Cornell's Community Impact

“They knocked it out of the park. They ask a lot of questions, are super interested, and see our overall mission for the community. It’s been really, really good for us.” — Mount Vernon Fire Chief Nathan Goodlove, regarding Cornell students who volunteer for the fire department. (Photo by Allan Recalde)

Cornell and the community

When I prepared to move to Mount Vernon in 2011, a friend confided, “Mount Vernon and Cornell ... it’s a really lovely mix.” And he was right. Cornell College is extremely fortunate to be located in Mount Vernon, Iowa. I hope most would agree that Mount Vernon is fortunate that Cornell is located here as well. We strengthen each other. 

Cornell and its students add to the vibrancy and diversity of Mount Vernon-Lisbon. Our students are warmly treated in businesses and community organizations; we welcome residents who walk and bike our 129-acre campus. The college generates economic activity and provides resources including Mount Vernon’s public library. 

As a nonprofit educational institution, and our town’s oldest and largest employer, we are very pleased to play such an important role in ensuring that our hometown remains vital.  It’s absolutely true: Mount Vernon and Cornell are a lovely mix.

President Jonathan Brand 

Generating economic activity

Cornell employs over 300 people • 206 alumni live in Mount Vernon-Lisbon • Bon Appétit spent $500,000 on local products • Cornell paid $53,685 in county taxes and $75,610 in city sewer fees • Cornell is among the top 5 supporters of the CDG (excluding government) • Rams athletic events attracted 28,500 fans to 136 competitions • Over 3,500 people visited campus during events like Homecoming, Commencement, and Admission Days

Providing volunteer resources

 7 students served on the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Emergency Medical Services and Mount Vernon Fire Department • 64 Cornell Lunch Buddy students were paired weekly with 73 third graders at Washington Elementary • More than 350 students volunteered approximately 1,800 hours for a value of $57,240

Housing Mount Vernon’s public library

Cole Library is a unique public-private partnership between Cornell's library and the city’s public library. • Public library support is greatly enhanced by the college library’s extensive hours, facility (including free public meeting rooms), book collection, and staffing.

Providing educational, cultural, and athletic events

A wide variety of intellectual, cultural, and athletic events were open to residents • Cornell offered summer youth programs for high schoolers, music students, and athletes in 11 sports • Residents were welcomed to dine in our award-winning Hilltop Café

Sharing athletic facilities

The Mount Vernon Mustangs and Cornell Rams shared the college’s baseball field and Mount Vernon’s softball field, and in 2022-23 MVHS used Cornell’s soccer fields