Alumni honored at Homecoming

A highlight of Homecoming is recognizing outstanding alumni who have contributed to the world in general and Cornell in particular.

Richard Williams ’63 received the Distinguished Achievement Award, the highest joint honor given by the college and the Cornell College Alumni Association. Williams was honored for both his career success—as a founding member of Hlustik, Huizenga, Williams & Vander Woude, Ltd. and chief executive of a large ranch, oil, gas, and agricultural operation in Texas—as well as his leadership as a Cornell trustee and his philanthropy to Cornell, most notably the Richard and Marlene Williams Endowed Lecture and Special Events Fund, inspired by his time as a student.

Daryl J. Boness ’72 received the Leadership and Service Award in recognition of outstanding leadership in marine biology. His commitment to the health of marine mammals and the marine ecosystem, and his research with the Smithsonian Institution, led to a presidential appointment to the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission.

Michael Mudlaff ’88 and Charlie Boone ’88, co-class agents for the class of 1988, were honored for their 25 years of service. Their dedication to Cornell keeps their classmates connected to their common home in Mount Vernon.

The athletics hall of fame welcomed three new members during this year’s C Club breakfast.

Brent Sands ’93, a three-time all-conference performer, GTE Academic All-American, and recipient of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, was inducted for his performance on Coach Steve Miller’s historic 1992 squad that captured the Midwest Conference championship and became the first football team in Midwest Conference history to finish 10–0. Sands set school records for interceptions, interception return yards, and pass breakups.

Phil Gibbs ’66 earned three varsity letters from 1964-66 for his time on the swim squad. As a three-time conference champion and nine-time placewinner, he was named captain and Most Outstanding Varsity Swimmer on the 1966 squad. At the 1965 conference meet, Gibbs established a conference record (2:16.6) in winning the 200-yard butterfly. Gibbs previously received the Leadership and Service Award for his service as class agent, and was a member of the President’s Club for more than 25 years.

Ocie Trimble, who died last spring at the age of 81, coached Cornell’s cross country and track and field teams from 1982–97. During that period, the Rams claimed nine Midwest Conference team championships and crowned 19 all-Americans. Trimble also spent countless hours at Ash Park refurbishing Cornell’s track, and he constructed the “CORNELL” letters on the grass berm at the west end of Ash Park. In the fall of 1988, Cornell named its annual home cross country meet the Ocie Trimble Invitational.