Cornell alumni honored for service

Two Cornell College alumni, John Smith ’71 and Barry Boyer ’84, were honored on June 1 for their service to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The pair were two of five who won the Five Seasons Citizenship Award. The award is sponsored by the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, which will provide two prizes for each of the five winners: an engraved clock and a $1,000 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice.

The following criteria were used to choose the winners:

– Demonstrates exceptional support for Cedar Rapids

– Exhibits the responsibilities of strong citizenship

– Developed projects or initiatives that benefit other Cedar Rapids residents

– Demonstrates leadership in community service

– Promotes the benefits of living, working and playing in Cedar Rapids

Smith is the chair of the board of CRST in Cedar Rapids, a former chair of the Cornell College board of trustees, and was chair of the college’s Extraordinary Opportunities Campaign.

Boyer recently retired as president of Van Meter Inc., and has been involved with philanthropy around Eastern Iowa. His wife, Gilda Vinzulis Boyer ’84, is a member of the college’s board of trustees.

Smith was not present at the award ceremony, which was held at the year’s first Downtown Farmer’s Market in Cedar Rapids. Boyer received the award from fellow Cornellian Ron Corbett ’83, mayor of Cedar Rapids.