Melissa (Missy) Gehler, 1985

Missy is a self-employed technical writer and editor with more than 30 years’ experience. She creates documentation and training materials for both small businesses and multinational corporations.    

Missy holds a master’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

For many years, she served in a variety of volunteer roles for her local school district in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she established and directed a literacy program for elementary students.

Missy grew up in Barrington, Illinois. At Cornell, she majored in English, was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and won the Van Etten Award for creativity and scholarship.  She was co-president of the Performing Arts and Activities Council, president of Mortar Board, a member of the English Club, and a resident advisor at Pfeiffer Hall.

“Cornell reinforced the notion that I should never be afraid to try something new,” she wrote. “The block plan taught me that the opportunity to focus is a beautiful thing, and my professors encouraged me to become an independent and critical thinker. The writing skills I honed at Cornell helped me succeed as a graduate student and are the basis of the work I do today.

“Most importantly, Cornell introduced me to so many amazing people, some who became lifelong friends and one who has been my husband for the last thirty-five years.”

Missy’s husband, Matt Schousen, ‘83, is professor of government at Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They have one child.