“He inspired confidence”

Professor Lowi was a special person. He inspired confidence, created opportunities for students to maximize potential, and perhaps most importantly, genuinely cared for everyone.   

His final lecture of Government 101 was most memorable. He told us to go out into the world with confidence in our abilities, to do great work, and to represent Cornell with honor and with integrity.

I was in his class on September 11 [2001], and he was comforting to us all and was there for his students, as he always was.

He was my mentor for my Honors thesis, and he was an honorary member of Sphinx Head Society, of which I was also a member.

At graduation, I couldn’t wait for my family to meet him. And when I stayed at Cornell for law school, it was experiences such as working with and learning from Professor Lowi that served as my passion for remaining in Ithaca.

I miss Professor Lowi and will carry my memories of him with me. Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to [share].

Michael Laycob

College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell Class of 2003

Cornell Law School 2007