Jason Koski/University Photography

Susan Murphy, ’73, Ph.D. ’94, vice president for Student and Academic Services, gives the keynote address at the Community Foundation of Tompkins County's annual meeting May 18 in Ithaca.

Susan Murphy, ’73, Ph.D. ’94, vice president for Student and Academic Services, was honored May 18 at the Community Foundation of Tompkins County's annual meeting with a mayoral proclamation declaring “Susan Murphy Day” in the City of Ithaca.

Murphy was the keynote speaker at a well-attended session held at Loaves and Fishes, and addressed the audience on “Creating Community Connections.”

The surprise proclamation – signed by Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick ‘09 – was presented by Ithaca Common Council members Ellen McCollister and Deb Mohlenhoff.

It acknowledged Murphy’s pending retirement after more than 20 years of leadership as a Cornell vice president and 16 years previously in Cornell admissions and financial aid, including nine years as dean of admissions and financial aid.

The proclamation read in part, “Despite her significant campus workload, Dr. Murphy has remained a steady, and engaged community member, volunteer and good citizen, with service and leadership positions on several nonprofit boards over many years, including United Way of Tompkins County, and, at present, the Community Foundation of Tompkins County. Dr. Murphy has remained accessible, effective, progressive and helpful on countless campus-community challenges and opportunities, through good days and less-good days, and sometimes nights.”

"Now, therefore, I, Svante Myrick, Mayor of the City of Ithaca, New York, do hereby declare May 18, 2015, as Susan Murphy Day in the City of Ithaca.”

Gary Stewart is director of Cornell Community Relations.