U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, MRP ’97, who was shot in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8, was profiled in the January/February 2005 issue of Cornell Alumni Magazine, when she was an Arizona state senator. In the article, Giffords recalled her days on campus, saying, "I remember storming up Libe Slope in my cowboy boots and fringed leather jacket to beg for a stipend. I loved the international environment at Cornell, but it gave me strength to remind myself that I was from the West."
She went on to express her devotion to her home state, saying that "Arizona is a great state and people here deserve the best of opportunities." To read the entire article, click here.
Another Cornellian, Susan Hileman ’73, was wounded in the attack. Hileman had accompanied nine-year-old Christina Green, a neighbor, to the meeting with Giffords. Green was shot and killed. Hileman has been released from the hospital and is continuing her recovery at home, while Giffords has been moved to Houston for further recovery and rehabilitation.
Cornell has established a website for sending wishes for recovery to Giffords and Hileman.