Ezra Cornell

“I hope we have laid the foundation of an institution which shall combine practical with liberal education...”

“I want to do the most good.”

“Life is a great lottery, in which we all take a chance.”

“We have not the disposition to deprive any of the privileges which should be common to all.”

“The first duty of a man is to pay his debts.”

“I have never been a friend to the aristocracy of color.”

“My greatest care is, and has been, the University.”

“I have a great horror of the want of money.”

“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.”

“Let no man be kept from the University by his poverty.”