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OUR LOCAL PAPER IN NEW JERsey,
the Morristown Daily Record, is
a Gannett newspaper, a parentage
it shares with the Ithaca Journal. That may
be why the Sunday, January 22, edition
included a prominent photo of "the incoming
president of Cornell University talking
with his predecessors."However, I'd prefer
to believe that the photo was published
more in recognition of the significance of
the occasion than because of a family connection
between the newspapers.
 The cover story in this issue is an
interview that CAM editor and publisher
Jim Roberts '71 conducted with President-
Elect David Skorton. Several things
stood out for me: President Emeritus
Frank Rhodes's comment that this marks
"a new day for Cornell"; Skorton's openness;
his willingness to continue some of
the significant parts of Jeff Lehman's
legacy, while making it clear that he's
going to "go forward" and not dwell on
whatever factors led to Lehman's resignation; and the breadth of
Skorton's interests, including research and teaching, and ranging
from cardiology to jazz, from engineering to the arts. (As an engineering
graduate myself, perhaps I can be forgiven for hoping that
having an engineering professor who's also an avid musician and
haiku author will have beneficial effects on the image of engineers
in general.)
Given the volume of information that's been published in the
last few weeks about David Skorton and his wife, Robin Davisson,
it's not clear that I can contribute anything new. The Cornell
Chronicle, the Cornell Daily Sun, the Ithaca Journal, and the University's
website would seem to have said just about everything
there is to be said. Yet one thought persists that I would direct
specifically to the audience of this magazine: As alumni, many of
us were ecstatic to have one of our own named as Cornell's
eleventh president, and many of us were equally disturbed by his
resignation. Neither those extremes of enthusiasm nor those
depths of frustration (and even anger in some corners) were
probably appropriate, and we should be willing to
leave them--especially any bitterness--behind as we
welcome David Skorton into the Cornell family.
As is often the case, Frank Rhodes has it right:
this is a time for new beginnings. In everything I've
read, I've been impressed by Skorton's candor and thoughtfulness,
not to mention his reputation and experience.
No, he's not an alumnus of Cornell, but he has many connections
to the University.We as alumni should put aside any lingering
resentment about what may have led to Jeff Lehman's departure
and, while we may not display quite the same level of exuberance
as we did for Jeff 's arrival, neither should we let the past color
our
perceptions or the warmth of the welcome we extend to David
and Robin. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to personally
invite them to participate in the breadth and depth of activities
that characterize Cornell alumni.
We still have nearly a decade to go before Cornell celebrates
its sesquicentennial. At the end of Jim's interview, President-Elect
Skorton directly addresses us, as alumni, and at one point prefaces
his thoughts by saying "ten years from now, if I'm still honored
enough to be the president."Here's one alumnus who's
wishing
him well--a long term in office would be an effective way to
counter the perception of a loss of stability engendered by recent
events, and his stated intent to hold open discussions with faculty,
staff, students, and the Ithaca community should
build the foundation for a celebration appropriate to
that important anniversary. So welcome, David and
Robin--may Cornell become your long-term home.
-- Rolf Frantz '66, ME '67
President, Cornell Alumni Federation |
