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Rest in Peace, Bill Vanneman '31

Cornell University has lost one of its most ardent and steadfast supporters. And all of us at Cornell Alumni Magazine have lost one of our best friends. Bill Vanneman ’31, who recently celebrated his 102nd birthday at a party in Boston, died in the early morning hours of April 26. His death came just a […]

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Cornell University has lost one of its most ardent and steadfast supporters. And all of us at Cornell Alumni Magazine have lost one of our best friends.

Bill Vanneman ’31, who recently celebrated his 102nd birthday at a party in Boston, died in the early morning hours of April 26. His death came just a few months before what would have been his 80th Reunion — which, of course, he was helping to organize and planned to attend. His legacy will live on in the lives of all the Cornellians he touched, and in the Bill Vanneman Outstanding Class Leader Award, presented by CACO each year. Bill himself was the first recipient of the award, in 2005.

Bill served for many years as class president and class correspondent, and he almost never missed a reunion. Late in his life, he was a member of the Continuous Reunion Club and came every year, raising the spirits of all who saw him on campus. Always humble, Bill would graciously deflect praise for his many achievements and simply express gratitude for all that Cornell had given to him.

Tributes have been pouring in, including articles in the Daily Sun and The Essentials, Cornell’s official blog. Also, a memorial page has been established where Bill’s many friends can share their memories.

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