Robert Barker/University Photography

John Rhee '12 thanks staff members for their impact on student lives.

Robert Barker/University Photography

Staff member Leslee Kane, left, was nominated by Jen Davis '12, right.

Cornell students made history April 26 -- this time not because of their academic or athletic achievements, but by holding the first student-nominated staff recognition dinner to recognize the impact that staff members have had on their lives. The dinner was held in the atrium of the Physical Sciences Building under a banner that read, "You make a WORLD of a difference."

Cornell students made history April 26 -- this time not because of their academic or athletic achievements, but by holding the first student-nominated staff recognition dinner to recognize the impact that staff members have had on their lives. The dinner was held in the atrium of the Physical Sciences Building under a banner that read, "You make a WORLD of a difference."

The brainchild of a group of seniors led by John Rhee '12 and Amanda Mazzotta '12, the dinner stemmed from the students' desire to thank staff for how they help students. Wanting to do something meaningful for staff, Mazzotta and Rhee met with Mary Opperman, vice president for human resources and safety services, and Rob Osborn, senior director of building care, for their input.

This past February, the seniors organized a group of about 10 to help plan the dinner, with about 30 students involved in putting it on. They used the undergraduate listserv to call for nominations of staff members who have "made an impression" on them.

About 85 staff members were nominated for a wide variety of reasons, said Mazzotta, who compiled comments about the nominees for a presentation she gave during dinner.

"We really appreciate having people like you to make our day a little bit brighter," she said. Typical of the comments were:

• "As a key member of the Engineering Career Services office, Ami [Stuart] has helped countless engineers connect with employers," said Malinka Walaliyadde '12.
• "Mel [Melanie Hall-Dilliplane] is the most approachable and understanding coach I have ever had the pleasure to work with," said Corinne Weyrauch '15.
• Speaking about gymnastics coach Paul Beckwith, Mackenzie Sato '15 said, "He always has a positive attitude in and out of the gym."
• "Roxanne [Edsall] works diligently to make sure things go smoothly for all student groups. She is friendly and cares about students," said Cameron Breen '12.
• Kandace Van Gorder is "a continual resource for students, and she always welcomes you into her office … with a kind heart and warm smile," said Jen Davis '12.
• Davis also nominated Leslee Kane because her "radiant smile is something I look forward to when walking to her office in the Hotel School. She always asks how I'm doing."

Speaking on behalf of the nominating students, Michael Sugihara '13 thanked the staff members "for all your efforts."

"We hand-delivered the invitations to the nominees," said Rhee, who noted that staff members were especially gratified to receive the unexpected recognition. "In my 30 years at Cornell, nothing like this has ever happened," said one staff member.

The details of the dinner, including a mug for each staff member, also attested to students' appreciation, especially since they had to balance planning and putting on the event with end-of-the-semester finals and papers. "They did everything," said Opperman, in thanking the students for creating the program.

The Hangovers closed the event, pro bono, with several selections.

The Community Partnership Board helped with funding. Rhee noted that he would like to see the event become yearly, especially since this inaugural one was so well received.