Red Tailed Hawks, CU Pres in NY Times, CU Fashion Show

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It’s Spring Break on campus and while the weather would suggest otherwise, there are some sure signs that Spring is here—take a look at our campus Red Tailed Hawks, Big Red and Arthur, incubating 3 new eggs.

This is also the season of increasing scrutiny of universities across the country. Four of our Ivy peers—Penn, Princeton, Columbia and Harvard—have been threatened with losing significant federal dollars and no one would be surprised if Cornell is added to that list. In the face of all this, our newly announced 15th president (see note below), Mike Kotlikoff, penned a recent New York Times op-ed titled “Universities Like the One I Run Aren’t Afraid to Let People Argue”, reflecting Cornell’s founding values.

And on a related note, the University has just adopted a revised university-wide Expressive Activity Policy. Here is an excerpt of the announcement:

“Since Cornell’s founding, free and open inquiry and expression have underpinned our mission, and these ideals continue to guide us as we work to foster an environment where a diversity of ideas is welcomed and valued. At the same time, we recognize the need for expressive activities to adhere to time, place, and manner regulations that limit disruption to our community. We must also uphold our legal obligations to provide campuses free from harassment and discrimination. By balancing these principles in this new policy, we aim to support the rights of all Cornellians to exercise their freedom of expression while ensuring the safety and well-being of all faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors.”

Here’s to Spring,

Bill Walker Clears Up Membership Questions

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Happy Spring (though for some the temperature may not quite feel like it yet!!).

For those who are not in the warmer climes, I hope that you successfully weathered the severe chills. Although with all of the snow and cold weather in the southern states recently, it is not quite clear where those warmer climes might be!!

As promised in my last message, I am providing some additional clarity regarding class membership to ensure that everyone is at the same level of understanding.

Am I a class member? I entered Cornell University as a freshman in the fall of 1970, so I am a class member, right? Yes, that qualifies you as a member of the Class of 1974. The same for some transfer students.

So, what is the purpose of membership dues? Membership dues underwrite the costs associated with activities that our class sponsors (or co-sponsors), communications that we send to you, the maintenance of our class website and some other class expenses, but not the Ithaca reunions that occur on every 5-year anniversary of our graduation. These reunions are planned and budgeted to be self-funding (i.e., the registration fees cover all of the associated costs that are incurred including any meals that are included in the registration packages). Our class did, however, subsidize the cost of the 50th Reunion to help minimize any cost inflation.

A number of you have raised questions or indicated issues with auto-renewal. I am working with Alumni Affairs and Development to address and correct those issues, and to minimize problems going forward. I will keep you apprised of any progress in that area.

So, with that cleared up, we need as many class members as possible to pay their class dues so that we can continue to expand the activities that we offer. The membership year runs concurrent with the University’s fiscal year, July 1 through June 30. If you are ready to renew for the 2025-26 membership year, you may do so at this link as we already have some activities planned and more in the works, including some that stem from your suggestions and feedback.

We will be distributing a class survey, currently planned for April, to hear more of your ideas.

Who am I? Some have inquired, so a little about me: As most of you did, I entered Cornell as a freshman in the fall of 1970, which according to the September 9, 1970 edition of the Cornell Daily Sun comprised 2650 members (1850 men and 800 women). I was one of the 250 Black students who were a part of the class, the highest number ever at that time and for decades thereafter. I completed my degree requirements (AB, Mathematics) in the College of Arts and Sciences in August of 1974. During my freshman year I lived in University Halls #4, and for the remaining years on North Campus – in Clara Dickson for sophomore year, and in Ujamaa Residential College for my junior and senior years.  See my Memory Book page for more information.

Thank you to all of those who have provided feedback to us. For those who are waiting for the right time to offer suggestions, the time is now, so to all –- Keep the feedback coming. In that vein, you can provide some suggestions on desired activities to us here.

Supporting Class of ’74 Scholarships on Giving Day

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By now, I am sure you know that today is Cornell’s Giving Day.  You have likely received a number of emails from different Cornell causes that you care about.  As a proud member of the Class of 1974, you may know that our class supports not just one, but two scholarships—our Class Scholarship and the Christopher Reeve Scholarship.

The Class of 1974 Scholarship was started in 1999 by classmates Bob and Joan Saltsman Oelschlager in celebration of our 25th Reunion.  The fund has grown over the years through gifts from hundreds of classmates.  The student recipients, selected by Cornell, receive this scholarship throughout their undergraduate years.  Our class has supported seven students since 1999.  Our current Class of 1974 Scholar is Summer Parker-Hall ’25.  Summer, who grew up in Chicago, is a senior and a starting forward on the Cornell women’s basketball team.

