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Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars
Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars
The Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars is one of three student recognition and reward programs that make up The Cornell Commitment. Together, The Cornell Commitment empowers students to impact the world.
Program Information
Executive Mentors enjoy getting to know their Meinig Scholars personally during informal gatherings – including such things as dinner, bowling, rock climbing, and ice cream—sharing a lifetime of leadership experience while having a good time!
The Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars (MFCNS) is a select group of students who are chosen from all parts of the country and demonstrate an outstanding degree of leadership. Along with their leadership abilities, these students exhibit academic excellence and a commitment to serving the communities in which they live.
MFCNS offers membership to 50 entering freshmen, an honor reserved for less than two percent of the undergraduate population. Programming and support that facilitates the practice and application of leadership skills enriches students’ overall experience, impacts communities, and lays the foundation for Meinig Scholars to excel well beyond their college years.
The Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars is named in honor of Peter Meinig ’61 and Nancy Schlegel Meinig ’62 for their dedication to and generous support of student leaders.
Program Benefits
Leadership Support Account
Meinig Scholars have access to up to $3,500 over their undergraduate Cornell career to cover the costs of their participation in summer internships and other experiential opportunities designed to expose students to activities where their leadership skills can be applied.
Scholarship Awards
Meinig Scholars with demonstrated financial need will receive up to a $4,000/year scholarship which increases total grant aid and reduces self-help aid such as loans or work. This scholarship comes with the honor of the Meinig Family Cornell National Scholarship and access to our donors through program-sponsored events.
CCO Empowerment Funds
Students have access to additional funding to off-set costs associated with participation in an activity that may be outside their specific program expectation but aligns with The Cornell Commitment’s values of service, leadership, and research.
Executive Mentoring Program
Meinig Scholars develop long-term mentoring relationships with university administrators through small group interactions and student-driven activities. Mentors regularly organize informal gatherings to share time together, discuss concerns, and offer guidance throughout students’ leadership journey. Methods for connecting are varied and can include rock climbing, attending a sporting event, or volunteering in the community.
Freshman Forum
All first year Meinig Scholars are expected to participate in this year-long experience. During the first semester, students are engaged in teambuilding and educational initiatives intended to foster identity as a community of leaders. During the second semester, students examine elements of leadership and the practical aspects of implementation for the greater good.
The Cornell Commitment Showcase
This annual event brings together freshmen from the research, service, and leadership programs that make up The Cornell Commitment to learn from upperclass students who have engaged in program-supported summer experiences at Cornell and around the world.
Graduation Reception
MFCNS celebrates and honors its seniors at a reception with their families, executive mentors, and the Meinig family held on the Friday of graduation weekend in May.
Student Executive Board
Meinig Scholars can apply to be members of the Executive Board. The Board works with the program director to sponsor leadership, social, and educational opportunities for MFCNS students from all class years. Executive Board members also advise the MFCNS staff on areas of interest to Scholars and serve as ambassadors of the program.
Connect with a Community of Leaders
Relationships Meinig Scholars develop with one another and with alumni add richness to the MFCNS experience. Social media, networking, visits from alumni, and special events promote connections between Scholars and alumni who have lived the Cornell experience and have applied it to the world beyond.
Remaining a Meinig Scholar
Scholars are expected to:
- actively participate in MFCNS and/or in other organizations/student groups on campus or in the local community, making a significant contribution in terms of time (minimum 150 hours annually) as well as impact.
- maintain at least a 2.7 cumulative grade point average.
- participate in a select number of Meinig-sponsored events each academic year.
- fully participate in Freshman Forum (first year students only).
- complete the annual re-application process which verifies and details students’ leadership activities and includes a reflective essay on what has been learned through that leadership. Seniors are expected to provide this information via the Excellence in Leadership Award competitive essay and application.
Students who meet these program expectations on an annual basis are eligible to continue receiving the program benefits throughout their Cornell undergraduate career. Individuals having difficulty meeting MFCNS requirements should communicate with the program’s director. As valued members of this select, dynamic program, Meinig Scholars are encouraged to seek out the kind of personalized support MFCNS can offer as they strive to make the most of their Cornell experience.
Student Stories
Ana G.
I always dreamed of studying at an elite university, Cornell offers a world-class education, and MFCNS helped make that possible.
Helen C.
Cornell’s forward-thinking culture and ‘Any Person, Any Study’ mission really resonated with me.
Jenell R.
I’ve loved connecting with other Meinig Scholars. I’ve formed meaningful friendships with peers from across the country. This semester has been full of learning, connection, and growth.