That’s a wrap on Cornell’s first Virtual Homecoming

Cornell College celebrated its first Virtual Homecoming Oct. 1–3, 2020.

The Office of Alumni Engagement organized several digital events and activities that were shared on the alumni website and on social media accounts. 

The weekend featured a live Facebook broadcast of Homecoming Convocation and the Hall of Fame induction. Participants could take part in virtual faculty lectures, department gatherings, a wine tasting, and a 5K.

“We are very grateful to everyone who watched, commented, shared, and engaged with our Homecoming content this past weekend,” said Director of Alumni Engagement Michael Geneser. “The virtual format of this Homecoming, while not our preferred way to celebrate, allowed so many alumni to feel connected to campus who may not have been able to otherwise return to Mount Vernon, and that’s a wonderful silver lining. We look forward to celebrating Homecoming 2021, Oct. 8–10, in-person on the Hilltop when we can once again gather and be together.”

Geneser reported that this year’s Facebook convocation event reached more than 2,100 people. Knowing that the flexibility of virtual events is helpful for busy schedules, the team is planning on incorporating virtual options for future homecoming celebrations.

Cornell College proudly honored these alumni during Homecoming 2020:

Rupert Kinnard ’79
Distinguished Achievement
Cartoonist and graphic artist who originated the Brown Bomber, the oldest continuing Black gay comic character in the U.S. 

Jay Justin ’89
Leadership and Service
Longtime president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley who has dedicated his life to supporting children.

Eddie Moore ’89
Leadership and Service
A sought-after diversity consultant, educator, author, activist, scholar, and lecturer on social and racial issues; founder of the White Privilege Conference in 1999.

Tim Zimmerman ’84
Leadership and Service
A pioneer in the development and implementation of technical standards for Wi-Fi; his work has five patents and a revolutionary impact on inventory management.

Lindsay Bachman ’11
Young Alumna
Education coordinator at Hope Academy in South Carolina, where she values learning among students with special needs, especially those with autism. 

TaSheena Cunningham-Rimmer ’06
Young Alumna
Assistant general counsel to the Chicago Housing Authority, with a passion for the pursuit of justice and equality.

Nakyda Dean ’08
Young Alumna
OB-GYN physician serving patients in Malawi and in the Navajo Nation, dedicating her career to bringing quality health care to underserved populations.

Richard Small ’50
Athletic Hall of Fame
Member of the legendary 1947 national championship wrestling team and 1949 MWC champion at 165 pounds; a giant in Cornell’s history who has made a widespread and lasting impact on campus through leadership and philanthropy.