Some  classmates have gotten to know Summer by attending her games.  She was one of our fabulous Reunion clerks for our 50th.  She is a Communication major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and her dream is to work in sports marketing and business operations.  Her Cornell experiences, both academic and athletic, have set her up for success and she is very grateful to the Class of ’74.  Look out world—here comes Summer!  Check out some recent press about Summer and a fun mic’d up training session (if you get a sign up/log in message ignore it)–she’s fun and a leader!  She’s pictured here with classmates John Foote, Kristen Rupert and Bill Walker after the recent game at Harvard.

The Christopher Reeve Scholarship goes to a Theatre Arts student, in memory of our classmate Chris Reeve.  Begun in 2006 by several classmates, the Christopher Reeve Scholarship has played a big part in the lives of more than a dozen extraordinary and talented students.  Classmate Mary Berens recently caught up with our current Reeve Scholar Ashley Alexander ’25.  Ashley, also a senior, is from New York and is a double major in Government and Performance and Media Arts.  Her entire family is proudly planning to attend her graduation.  She is the first in her family to graduate from college and the first from her charter school in Queens to graduate from an Ivy.  Ashley would love to stay in Ithaca and work in theater after graduation.  She, too, is thankful for her scholarship.  Here is a recent photo of Mary and Ashley.

You can read more about all our past ’74 and Reeve Scholars on our Give Back page on the class website.

On this Cornell Giving Day, I hope that you will consider a donation to one or both of these class supported scholarships or to any Cornell cause that grabs your heart.  Below are quick links to help you:

The Class of 1974 Scholarship

The Christopher Reeve Scholarship

Cornell Giving Day

Thanks you for doing your greatest good and please be well!

Cornell Budgets, Look Back Link, Archives

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I was in Philadelphia last weekend for the annual Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference (C ALC), attended by several hundred Cornellians, and held in conjunction with the President’s Council of Cornell Women (PCCW) Symposium.  Former Class President Dale Lazar and I (pictured here) were particularly impressed with the talks by President Kotlikoff and Provost Kavita Bala.  We are in excellent hands with these leaders.

The President and Provost sent an email this week to all faculty, staff and administrators cautioning that Cornell is “entering a time of significant financial uncertainty.  The potential for deep cuts in federal research funding, as well as tax legislation affecting our endowment income, has been added to existing concerns.”  To ensure that the university adheres to a balanced budget, all units, colleges, schools and departments have been asked to trim budgets where possible.  In response to recently-announced reductions in NIH funding, the university is meeting with faculty and researchers with significant NIH portfolios in order to develop an appropriate response.  Cornell states “We will respond to federal developments with decisions aligned with our academic commitment and institutional values.”

On a brighter note, Cornell unofficial historian Corey Earle recently reprised his “Look Back at the Class of 1974” webinar which was first presented at our 50th Reunion.  You can watch the recording of the February webinar here.

 Speaking of our time at Cornell, if you have historical material from your Cornell days, don’t get rid of it!  Corey suggests donating it to the Cornell Archives, which are overseen by Corey’s brother Evan Earle ’02, MS ‘14 (efe4@cornell.edu).

Finally, don’t forget that Cornell Giving Day is Thursday, March 13.  Please consider donating to our class-sponsored scholarships–the Class of 1974 Scholarship and the Christopher Reeve Scholarship–or any cause that resonates with you.  (Learn more about our two class scholarships, current and former scholars and ways to give on the Give Back page on our Class website.)

And stay tuned for a Class of 1974 RED Talk webinar by Frog’s Leap founder John Williams ’74 in April.

Warm Memories of Cold Times, RED Talk Redux Reminder, CAU Summer

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It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating our 50th Reunion in the warmth of our campus and our friendships.

And now it’s February!  And I never care what that Groundhog says, it is the longest, shortest month of the year.  Living on or near the Equator for a few decades, I am not a fan of cold, snow or ice.  But then I saw this wonderful article and it brought back warm memories of cold times at Cornell.  Dashing Through the Snow, in Vintage Style shows the fun, the beauty and the challenges we all remember from our snowy years on the Hill.  This is the just the latest showcase in Glorious to View, a montage of vintage Cornell photos.  Take a look at all of them and those memories will warm you up.

Another way to warm up in this cold February is to join classmates for a webinar on Wednesday, February 12 at 8 pm ET.  Corey Earle ’07 will give an encore presentation of his “Look Back” talk that kicked off our RED Talks during our 50th Reunion.  These talks were such a big hit that we will be bringing more to you over the coming months and years.  Register here for “Look Back”.  And check our Class website for more RED Talks information.

