With longtime friends and colleagues looking on, Cornell Vice President for Human Resources Mary Opperman received the Tompkins County Foundation Award for Excellence at a special ceremony May 19 at the Tompkins Trust Co.'s main office on the Ithaca Commons. Opperman, one of eight recipients of the award, was recognized for her significant contributions toward improving the quality of life for the Tompkins County community through her active and ongoing volunteerism.

"Mary Opperman is leading by her example of commitment to the larger Tompkins County community," said Cornell President David Skorton. "Volunteerism is a key element of the culture at Cornell because it builds a stronger community that benefits us all, and Mary Opperman sets a high bar for all of us to contribute to bettering the lives of our neighbors."

In her role at Cornell, Opperman encourages volunteerism at Cornell and sets an example by serving on the boards of numerous organizations, including Challenge Industries, Foodnet, the United Way and Workforce Investment.

Said Judy Hart, director of human resources for student and academic services, who nominated Opperman for the award: "I work with Mary, and I see the dedication that she brings to each of the agencies she supports, as well as her unflagging commitment to making the community a better place, especially for those with special needs or who are underserved by society. She openly promotes volunteerism at Cornell and has set an example through her own dedication that makes service to others a very real and important responsibility."

Noted Jean McPheeters, president of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce: "Mary and I served together on the Workforce Investment board, and Mary's intelligence and insight provided direction for the group. Her knowledge of workforce issues and her commitment to the people who do the work for all the businesses and organizations in our community are legendary. But, maybe more importantly, Mary is authentic, dry and wonderful. Just like a great wine."

Opperman has been involved in the United Way for years and has served as chair of the Cornell United Way Campaign. She is currently on the UW board in Tompkins County and has served as a member of the personnel and finance committee. "Mary is a dedicated, caring, hardworking volunteer who brings a range of ideas to community service," said James Brown, president of the United Way of Tompkins County. "Mary is willing to take on tough tasks for the organizations she serves and has provided leadership in terms of HR, information management and strategic direction. Mary allows me to be more effective by generously sharing her time and expertise."

Opperman is also a strong advocate for Foodnet Meals on Wheels, where she has served on the board for five years and been the chair for three. "She has such an affinity for people," said Stephen Griffin, executive director of Foodnet Meals on Wheels. He noted that Opperman advocated for Foodnet to become a United Way agency, a move that has helped with Foodnet's annual fundraising.

The Community Dispute Resolution Center Board of Directors, the TC3 Foundation and Challenge Industries have also benefited from Opperman's volunteer efforts. She served on the Challenge board for six years, including being board chair. Opperman was instrumental in the transition of the Cornell hydroponic greenhouse to Challenge, now a very successful social enterprise, selling produce under its Finger Lakes Fresh label. "Mary is approachable and straightforward," said Patrick J. McKee, president of Challenge Industries. "Mary's commitment to the community is outstanding."

Opperman is not one to draw attention to her accomplishments. "One of the things that convinced me to apply for this award for Mary is the knowledge that she would never consider herself as deserving accolades. I don't think that she sees what she does as extraordinary -- and I think that is, in itself, quite extraordinary," observed Hart.