Statement from Senator O'Mara on the passing of Cornell University President Elizabeth Garrett ~ University calls for a moment of silence today at 4:00 p.m.

Ithaca, N.Y., March 7—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) released the following statement on the passing of Cornell University President Elizabeth Garrett: 

“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.” 

The University has announced that a moment of silence for President Garrett will be observed today at 4:00 p.m.  Read more from Cornell University HERE.

Read more from the Ithaca Journal, "Cornell President Elizabeth Garrett dies"