Need another break from winter?  This July, escape the ordinary through CAU Summer.  Cornell Adult University (CAU) invites you for the summer. “Let your story unfold amid the vibrant energy of Cornell’s campus.  Each course is a chapter, each experience a discovery.  With no exams or deadlines, CAU is learning for the joy of it–because your story should be as expansive as your curiosity.”   Just click here to start your summer adventure.

Hope your new year, both calendar and lunar, is off to a good start and will be happy and healthy.  And hope to see you at the webinar.

Keep warm and be well!

Class of ’74 “Look Back” Webinar by Corey Earle Feb 12 at 8pm ET

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The [Notable] Class of 1974 is off to a great start in 2025!

One of our 50th Reunion highlights was the talk by Corey Earle ‘07, Cornell’s unofficial historian, about Cornell during our time on the Hill.  Corey covered Vietnam, protests, the draft lottery, streaking, Ed Marinaro, Walter LaFeber, Jennie Farley and more. His slides included ads for the North Forty and Triangle Book Shop, posters for campus concerts by Aretha Franklin, Sha Na Na, Jethro Tull & others, Sun articles, and photos. Corey is presenting a free webinar for our class on Wednesday, February 12th at 8:00pm EST.  He will reprise his 50th Reunion presentation and include some new topics.  Click here to register. If you have questions or suggestions for Corey, send those to John Foote ‘74.

ICYMI, as of January 1st, the new Cornell provost is Dr. Kavita Bala, previously the inaugural dean of the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, where she was also the lead dean of the Cornell AI Initiative. You can read more about her impressive background here.

When you were very young, you may recall watching the “Adventures of Superman” TV show which ran from 1952-58 in B/W and later in color. (“Look! Up in the sky!  It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!”) But I always thought it interesting that when the character wasn’t a superhero, he was a newspaper reporter who “fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way!” As you know, one of our classmates got to play this part in the movie version.  Now the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which captures the superhero and the man, has its television premiere on CNN Sunday, February 2.

Finally, as the new year begins, we’d like to hear from you about what our Notable Class of 1974 might do for you in terms of programs, offerings, services etc.  We’ll be sending out a survey this spring, but in the meantime, all ideas are welcomed and encouraged.

A New Class of ’74 Voice–Meet Bill Walker

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Happy New Year!

For those who were able to attend, I hope that you enjoyed (and still vividly remember) our 50th Reunion in Ithaca with all of the attendant activities.  Events such as the RED Talks and opportunities to connect or reconnect with classmates including John Williams, founder, owner and winemaker of Frog’s Leap Winery (hopefully you also tasted some of his wines that were being poured) and other myriad choices for involvement kept us entertained all weekend.

In the event that you are wondering, yes, this is a new “voice” that you have not previously heard from on this channel.  You also may not have heard that I have accepted the request to fill the VP of Membership role, responsible for leading the membership related activities for our class.  Just like Costco has done with the price of their hot dogs, we continue to hold the annual membership dues at the same level year after year – $30 for an individual and $35 for a couple (both in the Class of ’74). More on that in another message.

Here is a list of current class dues payers.   If your name is not on the list but you think that it should be, please reply to this message and let us know and we will check the records.  And if you want to pay your dues for this year (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025) right now while you are thinking about it,  just click here.

In past years we have sponsored or co-sponsored many events for Class of ’74 members and are now in the process of developing plans for more activities involving our class including some that will encompass some of the surrounding classes (’72, ’73, ’75, etc.).  You should soon be receiving a survey that is being sent to all of our class members.  We hope that you will respond so that you can let us know what types of activities that you would like to see going forward as this will assist us in the planning process.

If you did not receive this message directly, it is likely that we do not have your current contact information.  Please send a message to me that  includes your name, preferred email address and contact information so that we can update the records.

We endeavor to keep the lines of communication open so we hope that you will stay in touch – and be on the lookout for the upcoming survey.

Happy Holidays–Looking Back on our 50th and Forward to Many More!

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It’s December, when we traditionally look back at all that we did this year.  And it was a seminal one for the Notable Class of ’74, as we celebrated our 50th Reunion with a record turnout in June.  We’re told that many Cornell classes tend to slow down after their 50th, but, as you surely know, that will NOT be true for us.  We are already looking ahead to our 55th in 2029, and our 75th in 2049. (I was honored to be my mother’s “plus one” at her Cornell 75th in 2010.)

