In Brief: Fall 2021

By Cornell Report staff

The Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel ’89 shares a smile with the Rev. Richard Thomas, her predecessor. Quehl-Engel recently completed a quarter century serving as Cornell’s chaplain, leaving the position to offer part-time soul care and other healing ministry through CalmwithCatherine.com. After 54 years of service between them as Cornell’s chaplain, both continue their journey of passion, service, and love. Photo by Craig Engel ’87.

Rev. Thomas and The Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel '89 have a combined service of 54 years as chaplain.
The Rev. Richard Thomas and The Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel ’89 have a combined service of 54 years as chaplain.

Cornell’s second oldest building reopened this fall as McLennan College Hall following a $3.6 million renovation funded by generous contributors including a lead gift by Robert McLennan ’65 and Rebecca Martin McLennan ’64, as part of the Greater > Than campaign. The 1857 building blends history with technology that includes new HVAC and Wi-Fi systems, ADA compliance inside and out, renovated office spaces, and updated classrooms with custom technology for business and education.

Students consult in the Cell Finance Lab in the renovated McLennan College Hall.
Students consult in the Cell Finance Lab in the renovated McLennan College Hall.

2021 Athletics Hall of Fame

Cornell College proudly inducted four alumni into the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

  • Kori Sims Shingles ’04: A two-time first team all-Iowa Conference volleyball middle hitter, Shingles holds Cornell single-season records for kills (482), attack percentage (.349), and points scored (586.5).
  • Carl Small ’95: Small is the all-time steals leader in Cornell and MWC basketball history with 277, and stands fourth at Cornell with 380 career assists. 
  • Max Bjerke ’95: A three-time NCAA wrestling qualifier and national runner-up at 134 pounds in 1994, Bjerke ranks fourth on Cornell’s career list with 44 pins and fifth with 121 victories. 
  • David Welter ’76: Welter is the first Cornell baseball player to gain first team all-conference four consecutive years. He caught every inning behind the plate for four seasons and was a four-year football letter-winner.