A Homecoming to celebrate
Cornellians had a lot to celebrate at Homecoming this year. The blustery weather was not one of them.
Braving near-freezing temperatures and even a short-lived snowstorm, Cornellians as recent as last year’s graduating class and as long-departed as the 1940s descended on the Hilltop to relive old memories and celebrate new accomplishments.
Among those honored was Stephen Grummon ’69, recipient of this year’s Distinguished Achievement Award. Grummon is a veteran of the U.S. State Department and an instrumental figure in the planning and policy of U.S. foreign relations in the Middle East. He has served government and private institutions concerned with foreign policy for nearly 40 years, and has been consistently recognized for excellence
in his field.
Also recognized was longtime class agent Elizabeth Hoyer Beeman ’69, who received the Leadership and Service Award. And Jerry
Ringer ’59 was honored with the Leadership and Service Award, recognizing his commitments to Cornell and leadership in service to the college.
Ringer’s leadership includes the Class of 1959 50th reunion gift. The class raised over $220,000 in cash and pledges for King Chapel renovations and the annual fund. “I was more than willing to lead this effort, knowing that my class would come through,” said Ringer.
With Extraordinary Opportunities: The Campaign for Cornell College nearing its end, Homecoming was also an opportunity to honor some of its most fervent supporters, including Larry Dorr ’63. Dorr was recognized during the President’s Society Dinner for his work on the Board of Trustees, specifically the creation, funding, and guidance of Dimensions: The Center for the Science and Culture of Healthcare. Dorr’s idea has not only created a worthy center for health care pre-professionals at Cornell, but served as a model and inspiration for other successful programs at Cornell, like the Berry Center and the Pre-Law Program.
Finally, a name familiar to many Cornellians, Dyan Smith, was named an honorary alumna, officially joining her husband, Chair of the Board of Trustees John Smith ’71, in the Cornell family.
