SAVE THE DATE: 65th REUNION—JUNE 10–13, 2027!
Our Reunion Committee (who be Frank Quirk and Nancy Williams Clark) are hard at work on that milestone event coming up next June. Granted we are a bit older and maybe even a bit creakier, but that isn’t stopping this pair from planning appropriate fun events and fabulous food. You should have received a notice as to room reservations by now. Our Class will be headquartered at The Statler Hotel (800 541 2501) where we will get a special room rate. Room reservations are limited at the Statler so best to act quickly. If rooms run out, or you prefer a different option, Best Western University Inn (607 272 6100) is a five-minute shuttle ride from campus. Let them know that you are a member of our reunion class. Let me know if you have any problems getting a room reservation.
Ron Demer’59 sent word of Michael (Mickey) Albert (New York, NY), his Harvard Business School classmate (MBA 1964), who writes the alum column for the HBS Bulletin. In his September 2026 column, Mickey included details of a trip he took to Australian and New Zealand during the month of Jan. 2026. “I traveled to Australia and New Zealand. The purpose was to spend New Year’s Eve in Sydney, spend some time in Australia, and then visit my nephew and family in New Zealand. I did see the fireworks in Sydney on New Year’s Eve. It was quite spectacular over the Sydney Opera House and harbour. Unfortunately, I had a heart attack in Australia and was in a hospital for just over a week. I got very good care and connected the cardiologist in Australia with my doctor in New York. After my hospital stay, my trip continued. My nephew and family live in the South Island of New Zealand and we had a wonderful time visiting. The South Island is beautiful with fjords and mountains and reminded me a little of the Alps in France and Switzerland and fjords in Norway and Sweden. We ended out trip in Auckland and spent time exploring the city and its beautiful surroundings. Although it is very far away, it was worth the trip.”
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A recent poem from Linda J. Himot (Talahassee, FL):
Botany 101
Larger than my high school auditorium
the lecture hall quickly fills.
Excited yet nervous I arrive early,
before the 8 AM class start time, my first.
Pencils sharp, notebook open and ready
I sit, just right of center, third row.
Ahead, clean blackboard and long lab table,
a red geranium in a clay pot, center table.
I miss the lecturer’s entry, only alerted
by the rustle as my classmates straighten.
He slowly lifts the geranium pot high in the air.
“What do you see? What do you know about this?”
With a rapid swing he smashes the pot on the table.
Shards and dirt fly in all directions.
He is left holding naked plant, roots dangling.
“This is Botany 101, and I am Harlan P. Banks.”
“You are here to learn what is beneath the surface,
invisible to the eye and mind and make it yours.”
Thus begins my career at Cornell, September 1958.
My mantra for life, the search for hidden truths.
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Last October, Don Juran (Rockville, MD) and his wife Carol attended the CU vs Georgetown footfall game. “For the most part it was an enjoyable experience. The Cornell Club of Washington put on a pre-game tailgate for all alumni, parents and friends, and the food was hearty and tasty. We had great seats in the front row on the 25-yard-line, about 5 meters above field level. The Big Red were [note Sunstyle plural] dominant, especially in the second half, winning 35-14. So why the qualification? After a late touchdown, I stood up to lead the red-clad fans in “Davy.” After two bars, nothing but mute voices and blank looks. I didn’t bother trying to lead the Alma Mater after the game. As a former Big Red Band member, I’m sorry to see these musical traditions vanish.”
As a gift to the University Archives and in honor of their 60th Reunion, the Class of 1966, created Straight Talk, a magnificent scrapbook/compilation of everything Willard Straight Hall-related. Laced throughout are reflections of alumni from the ‘60s including Alan Flaherty, Don Juran, Cathy Van Buren, Randy Little, Mickey Miller, Stephen Schmal, Peter Slater, and Neil Schilke. It’s available online. Straight Talk is a spectacular piece of work!! Take a look.
Want a better understanding of the turmoil going on at Cornell these days? Sign-up for the Cornell Daily Sun Newsletter. It’s free.
Have some spare time? Join the Big Red Reads Book Club, a free virtual community, hosted by CU alumni, that connects fellow alumni, faculty, and staff to read and discuss a new book every other month. Participation is free.
SAVE THE DATE: 65th REUNION—JUNE 10–13, 2027!
Take a moment, please, to send along news and updates of what’s happening with you and your family and friends. Send your entries to: ❖ Judy Prenske Rich