Well Said
“Students, as you begin your journey here:
May you rest in knowing that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you embrace the challenges as necessary for your growth.
May you pause from time to time to take it all in and offer gratitude for this exciting stage of life.
May you engage fully in this community, for we need your gifts, just as we offer ours to you.
May you ask questions about your calling and start to discover the answers.
May you remember that you are welcomed by those who have come before you, and will lead the way for those who follow behind.”
*This is a portion of Cornell Chaplain Melea White’s Benediction during New Student Orientation Convocation on Aug. 20, 2025.
It isn’t the size, it’s the heart
I attended Cornell from 1970-72, and an enduring regret is that I didn’t return to campus in the fall of ’72 and throw myself on the mercy of the college with a goal of graduating in ’74 with my classmates. That is “The Road Not Taken” in my life, and I periodically wonder, “If … ”
I just received the spring 2025 Cornell Report, and I cannot express how incredibly proud I am of those two years, the friends I still have—an enduring theme from that issue—and what a great place Cornell College is. You are actively putting a “dent in the universe,” no small accomplishment.
When I attended the 50th reunion last October with the Class of ’74, I was struck by how physically small the campus was. That is not an unusual experience when revisiting locations in our past. This issue, as previous ones have, reminds me how it isn’t the size, it’s the heart. Cornell College consistently punches above its weight: in mission, vision, and execution.
Edwin Roorda ’74
Churchville, New York
Dee Ann Rexroat ’82 retires as editor
What a beautiful gift you have shared with us for the past 30 years! I have appreciated so many stories, some expected, some quite brave for Cornell, some even included my friends and me. You certainly have created an award-winning magazine. I am grateful for the threads that you have woven so beautifully for all of us into a textile so much more beautiful because you found threads to engage and enlighten all of us.
Andrea Herrera ’85
Chicago, Illinois
In response to Cornell Report-related posts on:
“Podcast features Cornellians at play,” by Hallie Koontz ’14
Stuart Ough ’94: Gaming forged lifelong friendships there in Pauley-Rorem. Thirty years on, my group remains thick as thieves, meeting online routinely, and reuniting annually for an epic weekend of gaming and camaraderie.
Jack Prince ’76 spends time in the production studio as the KRNL station manager in 1976. Photo credit: Eric Weston ’78.
KRNL fun facts
Edwin Roorda ’74: I knew some DJs and would go hang out during their shows. One of many ways Cornell expanded my world.
Jack Lumanog ’96: I loved my time at KRNL, Cornell College’s student-run radio station. I started as a DJ in 1992—spinning tracks (Dave Matthews Band was brand new and burning up the charts), sharing stories, and even co-hosting a call-in relationship advice show with a psychology professor. By my senior year I was serving as general manager. It remains one of my favorite college experiences.
Christine Bryant Darling ’04: Loved my stint as a KRNL DJ in 2001-2003! I was introduced to excellent music from the CD collection, and where else could I play Mozart's "Requiem" and Radiohead in the same show?
Jess Rundlett ’07: KRNL 89.7 FM. Coming to you loud and proud from the basement of the Commons in Mount Vernon, Iowa. I so loved being a DJ!
Be part of the conversation
We are delighted to publish letters and social media mentions. Tag @cornellcollege to be considered on social media. Email letters to cornellreport@cornellcollege.edu or mail to Cornell Report, Luce House, 600 First St. SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1098. Submissions are edited for style, length, and clarity.