Cornell (thank) U

How does a first-generation kid from Brooklyn end up becoming the Acting Mayor of Ithaca?
For Eric Rosario '91, it all started with one history professor whose book inspired him to apply to Cornell. That one decision changed the course of his life in ways he never could have imagined.
Eric is one of those people who instantly makes you feel like you've known him forever. He's thoughtful, funny, incredibly humble, and deeply committed to serving others. In this episode, we talk about the professors who shaped him, the unexpected campus job that turned into a lifelong career in philanthropy, and how years of investing in his community eventually led him to become Acting Mayor of Ithaca.
We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating relationship between Cornell and the City of Ithaca, hear some of Eric's favorite hidden gems around town, and learn why leadership is really all about relationships.
If you've ever wondered how one decision can completely change the trajectory of your life—or you've ever wanted to hear from someone who has dedicated his career to making both Cornell and Ithaca better—you are going to love Eric's story. We did!

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

We had the honor and fun of talking with Alexis Gabler '24, whose connection to Cornell began long before she ever arrived in Ithaca. After her father, Cornell alumnus Fred Gabler, was killed on September 11th, his closest friends—including our Vino—made an extraordinary commitment to be a loving part of her life and to help secure her future.
Years later, Alexis graduated from Cornell Human Ecology and built a career in fashion, transforming a remarkable gift into something entirely her own.
Alexis shares her unique relationship with the friends who helped keep her father's memory alive, an incredible mom, her journey from New York City artist to fashion professional, her experiences navigating Cornell during the COVID years, and the internships and opportunities that led her from Sense-ational You and Saks to her current role at Theory.
This is a conversation about resilience, community, gratitude, and what can happen when people invest in someone's future—and she builds something extraordinary with it.
Connect with Alexis:
LinkedIn: Alexis Gabler
Vino's episode: 242
Julia Deney of Sense-ational You's episode: 142

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Lisa Levy Shaub ’91 joins us for a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and finding your true calling.
She shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Oprah, the lessons she learned about behavior change, confidence, and wellness, and why she believes some of life’s biggest pivots can become our greatest opportunities.
We also discuss midlife health, longevity, GLP-1 medications, community, and how to build a healthier, more meaningful next chapter.
Connect with Lisa:
Instagram: @Lisa_nyc_coach
Website: apositivepractice.com

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Mike "Vino" Levine has one of the most powerful jobs in sports as Co-Head of CAA Sports, representing some of the biggest athletes, coaches, and personalities in the world.
But that's not why we loved this conversation.
Vino takes us from Chappaqua and Cornell lacrosse to the top of the sports industry, sharing stories about friendship, teamwork, mentorship, family, and the relationships that have shaped his life and career.
We talk Cornell, Coach Richie Moran, fraternity life, the New York Knicks, lifelong friendships, and why Vino believes anything is possible from anyone.
He's successful, funny, humble, and exactly the kind of person you'd want sitting next to you at a Cornell reunion—or any dinner party.
We loved this one.

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.

Adam Rosenberg '92 thought he might become a lawyer or work in politics. Instead, he built one of the most impactful careers we've ever featured on the podcast.
Today, Adam leads programs that support more than 10,000 survivors of violence each year, working with children, families, and communities during some of the hardest moments imaginable.
But before all of that, he was living the full Cornell experience—hockey games, Hot Truck, concerts, fraternity life, Cornell in Washington, and even a Cornell version of MTV's Remote Control. 
Adam shares his unlikely path from Cornell student to national leader in violence prevention, what every parent should know, and why hope remains at the center of everything he does.
This conversation is equal parts inspiring and eye-opening with some fun sprinkled in because Adam is just a great guy. 
We loved this one.
Find more about Adam and the Center for Hope here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrosenberg
https://www.instagram.com/acrelerate?igsh=aWI4aG15ZzN5bnRn&utm_source=qr

Center for Hope https://www.instagram.com/lifebridgecenterforhope?igsh=bTY5dDF0OXFxbmJv
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lbhcenterforhope/
https://youtube.com/@lbhcenterforhope?si=HWgG9QUmrD9dhKcp
 

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University