Gifts to Greater>Than Campaign continue to enrich student experience

By Dee Ann Rexroat

Bob McLennan ’65 and Becky Martin McLennan ’64 at McLennan College Hall on the day it was dedicated.

McLennan College Hall dedicated

One of the most historic buildings on campus was modernized and reopened for classes last fall as McLennan College Hall. A lead gift from Trustee Robert McLennan ’65 and Rebecca Martin McLennan ’64 propelled the $3.6 million renovation that included new HVAC and Wi-Fi systems, ADA compliance inside and out, renovated office spaces, and updated classrooms with custom technology for business and education. Bob is a real estate executive with deep community involvement. Becky, a retired teacher, produces Broadway plays and is involved in their community of Glenview, Illinois.

“McLennan College Hall is home to a large number of our faculty–nearly 30. These renovations will enhance everyone’s teaching and learning experiences and physical comfort in many ways. I have so much gratitude for the McLennans and the other generous donors to this project,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs Ilene Crawford ’92, who spent many hours in the building as a student.

Endowment growth

David Korslund ’76 (right) and his husband, Rob Kooiman, stand in front of trees in fall colors — David Korslund ’76 (right) and his husband, Rob Kooiman, are establishing a $500,000 endowed fund to support experiential learning.

Two gifts totaling $1.1 million have created endowments that will help ensure that students benefit from experiential learning, a strength of One Course At A Time and the college’s new Ingenuity curriculum.

The Esther and Robert Armstrong Charitable Trust Endowment has dissolved and bestowed its remaining funds to seven organizations in the Cedar Rapids area. Cornell received $600,000 to establish the Esther and Robert Armstrong Charitable Trust Endowment for Ingenuity. The Armstrongs were once the owners of the storied Armstrong’s Department Store in downtown Cedar Rapids.

David Korslund ’76 and his husband, Rob Kooiman, of the Netherlands, have generously provided $500,000 to establish the Korslund/Kooiman Endowed Experiential Learning Fund. Korslund, who is retired from an international career in sustainable banking, and Kooiman set up the fund to provide resources for Cornell students who would otherwise feel too financially constrained to take advantage of international study.

Athletics momentum

Bob Slater '60 and Dixie Krantz Slater ’64 — Bob Slater ’60 and Dixie Krantz Slater ’64

As construction crews continue to transform the Sport Center to a health, wellness, and sport center for all students, the college is just $2 million from completing the $19.5 million Athletics and Wellness Facilities Project. With the addition of women’s wrestling, this building—which will be known as the Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center (the SAW)—will be home to 20 NCAA Division III teams when it opens next school year.

Construction of new additions is more than 50% complete and renovations have now begun.

Susan Taylor Spielman '75 and husband Rick Spielman — Susan Taylor Spielman ’75 and husband Rick Spielman

Cornell Life Trustee Bob Slater ’60 has given $250,000 to the athletics and wellness project. Bob played baseball at Cornell. He and his late wife, Dixie Krantz Slater ’64, are supporters of the Cornell Fellows program, funding 10 Cornell students with Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado.

As a Trustee Bob led the team that brought President Les Garner to the college. His career spans Ernst & Young, Spencer Stuart, and Korn Ferry in professional and senior management roles.

Susan Taylor Spielman ’75 and Rick Spielman also have given $250,000 to the project. Susan is a retired German teacher who ran with the men’s cross country team while at Cornell, prior to the establishment of the women’s program. In recognition of their gift, the outdoor track will bear Susan’s name.

Major gift from Chaffins

Two members of Cornell’s centennial class, the late Truman “Trum” Chaffin ’53 and Ver Jean “VJ” Hark Chaffin ’53, left a $1.84 million estate gift to the college. The couple was married in 1954 in King Chapel. Following Trum’s military service they moved to California. VJ taught speech and hearing to students in the Inglewood School District. Trum worked for Los Angeles County for 35 years, including as director of emergency medical services. The Chaffins were married 64 years before VJ died in 2016. Trum died in 2020.

Completing the Greater > Than Campaign will require the continued generosity of Cornellians with gifts of all sizes.