Nominations Sought for Vanneman Class Leader Award

One of Cornell's strengths is the commitment of its alumni, many of whom continue to serve the University for decades after graduation. These alumni include more than 1,600 class officers who organize reunions, create scholarship funds, plan regional activities, and otherwise keep classmates connected with each other and with Cornell.

In 2005, the Cornell Association of Class Officers (CACO) established the William "Bill" Vanneman '31 Outstanding Class Leader Award to recognize class leaders who have provided long-term exemplary service to the University and to their individual classes. The award, which is presented at CACO's annual meeting, is named in honor of Bill Vanneman '31, who has served his class tirelessly for more than seventy-five years and continues to volunteer today. Vanneman was the first recipient of the award. In 2006, it was presented to Jim Hanchett '53.

CACO is now seeking nominations for the 2007 Vanneman Award. Cornellians are invited to nominate past and present officers who have celebrated their 30th Reunion and have worked actively for a sustained period on behalf of their graduating class. Recipients are selected solely on the basis of their contributions as class leaders. For additional information and a nomination form, please visit www.alumni.cornell.edu/caco. To be considered for the 2007 award, nominations must be received by November 15.

Take this opportunity to recognize one of the many unsung heroes whose hard work on behalf of his or her class is a tribute to Cornell and an inspiration to fellow alumni.

Regional Solutions for Regional Challenges

Alumni leaders from metro New York join forces

By Scott Pesner '87

On June 3, thousands converged on Shea Stadium to catch a New York Mets doubleheader. An elite group of Cornellians made the trip for a more historic occasion: the first-ever Cornell Metro New York Leaders' Summit. Alumni leaders from around the region gathered in the stadium's Diamond Club before the game to discuss common concerns and ways in which the groups can work together.

More than two dozen officers attended, representing the Cornell clubs of Fairfield County, Monmouth and Ocean counties, Northern New Jersey, Long Island, and Rockland County; the Cornell alumni associations of Princeton and of Westchester County; and New York City's Cornell Club Alumni Association Board (CCAAB). Supported by a grant from the Cornell Alumni Federation, the Summit was conceived after evaluating feedback from the organizations' leaders.

The Summit talks revealed that the metro New York alumni organizations often face the same challenges as their counterparts nationwide, such as how to recruit more volunteers for the Cornell Alumni Admission Ambassadors Network and how to plan for events and for leadership succession.

The unique location also poses unique obstacles, such as how to attract younger alumni who gravitate to events and activities in New York City. However, metro New York also has its benefits: for one, the region's small size and dense population offer ample opportunity for collaboration among alumni organizations. "The gathering was helpful because one club in the area may be facing a problem that another has already resolved," said Leslie Nydick '85, CCAAB chair. "We also came up with next steps so we'll build on the summit's success."

Those steps may include organizing joint events, such as one linked to the Cornell-Columbia football game, and a reception in the fall to welcome Class of '06 members who have moved to the area. The Summit leaders agreed to keep the lines of communication open to better assist each other.

"I came away with new ideas for events, and thoughts on including Cornell parents as well as sponsoring events with neighboring alumni associations," said Laura Fratt '81, co-president of the Cornell Alumni Association of Westchester. "It was a great way to spend a day with a terrific group of dedicated Cornell volunteers and Cornell staff who are committed to keeping Cornellians connected even after graduation."

Scott Pesner '87 is Cornell Alumni Federation director from the Metro New York Region.