View of the physical awards given to recipients of the Frank H.T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Award. Photo: University Photography file photo.
Seven more Cornellians honored in alumni service award program's 20th year
Not one of the seven Cornellians honored this year with the Frank H.T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Award set out to win anything; they simply wanted to serve.
"Each person, in his or her own way, has given selflessly to Cornell," says Kelly Brown '88, MBA '92, president of the Cornell Alumni Association. "The motivating factor was to make a positive impact, a meaningful difference for the university."
This year marks the 20th anniversary of this awards program; since the award was established in 1995 by the alumni association, 142 alumni have been recognized for extraordinary service to the university through long-term volunteer activities within the wide range of opportunities offered at Cornell.
"The university has an enormous secret weapon in its volunteers," said President Emeritus Frank Rhodes in 2013, who served as Cornell's president from 1977 to 1995 and for whom the award is named. "It's the life blood of the place."
A passion for service to the university and to others, says Brown, is part of Cornell's land-grant heritage.
"Cornellians are remarkable individuals who want to learn not only for the betterment of themselves, but also for the betterment of society," she says.
Elaine Mead Alexander and John Edward Alexander
This year's recipients are:
Elaine Mead Alexander '77 and John Edward Alexander '74, MBA '76, have given time, energy, ideas and resources to Cornell for more than three decades: Elaine as a past member of the Cornell University Council and Major Gifts Committee, and John as a presidential councillor, member of the board of trustees, and president of the Class of 1974 Class Council. Currently, John is a member of the Cornell University Council, the Johnson Major Gifts Committee and several councils and committees in various areas of the university. Together, the couple served as national co-chairs of the Tower Club and the President's Circle.
John Dyson
John Dyson '65, presidential councillor and trustee emeritus who served on many committees during his active tenure on the board, currently serves on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Advisory Council, which he chaired from 2005 to 2008. He is also a Fraternity and Sorority Advisory Council member.
Charles F. "Chuck" Feeney
Charles F. "Chuck" Feeney '56 is a life member of the Cornell University Council, a presidential councillor and emeritus member of the School of Hotel Administration Dean's Advisory Board, as well as a recipient of the school's Icon of the Industry Award. As the founder and benefactor of The Atlantic Philanthropies, a foundation that has provided billions to support people and causes around the globe, he has provided sustained and wise counsel to several Cornell presidents, beginning with Rhodes, transforming Cornell through his vision and leadership.
James C. Hanchett
James C. Hanchett '53 is president of the Class of 1953, as well as the class correspondent. He also is a member of the Cornell University Council and has served two previous terms. An active member of the Class of 1953 and dedicated booster, he has also served the Student and Academic Services Advisory Council and the Cornell Football Association, attending nearly every Cornell football game since 1949.
Kent G. Sheng
Kent G. Sheng '78 serves on the Class of 1978 Class Council and chairs the SAS Major Gifts Committee. A member of the Cornell University Council, he co-founded, in 1990, the Cornell Asian Alumni Association, which he continues to actively support. Kent served as a member of the SAS Advisory Council and has been a key supporter of the Cornell Asian and Asian-American Center in addition to numerous other projects and programs at the university.
Ginger K. So
Ginger K. So '79, a dedicated volunteer on behalf of universitywide and diversity affairs, was the first minority chair of the Cornell University Council, of which she is a life member. She also serves on the Class of 1979 Class Council and is vice-chair of the Cornell MOSAIC Executive Committee. She is a Regional Campaign Committee member and an SAS Advisory Council member, and has been active with many Cornell Alumni Association and Cornell Annual Fund activities.
The awards will be presented at a ceremony and dinner Oct. 18.