Mao Ye, a graduate student pursuing a doctorate in economics, is the winner of the 2006 student trustee election, making him a voting member of Cornell's Board of Trustees.

Ye, 28, of Yangzhou, China, believes that his election affirms Cornell's mission and the success of its multicultural environment.

"We observe today not only a success for myself, but also the success of Cornell's diversity," Ye said. "It shows that Cornell is an institution where any person can pursue any study and, more importantly, where any person can tap into his or her potential, regardless of race or nationality. I am honored to have been chosen to represent all the students at Cornell."

Balloting for the student-elected trustee is under the jurisdiction of the board's Trustee Nominating Committee, which oversees the elections of student and employee trustees.

The board of trustees has two student-elected trustees who serve staggered, two-year terms. Ye will serve from June 2006 through June 2008.

Ye earned his bachelor's degree at Southeast University, China; a master's degree in finance from Renmin University, China; and a master's degree in economics at the University of British Columbia. For more information about the student-elected trustee election, visit http://assembly.cornell.edu/Elections/2006SpringTrusteeResults.