ITHACA, N.Y. -- By Cornelliana Night on June 11, the traditional final event of Reunion Weekend at Cornell, most alumni had heard the news of President Jeffrey Lehman's resignation during his State of the University address earlier that day.

They were a little dazed, and more than a little sad. "In a weekend of nostalgia, it's a dose of reality," said Ira Winsten '80. "To see him out after two years, it's a surprise."

But they didn't come to Reunion Weekend to dwell in sadness. They came to bond with former classmates, to sing "Give My Regards to Davy," laugh at skits and get a little teary-eyed at the alma mater.

And they did.

The event filled Newman Arena in Bartels Hall. Slightly abbreviated due to the heat, the festivities featured performances by the Alumni Glee Club and Chorus and members of one of the earliest ensembles of the a cappella group Cayuga's Waiters. Roger Abell, Class of 1930, got a standing ovation for his single in that day's alumni baseball game.

Lehman and president emeritus Hunter Rawlings III (who will take over as interim president when Lehman steps down at the end of June) were both on hand for the event. Both stayed behind afterward to talk with alumni and their families.

Lisa Lindgren '80 said while she was disappointed at the news, she didn't mind Lehman's choice of Reunion Weekend for making the announcement. "It's as good a time as any," she said. "I think it was a kind of homage, to do it in front of the alums. I'm happy he announced it this weekend, instead of [us] hearing about it Monday. Why hide it?"

Kirsti Wastrom '80 said she appreciated Lehman's leadership. "He had such a great background," Wastrom said. "He's a young Cornell graduate, he knows how the place works. That's why he's so valuable."

Bob Rossi '80 agreed. "It's sad," he said. "He's a nice man. He seemed perfect. I wish they could have made it work."

Some alumni, such as Winsten and classmate Jeff Pargament '80 wondered if the resignation might have larger implications. "These are tough institutions to run," said Winsten. "I hope it's not indicative of a larger issue."

"I think a greater explanation is warranted," Pargament said. "I hope the problem is resolved. But what it was, is what I would like to know."

But questions aside, the prevailing mood was optimistic. "We'll push ahead," said Rawlings. If Lehman's resignation made an impact in alumni donations, it wasn't apparent. Ten classes beat their previous donation totals, it was announced, and the Classes of 1950, 1955 and 1975 set reunion records. In all, Reunion Weekend brought in $83,495,366.

Karen Weinreich '89, director of alumni affairs and development for the Southeast Regional Office, summed up the mood of the evening in two words: 

"Onward, ho!" she said.