Cornell Alumni Magazine: A Legacy of Connecting the Big Red Community
Cornell Alumni Magazine (CAM) has always been more than just a typical alumni publication. From its inception in 1899, the magazine aimed to "reflect faithfully and especially for alumni the present life at the University" and to "keep the alumni informed as fully and as accurately as possible about the whereabouts and doings of Cornell men and women." This commitment to its readership and the university distinguished CAM as a separate entity from the institution it covered.
A History of Excellence
Over the decades, CAM garnered numerous accolades, including the Sibley Award, the highest honor in the field of alumni magazines, twice in 1997 and 1999. In 2017, it earned a best cover nod from the American Society of Magazine Editors, a rare achievement for an alumni publication, showcasing its commitment to quality and design. CAM has profiled thousands of Cornellians, highlighting individuals from various fields, from world-renowned figures to those whose achievements are remarkable in their own right.
Evolution and Adaptation
The magazine evolved significantly over time. The Alumni News, as it was initially known, began at the close of the nineteenth century as a text-heavy publication with limited imagery. Over a century, it transformed into a full-color magazine with a sophisticated and reader-friendly design, rivaling many newsstand offerings. This evolution reflects the magazine's commitment to adapting to changing reader preferences and technological advancements.
A Shift to the Digital Realm
Like many print publications, CAM has experienced a decline in subscriptions in recent years. The magazine's reach has narrowed to approximately 5 percent of living alumni, making its traditional operational model unsustainable. In response to these challenges, the University is launching a new online alumni communications "hub." This digital platform will incorporate the vibrant, journalistic coverage that CAM was known for, while also offering multimedia content that was not feasible in print.
Cornellians: The Next Chapter
The new online hub, named Cornellians, leverages the digital environment to engage and inspire alumni. It will feature lively prose, imagery, video, and other multimedia and interactive formats. Cornellians is a collaborative effort between its editorial staff, the Division of Alumni Affairs and Development, and Cornell Brand Communications within the Division of University Relations.
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