AAP Welcomes New Staff Who Stepped In as Challenges Stepped Up
The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning recognizes nine new and recent staff members who stepped into a wide variety of roles during the months since the pandemic began.
Remote learning, suspension of operations, keeping the home fires burning, and returning to campus have marked the months since March 2020. Despite these challenges, a talented and dedicated group of individuals has proactively stepped into a wide variety of staff positions in the college.
Alix de Torquat
Director of the Office of Communications
In August 2020, Alix de Torquat came on as Director of the Office of Communications with more than 16 years of experience launching new initiatives in the art world at Art Basel and Sotheby's. Alix works closely with AAP units, departments, and Cornell Central to increase the college's visibility and to promote research and work from the AAP community to existing and new audiences.
Jessica del Mundo
Associate Director Alumni Affairs and Development
Jessica del Mundo returned to AAD as the Associate Director of Alumni Affairs and Development in April 2020, from the College of Arts & Sciences. She works with AAP alumni and our community to strengthen the college through philanthropy, engagement, and key partnerships.
Latesha Fussell
AAP Director of Diversity & Inclusion
In March, Latesha Fussell stepped into the new position of AAP Director of Diversity & Inclusion from Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. Latesha supports the recruitment, retention, success, and wellbeing of students of color, first-generation students, and students from other historically underrepresented backgrounds. She also helps students find resources, programs, and offices across Cornell related to diversity and inclusion, success, and wellbeing.
Philip Rubin
Facilities Assistant
Philip Rubin joined the staff this summer from Virginia, where he was a contractor for the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Previously, he was a glassblower and metal fabricator for a New Jersey-based nonprofit art and cultural center. He brings a focus on creative problem-solving in the physical world and looks forward to applying his skills at AAP.
Kendra Saldana
Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs and Development
Kendra Saldana joined the AAD team in February 2020, a short time before the college began remote instruction. Before coming to AAP, she was the associate director of student and young alumni giving for Cornell Annual Giving programs. Her focus is communications and engagement for our alumni community.
Seetha Vinayagam
Facilities Assistant
Seetha Vinayagam came to AAP Facilities from Ithaca College where he worked as a facilities attendant. He also worked in an IT department updating modules and writing code for testing the college's website. His key skills include adaptability and a strong work ethic.
Adrienne Wilson
College Registrar, Office of Student Services
This summer, Student Services welcomed back Adrienne Wilson as the College Registrar. Adrienne returns to the position she held from 2016 to 2019 from the University of New Brunswick, where she was a student services and awards and scholarships officer. She had previously worked at Cornell for 12 years and graduated from Cornell as well.
Amy Yanosh
Executive Assistant to the Dean
Amy Yanosh joined the Office of the Dean in August 2020 from the Boyce Thompson Institute, bringing dedication and a positive, can-do work ethic to her new role of providing executive-level support to the Dean and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. She works to ensure that activities and initiatives are carried out smoothly and serves as a primary point of contact to facilitate communication and collaboration among multiple constituents within AAP, Cornell, and beyond.
Jobé Zulu
Assistant Director of Student Services
Assistant Director of Student Services Jobé Zulu came to AAP this summer from Wells College where he was Coordinator of Student Outreach and Support. He has a background in sports management and he has been a youth program leader in the College Discovery Program in Ithaca. At AAP, Jobé helps students manage challenges they face to achieve success and wellness while building relationships through open-minded conversation.
