As a first-generation college student, Mary Armstrong Meduski ’80, P ’18 credits scholarship as fundamental to her ability to get a Cornell education.

“Cornell is the place where I gained my confidence,” she said. “It’s the place where I understood that I can accomplish whatever it is that I set out to do.”

Meduski is now a longtime Cornell leader who created the Cornell Women’s Leadership Challenge, a special opportunity to bring donors to Cornell’s Annual Funds for Cornell’s 9th Giving Day on March 16, 2023.

When 600 donors give $1,000 or more as part of Giving Day to any Cornell Annual Fund, Meduski has pledged to donate $100,000 to the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Scholarship Annual Fund.

“I realize, especially with the passage of time, what a gift a Cornell education was for me,” Meduski said. “There’s a time in your career and your life where you should start paying it forward.”

Earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, Meduski said that the life skills she learned at Cornell enabled her to keep investing in herself—even if it meant beginning again. After attending business school and holding roles in investment banking, she eventually found her place as a CFO in telecommunications and media companies.

“Along the way, I focused very intently on promoting the career development of the women around me,” Meduski said.

Fellow challengers Peggy Koenig ’78, P ’14 and Sharlyn Carter Heslam ’91, P ’26 share Meduski’s drive to lead by example, and together will give a total of $150,000 toward undergraduate scholarships, financial aid, and the student experience when the 600-donor goal is reached.

Read the full story about the Cornell Women’s Leadership Challenge on giving.cornell.edu.