Friends for life
By
Dee Ann Rexroat ’82
Cornell College’s residential experience fosters community that leads to lifelong friendships. We asked alumni to tell us about their memorable friendships and heard from alumni of the 1940s through the 2010s. Following are some of their responses—stories of friendships across time, friendships that surmount differences, and friendships like family.
Robert Keen ’67 (left) and David Meyer ’67 in spring of their freshman year at Just-A-Mere farm in DeWitt, Iowa. Allison Chenoweth ’02 (left) and Cammy Watkins ’02 were known as the Olsen Twins on campus. They continue to talk and text message on a regular basis. Chris “Jenna” Hanus Hiratzka ’73, Ann Carbee Jones ’73, Michele Merrell Bryan ’71, and Ginger Soper Smith ’73 (from left) with The Cursed Purse, taken in 2005 at Ann’s vineyard near Jefferson City, Missouri.
Kelsey Beal Rosales ’07, Jess Rundlett ’07, and Diana Krogmeier Suhanyi ’07 (from left) seen as students on the steps of Bowman-Carter Hall.
Lushana Peterson ’15 (left) sought advice from Robyn Schwab Aaron ’07, and got much more—a devoted mentor.
Left to right: Chuck Warden ’41, Barbara Warden McKee ’66, Betty Rowley ’42, Don McKee, Ruth “Gussie” Ohlsen ’41.
The Roodies Reunion in 2012 in Asheville, North Carolina, brought together Sally Baird Conde ’52, Barbara Frey Duffus ’52, Jo Shearer Bidle ’52, Barbara Jackson Tade ’52, and Jo Goetz Wasta ’52 (from left). Members of The Cornell 8, from left: Pam Pulliam Syfert ’65, Barbara Schroeder DiNovo ’65, Mary Godfriaux Phillips ’65, Jackie Garrett Hastay ’65, Jean Pinkerton Johnson ’65 and Elizabeth Shuman Burgess ’65. Missing: Jane Reichman Olson ’65 and Gayle Jensen Van Auken ’65. A “family” reunion, left to right: Megan Pieper Wiltz ’05, Stacy Denham ’05, Justin Everage ’05, Tia Bougher O’Brien ’05, and Andrea Arzuaga ’05.
