$475,638 to Cornell from beloved professor’s estate

MOUNT VERNON — Cornell College has received a gift of $475,638 from the estate of a beloved speech professor who is credited with encouraging the career path of a student who would become a Hall of Fame baseball announcer.

Emeritus professor of speech Walter Stromer died May 12, 2005, at age 84. He taught at Cornell from 1953 until his retirement in 1985. Among his earliest students was Harry Kalas, Hall of Fame announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies, who credits Stromer with steering him toward a career in broadcasting.

“Dr. Stromer was a tremendously positive influence to me as a young man at Cornell College,” Kalas said recently. “In his class, I recall him encouraging me to pursue a career in broadcasting when he commented, ‘with your voice, you could get a job in radio.’”

Stromer had been blinded in World War II while serving with the 87th Infantry Division near Bastogne, Belgium, in January 1945.

“He did love Cornell, and he thought Cornell had given him an excellent opportunity because not just anybody would hire a man who was blind,” said Ed Hill of Mount Vernon, Cornell professor emeritus of mathematics. Stromer and his wife, Vivian, were among the first to welcome Ed and his wife, Sharon, to Mount Vernon in 1969.

Vivian Stromer was the eyes of her husband, who had said she was “loving, devoted and had the patience of an angel.” She died in May 2006.

Besides teaching speech, Stromer taught students to persevere.

“His courage helped him overcome obstacles,” said Don Cell of Mount Vernon, Cornell professor emeritus of economics and business. “He was so self-effacing, a strong individual with a lot of courage.”

After his retirement, Stromer remained a fixture on campus as an avid participant in Cornell’s Chautauqua program for older adults and at other lectures. He maintained contact with many Cornell alumni.

“Walt had such an impact on Cornell students during his three-decade career. This gift will enable new generations to enjoy the extraordinary benefits of a college education,” said Cornell President Les Garner.

The estate gift will be applied to Cornell’s endowment, which provides financial support for immediate and future needs such as scholarships, the library, laboratories, computer facilities, curricular and co-curricular programs, lectureships, faculty development and student services.