December 4, 2023

By Katya Hrichak

Every day that the Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center is open, students stop by to eat, drink, study, relax, and socialize. Recognizing the importance of this special place, Claude De Castro stepped into the role of Barn director on November 1 and has been supporting the Barn’s vital functions since.

As director, De Castro oversees the Barn’s 500+ yearly events, manages daily operations, and supports more than 30 graduate and professional student workers who facilitate programs and keep the space running. Having previously owned and managed three successful businesses in New York City before serving as an event coordinator in Cornell Dining, De Castro is familiar with providing leadership and community in creative and exciting environments.

“I would like to continue the great work of my predecessor, making the Barn a central place for solidarity and connection within our graduate student community,” he said. “I am also looking forward to sharing my passion for crafting meaningful programming centered on collaborative and supportive engagement and a commitment to weave diversity and inclusion into all my efforts.”

Students looking to welcome De Castro into the graduate community are invited to talk to him about his role at the Barn and time at Cornell, as well as his fluency in four languages, enthusiasm for cooking, and exploration of all kinds of restaurants and cuisines.

“My door is open to everyone,” he said. “I look forward to getting to know this vast and fascinating community so please drop in and say hello!”