But before we close out this year, let us mention that Classmate Bruce Mainzer was excited to attend the recent Cornell women’s basketball game versus Northwestern in Bruce’s hometown of Chicago.  Our Class of ’74 Scholar Summer Parker-Hall (who is from Chicago) scored her first double-double of the season (16 points & 14 rebounds).  Bruce says, “So proud of my Highland Park, IL neighbor—Cornell played tough getting within 3 in the final minutes of the game before Northwestern pulled away.”  Read about Summer’s exciting play in her hometown here.

 

And earlier this fall, a group of Class of ‘74 leaders participated in Cornell’s annual Trustee-Council weekend on campus.  Pictured, left to right: Jim Irish, Dale Lazar, Andrea Glanz, Jaclyn Spear, Mary Berens, Tom Piwinski, Kristen Rupert & John Foote.

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays!

Meet our New Christopher Reeve Scholar–Ashley Alexander

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In early November I enjoyed the best Cornell Performing Arts experience of my life: the premiere of Orlando’s Gift, written and directed by Cornell professor, David Feldshuh.  It’s an amazing script and was brilliantly acted.  The choreography, set and costumes added a great deal to the story.  I owe this memorable experience to our current Christopher Reeve ’74 scholar*, Ashley Alexander ’25, whom I recently met at a reception hosted by classmates John Foote and Kristen Rupert.  Wow!  You’ll read in her bio that Ashley is entrenched in theatre activities at Cornell.

 

My name is Ashley Alexander. I am a senior at Cornell University double majoring in Government and Performing Arts. I bring both talent and dedication to my studies and extracurriculars in the College of Arts and Sciences. I was born and raised in New York City. My parents were both born in Guyana, making me a proud first-generation college student. At Cornell, I have contributed to both on-stage and backstage roles in productions such as “Desdemona”, “Family Copali”, and “Orlando’s Gift”. Known for my kindness and hard work, I am a familiar face at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, where I not only take my classes but also hold a student job and spend countless hours in rehearsals.

My ambitions post-graduation include securing an internship at a production company, television studio, or courthouse while continuing to audition for film and theater roles. My ultimate dream would be to one day perform on Broadway or star in a major television show. In my day to day life as a student at Cornell, I find moments of joy by shopping at the Cornell Store and studying with my peers at Olin Library.

 

*The Christopher Reeve ’74 scholarship was started in 2005 by several of our classmates working with the College of Arts and Sciences.  Recently, the newly appointed Dean of the College, Peter John Loewen, told a group of visiting alumni that support for College scholarships is a top priority; my ears immediately perked up, knowing that some of our classmates continue to support this scholarship in memory of Chris.  If you would like to contribute to this scholarship click here.

Class Scholar Summer Parker-Hall ’25 Leads CU Women’s Basketball as they Open the Season

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This coming Monday the Big Red Women’s Basketball team tips off its 2024-25 season.  While you might not think this is a big deal, it is!  The team is led by our Class of 74 Scholar*, Summer Parker-Hall, who is a senior and plays forward.  Summer hails from Chicago and is studying communication in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.I

n a recent note Summer said,

For my senior year, my academic hopes are to take fun classes that interest me, as I’ve completed all my requirements, and to finish academically on a great note. As I prepare for life after graduation, my dream is to work with a WNBA team in areas like marketing, business operations, or analytics.

 On the basketball court, I’m recovering from a shoulder injury after tearing my labrum last season. I’ve spent the off-season in physical therapy, and now I’m excited to be healthy and play under our new coaching staff for my final season at Cornell.

It’s bittersweet that this is my last year, but I’m staying in the present, savoring every moment at Cornell and how beautiful Ithaca is. I feel incredibly blessed to be here, and I wouldn’t change a thing if I had the chance to do it all over again. Looking forward to seeing you at some games.    

 Go Big Red, 

Summer 

For those of us who had the opportunity to meet Summer at Reunion (she was one of our fabulous student clerks),  Summer epitomizes the best of Cornell—smart, committed, and fun.  Try to catch a game or two.  (Cornell Women’s Basketball Schedule)

Go Big Red!

* Our Cornell Class of 1974 Scholarship was started by Bob and Joan Saltsman Oelschlager in honor of our 25th Reunion.  Through donations by many classmates since, this scholarship has helped seven undergrads through their Cornell journey and they have all made us very proud.  In honor of our 50th Reunion, our class gifted this scholarship $10,000.  If you would like to contribute to this wonderful scholarship here is the link.  Summer is pictured here with classmates John Foote and Kristen Rupert.