family, her many colleagues and friends, and the Cornell University and Ithaca communities she was just beginning to call home. In the brief time that I have had the pleasure to begin to know and to work with President Garrett – which has now been left so unexpectedly and far too short — she has been kind, welcoming and, above all, eager to pursue the Cornell University mission to the fullest extent.
She always made it very clear how deeply proud she was to be leading Cornell University and to have the incredible opportunity to strengthen one of the world’s leading universities at such an important and exciting time.
President Garrett’s passing is a great loss, and I am truly saddened by it.
She will remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
Leslie Danks Burke:
Stunned and deeply sad to hear of the death of my mentor at The University of Chicago Law School, and Cornell University President, Beth Garrett.
Beth was a vibrant, brilliant scholar who got the real world, and she had a great laugh. I will never forget her animation as she made dry case-law come alive in her classes. Beth stepped in to give me a job as her research assistant at a critical time in my life, and that compassion was her trademark. The world is a bit dimmer today.
Congressman Tom Reed:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cornell University President Elizabeth Garrett.
Our thoughts and prayers are with President Garrett’s family and the entire Cornell community during this difficult time.
