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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Celebrates 100 Years | Liberty Hyde Bailey Leadership Society pursues founding vision

By Mollie Pulver '80, ALSAA President We accept it because we have seen the vision. We know that we cannot reap the harvest, but we hope that we may so well prepare the land and so diligently sow the seed that our successors may gather the ripened grain. –– Liberty Hyde Bailey As we begin the centennial celebration of Cornell's designation as New York's Land Grant Institution and the founding of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, we continue to expand the vision of Liberty Hyde Bailey.

One of Bailey's primary goals was maintaining a lifelong connection with the college for all alumni. We spend considerable time and effort starting and nurturing new alumni relationships. But what about those loyal and faithful friends who have served the college and University for many years? Many past leaders have expressed an interest in staying involved once they complete their work on the Alumni Board or Advisory Council. The current and five past presidents of the CALS Alumni Association, along with the College's former director of alumni affairs Dick Church, set out to find a way to honor their achievements and maintain connections with our established leaders.

From these discussions, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Leadership Society was established. Key leaders with proven wisdom, experience, and passion for the college were invited by Dean Susan Henry and myself to be the founding members of the society, which will provide broad-based support and advice as needed for the dean. Some of these volunteers may also assist in planning special events and other activities or become mentors for new lifetime members of the Alumni Association.

The inaugural dinner for this group was held at the Lab of Ornithology's Johnson Center for Birds and Diversity on April 2. The event was attended by thirty-three of the ninety-one founding members of the society and their guests. "On the occasion of the centennial for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, it seems particularly appropriate to inaugurate the Liberty Hyde Bailey Leadership Society and recognize such an esteemed group of volunteers," Dean Henry said in her speech. "No doubt, they will continue to play an important role in helping the College fulfill its future goals." Geoff Yates '77 and I also made a few comments, but most attendees were more than delighted just with the conversations around the dinner tables and during the reception prior to dinner.

Had Bailey joined us, he would know with certainty that his dreams have been realized. From Bob Baker '43--known to us all for "Cornell Barbecue Sauce"--to current New York State Commissioner of Agriculture Nathan Rudgers '82, the society members all share Bailey's love for Cornell and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Thanks to the committee whose efforts brought the Liberty Hyde Bailey Leadership Society to life: Charlene Baxter '74, Dave Tetor '65, Nate Herendeen '64, Geoff Yates '77, Peter Pamkowski '74, and Dick Church '64.

Team Spirit | The Cornell Football Association marks ten years with tennis, golf, and, of course, football

In honor of the tenth anniversary of the Cornell Football Association, established in 1994 by a small group of players and fans, all alumni are invited to join the CFA in two big events to be held in July and September. On July 31, the 48th annual Ben Mintz Golf and Tennis Outing will take place at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, with featured guests Jeremy Schaap '91, Ed Marinaro '72, Ken Blanchard '61, and Tony Kornheiser. Last year more than 300 former players and friends of Cornell football participated and raised nearly $110,000; all indications are that those numbers will be exceeded this year. On September 25, "Schoellkopf Sellout II" will be held during the home opener against Yale. The CFA is leading a promotion to attract 20,000 fans to Schoellkopf Field to cheer on new head coach Jim Knowles '87 and the Big Red.

For more information on both events, go to the CFA website, http://cfa.alumni.cornell.edu, or contact director of football operations Pete Noyes (ppn2@cornell.edu) or Bill Wilson '66 (wlwilson@expresshost.com). And see the advertisement for Schoellkopf Sellout II on page 19 of this issue of Cornell Alumni Magazine.

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