First town-gown awards highlight community partnerships

town-gown awards ceremony
Meg Cole/United Way
President David Skorton recognizes local leaders at a town-gown awards ceremony, Dec. 3.

The inaugural Cornell University Town-Gown (Togo) Awards and Recognition Ceremony Dec. 3 paid tribute to elected and appointed community leaders, including Ithaca City School District Superintendent Luvelle Brown, and celebrated the work of five town-gown collaborations.

The public event at the Vet College's James Law Auditorium was hosted by Cornell's Office of Community Relations with support from community and campus partners.

Introduced by incoming Mayor Svante Myrick, Cornell President David Skorton spoke on "The Importance of Town-Gown Relations" and presented Brown with a special Togo Award, praising him for his collaborative town-gown spirit during his first year on the job.

Skorton also recognized Richard Kiely of Cornell's new Center for Community Engaged Learning and Research, and outgoing Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson for her leadership, most notably on the environmental front, during her eight years in office.

He also acknowledged the work of Peterson, Tompkins County Area Development's Michael Stamm and Tompkins County Legislature Chairwoman Martha Robertson for their work on the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council.

In addition, the following town-gown collaborations were recognized by various members of the Cornell community:

A Togo Award was also presented to Jim Johnston of Family and Children's Services for nearly 40 years of service as that agency's chief executive officer.

 

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Joe Schwartz