INDEPENDENT SINCE 1880
The Corne¬ Daily Sun Vol. 131, No. 69
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014
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ITHACA, NEW YORK
16 Pages – Free
Sunset
Arts
Sports
Weather
Hiatus
The Final Countdown
History Being Made
Rain HIGH: 41° LOW: 25°
With this issue, The Sun suspends publication for Winter Break. The Sun will rise again with the arrival of the spring semester.
The Sun’s arts writers list their top 10 films for the past year.
In a historic matchup, the Red will take on No. 10 Denver this weekend.
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At White House, C.U.Outlines College Access Plans By TYLER ALICEA Sun Managing Editor
With President Barack Obama and hundreds of other leaders in higher education, Cornell outlined plans it is taking in order to increase access to higher education for low-income students during a summit Thursday. Over 600 actions aimed at DOUG MILLS / assisting stuTHE NEW YORK TIMES dents from across
the country to prepare for earning a college degree were announced during the second College Opportunity Day of Action in Washington, D.C. “Our higher education system is one of the things that makes America exceptional,” Obama said at the conference. “No place else has the assets we do when it comes to higher education.” Still, he said other countries around the world have begun to catch up the to the United States in education, and that the country has more work to do in order to increase access to higher education. “I want to make sure the United States leads the world in education again, not just because it’s right to have more young people chase their dreams, but because it’s critical to our economic future,” he said. Through The White House’s initiative, Cornell highlighted two programs: increasing the number of students from underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — or STEM fields — to
Higher ed. | President Barack Obama speaks at the Summit on College Opportunity in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.
match the number of STEM students from majority groups and helping to increase the number of “highachieving, low-income, rural youth who become first generation college students.” “Both of these commitments are examples of Cornell’s commitment to engaging broadly with society to have an impact on college access and academic achievement,” said Barbara Knuth, senior vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, who represented Cornell at the summit. The College of Arts and Sciences is working to redesign eight physics and biology courses, which the University says serve approximately 1,600 undergraduates each year and fulfills “key prerequisites” in engineering and life sciences disciplines. The modified courses in physics and biology — which aim to assist in increasing STEM parity across all demographics — focus on “the most effective, high-impact, engaging teaching and learning practices,” and are made possibly by faculty and college leadership at Cornell, according to Knuth. “This initiative would not have happened without See WHITE HOUSE page 4
Multimillion Dollar Gift Will Target Childhood Diseases By ANNIE BUI Sun News Editor
With a $25 million dollar gift from Ira Drukier ’66 M.Eng. ’67 and wife Gale Drukier, scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College will now be able to pursue research on the causes of devastating diseases in children, the University announced Thursday. The goal of the cross-disciplinary Gale and Ira Drukier Institute for Children’s Health will be to “rapidly translate basic research breakthroughs into the most advanced therapies for patients,” according to a statement from the medical college. The gift from the Drukiers will also enable Weill to hire a team of five leading scientists who will conduct this research. The Drukier Institute — which will be housed on
the 12th floor of WCMC’s new Belfer Research Building — will also reinforce the medical college’s current research and clinical care programs that target
“The Drukiers’ investment will better the lives of children in New York and beyond.” Sanford Weill ’55 childhood and adolescent diseases such as asthma, cancer and autism, according to the release. Sanford Weill ’55, chair of the Weill Cornell Board of Overseers, said in the release that the Drukier’s “gen-
erous” gift is a testament to their “commitment to advancing human health.” “The Drukiers’ investment will better the lives of children in New York and beyond, and will leave a lasting mark on our next generation,” he said. Echoing Weill, President David Skorton said the gift would allow the University to achieve an “unprecedented level of excellence in pediatric research.” “The bench-to-bedside approach of the Drukier Institute will have a lasting impact on children and their families, giving hope when they need it most,” Skorton said in the release. In addition to the institute, the Drukier’s gift will allow the medical college to obtain research equipment See WCMC page 4
‘Rulloff ’s Lives,’ New Owner Says By TYLER ALICEA Sun Managing Editor
ALEJANDRO HERNANDEZ / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
It’s alive! | The Rulloff’s restaurant and bar, which unexpectedly closed its doors in September, will reopen next semester.
“Rulloff ’s lives.” The two words Cornellians have been waiting to hear since the restaurant and bar unexpectedly closed its doors at the start of the semester. Gregar Brous, owner of Collegetown Bagels, confirmed in an interview with The Sun Thursday that he has purchased the Collegetown staple with plans to reopen its doors for next semester. The sudden closing of Rulloff ’s in early September shocked Cornellians and employees of the restaurant, who were laid off on Labor Day when it shut its doors. When Cornellians return to Ithaca next semester, however, food will be served and liquor flowing as Brous said he hopes to reopen the doors at 411 College Ave.
“I’m very proud of the history and what exists in Rulloff ’s,” he said. “It needs to be brought back to its original luster.” After obtaining a liquor license and doing some renovations and cleanup, Brous said he plans to reopen the Collegetown staple around the beginning of the spring semester, specifically shooting for the end of January or shortly after. Brous said he intends to operate the restaurant independently from Collegetown Bagels, which has one restaurant just two doors down from Rulloff ’s. He cited his belief in the Collegetown and Cornell communities, as well as the “history and value of the brand,” as reasons for his purchasing of the space. Tyler Alicea can be reached at managing-editor@cornellsun.com.