January 25, 2024
By Imani Finkley
On Nov. 30, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science hosted their annual Dinner with the Deans. The event offered undergraduate and graduate students a night of good food, laughter, and discussion with Cornell Bowers CIS deans, chairs, and faculty.
Upon arriving at the Statler Hotel ballroom, students were seated with 18 faculty from Cornell Bowers CIS to engage in roundtable discussion over dinner. 
“One of the biggest struggles of being a CIS student is the large classes and not always getting face time with faculty,” said Simone Green ’24. “Talking over food gave a relaxed setting to get to know our professors and deans as people first, and likewise, they got to know more about us. This has been my third time attending Dinner with the Deans and each time, hearing their stories, advice, and encouragement, it reminds me why I decided to pursue [computer science] and makes me excited to be part of this community.”
The Dinner with the Deans was not only a night of good company but also a moment to consider academic and career aspirations. Amy Huang, program coordinator in the Cornell Bowers CIS Office of DEI, said the event “was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with faculty outside of the classroom and learn from and appreciate others’ diverse experiences.”
Huang added that the night was made extra special by the heartwarming send-off of David Bindel, professor of computer science. For the last three years, Bindel served as the college’s associate dean for diversity, equity,and inclusion. He was succeeded by Hakim Weatherspoon, professor of computer science, who began his term as associate dean for DEI on Jan. 1.
If you are interested in learning more about Dinner with the Deans or any upcoming DEI events, please email Cornell Bowers CIS Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at dei-office@cis.cornell.edu.
Imani Finkley ‘24 is a communications assistant in the Cornell Bowers CIS Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.