Alan Stillman, Class of 1982, founded Stroke Smart to educate people on how to spot when a person is having a stroke in order to get them to immediate medical attention to prevent serious long term effects.  Learn more from Alan's Ted Talk and resources at the Virginia Department of Education.

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Cornell Club of Washington is proud to celebrate Alan's impact and to support distribution of his educational materials.

Elysa Graber-Lipperman, Class of 1989, will become the DC State Coordinator for the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide Program (Program) on June 1, 2026. The DC Program’s volunteers provide free income tax preparation assistance to DC and MD residents at multiple sites in DC during income tax filing season.

Elysa served as a volunteer Tax Counselor for the last two tax seasons and helped train new Tax Counselors this past tax season. The gratitude expressed by the taxpayers served at the sites where Elysa volunteered, the dedication of the Program’s volunteers, and the Program’s provision of outstanding services to the public motivated her to take on the DC State Coordinator volunteer position.

Email Elysa at elysagl.taxaide@gmail.com to get information about volunteering for the Program or the Program’s services. 

Pictured with Elysa, '89 is her husband Peter Graber-Lipperman '85

Ayotunde Ejiko is a rising junior in Fall 2026 at Cornell University studying Information Science and Sociology and competing as a sprinter on the Cornell Track & Field team. A graduate of DC Public Schools, his initiative and voice at school board meetings helped innovate educational access for all during COVID. In DC, he developed leadership skills, a public profile and debate skills. (Character, public service, work ethic and being the region's top ranked 200 meter runner gained him acceptance to all of the Ivy League Schools.) Today, Ayotunde is passionate about using technology, strategy, and community-building to create opportunities for others. His web site provides details in coverage by The Washington Post.

Ayotunde is a skilled bridge builder. His networking efforts with CCW in Summer, 2026 indicate insight and dedication that can influence a pipeline of promising local students to Cornell and our alumni association. He joined CCW's committee to assist with the "Freshmen Send-off," and his involvements in Ithaca are well worth exploration by alumni. Friendly, humble, confident and action oriented, Ayotunde has understandably developed an "influencer's" following of thousands on Instagram (@ayoitstunde.) 

On campus, he serves as Professional Development Chair for Men of Color in Athletics (MOCA), where he helps connect student-athletes with alumni, employers, and career development opportunities. He is also involved with SWAG and the Nigerian Students Association, and enjoys finding ways to bring Cornellians together across different communities. Ayotunde's consistent focus is empowering members with skills, habits and experiences to construct their professional careers.

Running races with Big Red pride and with a credible shot at the Olympics, Ayotunde is excited to develop connections with the Cornell Club of Washington and to support events that help current students, alumni, and incoming freshmen feel welcomed into the Big Red family.