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Long Live the Kings

Story on campus custodians strikes a chord Story on campus custodians strikes a chord Thank you and congratulations on the decision to place one of our "Philosopher Kings" on the cover of Cornell Alumni Magazine (November/December 2009). Beth Saulnier's article is well written and powerful. At a time when we are expecting more and more […]

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Story on campus custodians strikes a chord

Story on campus custodians strikes a chord

Thank you and congratulations on the decision to place one of our "Philosopher Kings" on the cover of Cornell Alumni Magazine (November/December 2009). Beth Saulnier's article is well written and powerful.

At a time when we are expecting more and more from fewer staff, it is important to remind our alumni and friends that it is, indeed, the staff who keep Cornell running, day in and day out, week in and week out. In the everyday world of budgets and cutbacks, sometimes it feels as if there isn't enough to celebrate here on the Hill, and when I got home last night and saw Jim Evener on the cover of the magazine, I have to admit that I sat down and cried. It was just so wonderful to see the true value that our staff bring to this community, in their experiences and maturity, in their talents and their commitment, all embodied in the calm assurance of Jim's picture.

I hope you hear from many grateful staff who appreciate your noticing them and highlighting the wisdom they bring to this campus. They are wise because of who they are, and we are lucky that they choose to bring who they are to what they do here at Cornell.

Mary George Opperman
Vice President for Human Resources
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

I was deeply moved as I read Beth Saulnier's beautifully composed masterpiece about the "Philosopher Kings" experience, and about the work that our custodial staff performs on this campus every day. This article is one of the most important pieces ever published in describing and supporting the mission of our custodial staff and the important work they perform for Cornell.

We are making copies to distribute to our staff across campus, and a few of them have already called to say how thrilled they were with the article. Thank you from all of us for this magnificent article, and for the kindness you have shown to your custodial service colleagues at Cornell.

Rob Osborn Director,
Department of Building Care
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

Strong Argument

As an alumna and the parent of a Cornell student, I am deeply concerned about the prospect of natural gas drilling looming over the Cornell community and the Ithaca area. Natural gas drilling via hydraulic fracturing promises to be a nightmare, should what is happening and has happened in other states—including Pennsylvania, Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas—happen here.

I am most disturbed by the "wait and see" attitude that Cornell seems to be taking on this issue. Studies should be done before the start of drilling, not afterwards. There are many questions about, and health issues that arise from, this technology, including contaminated water and air and noise pollution. Our beautiful Cornell campus and peaceful Ithaca will be transformed by this, yet President Skorton and the Board of Trustees are not stepping forward to call for an extension on the comment period of the draft SGEIS, to ask that the DEC place a moratorium on all gas permits, and to make it clear to the gas companies as well as the Cornell community that Cornell will not lease any university lands until proper environmental impact studies can be completed.

This issue presents a definite health risk to Cornell's students, faculty, and staff, and to the other residents of Tompkins County. Cornell, with its considerable influence, cannot afford to sit back and wait for the DEC and the governor to make a decision on drilling, or worse, profit from the leasing of its land at the expense of the safety of our sons and daughters.

Michelle Bamberger, DVM '85
Ithaca, New York

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