The purpose of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award is to encourage well-qualified students to enter careers in government or other public service fields. The Class of 1964 urges graduating Cornellians to consider careers in public service and invites them to apply.

This $15,000 award endeavors to further President Kennedy's intense interest in realizing the leadership potential of America's youth, as evidenced by the creation of such programs as the Peace Corps and the White House Summer Seminar. Throughout his presidency, Kennedy sought to bring together the intellectual power of the country's college and university scholars with the practical skills of politicians and statesmen in the service of national leadership. The Cornell Class of 1964 feels that the United States will remain strong only if it is ably led, that our leadership must be constantly rejuvenated, and that the solutions to our nation's problems require the practical application of the knowledge and analytical abilities derived from a college education.