Widely known for facilitating the monthly communicators@cornell meetings (formerly, the Editors' Group), Kathleen E. Rourke, publications manager and editor for the Cornell Law School, will leave behind 70 carefully edited issues of the Cornell Law Forum, spanning nearly 25 years, when she retires June 26 through the Staff Retirement Incentive (SRI) program. She also leaves a revised Campus Code of Conduct for the university, accomplished while she served as chair of the University Assemblies' Codes and Judicial Committee, and the tagline for Pawprint, "by and for the Cornell Community." "I received free parking permits for coming up with that one," she says, reflecting on the tagline contest held years ago.

"It's been 24.8 years of incredible teamwork," Rourke notes. "I met a bunch of interesting people, made some very good friends, learned a lot and effected positive change where I could."

In addition to her myriad duties at the Law School, Rourke also serves as an advocate in Cornell's ombudsman's office, as a volunteer leader and disaster action team member for the Tompkins County Chapter of the American Red Cross (she responded to New York City after 9/11), and in various roles at St. James the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Trumansburg, including chair of the Parish Council.

What will she do in retirement? "I plan to continue with my community volunteer work as well as finish my certification in ministry. I am considering a second master's degree, this time in pastoral ministry from St. Bernard School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester. I'll also be available for some freelance editing work. But first I plan to work in my garden, take a cruise to Alaska and read all of the books I haven't had time for," Rourke says. Drawing a few metaphors from these activities, Rourke reflects, "To everything there is a season. After nearly a quarter of a century I believe my work at Cornell has reached a natural conclusion, and I am looking forward to the next chapter."