Elizabeth Garrett, who served on the SETI Institute’s Board of Trustees beginning in 2011, passed away in Ithaca, New York on March 6.  She was 52.

A lawyer by training, Beth’s involvement with the Institute resulted from an initiative to foster a collaboration with the University of Southern California, where she was provost. As a Trustee, Beth had a remarkable ability to understand the broad implications of policy and make decisions that would best ensure the SETI Institute’s continued health and growth.  Her always-sunny presence was backed up by exceptionally clear thinking and a “glass half full” mentality.

Upon her appointment as President of Cornell University in 2014 (the first woman to hold this position), Beth relinquished her SETI Institute trusteeship.  The relationship she sparked continues today with the current USC provost Michael Quick (Institute Trustee), and USC radio president Brenda Barnes (advisor to “Big Picture Science.”)

Beth Garrett’s talents and demeanor will be missed by all who were privileged to know her.

You can learn more about Elizabeth's life and work at her wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Garrett