Lindsay France/University Photography

Retiring staff of Alumni Affairs and Development Gerry Ann Rice, left, Marie Taylor and Joseph Buttino.

Lindsay France/University Photography

Mike Whalen, right, retiring director of planning, information and policy analysis with his wife, Cathy.

Lindsay France/University Photography

Karen Covert and Kathleen Rourke chat with President David Skorton on the Arts Quad June 8.

"You are the person who smiles when someone sits down near you on the bus. You are the co-worker who steps up without complaint to help another as a deadline nears and there is work yet to be done. You are the person whose laughter we hear in the hallways and outside our windows when the week has been too long. You will all be missed for reasons both large and small, and we wish you well."

So said Mary George Opperman, vice president for human resources, speaking on June 8 to about 500 members of the Cornell community at a special event on the Arts Quad to recognize departing staff and faculty members. Among them were many of the 432 staff members who this spring elected to participate in the Staff Retirement Incentive program.

"You slide in here in the bad weather," she said. "You swelled with pride when Cornell faculty made yet another innovative advancement; you watched as another class came in scared and unsure, only to graduate four years later ready to do great things. You are a part of Cornell, and it is part of you."

She noted that the day's gathering was a time of mixed feelings for many; some people have chosen to take retirement, while others are leaving "not of their own choice, but rather due to circumstances borne out of the current uncertain and unstable economic situation."

Opperman gave special recognition to Joe Buttino, Alumni Affairs and Development, who has worked for Cornell for 56 years. She also acknowledged her personal connections with many in the audience: "We worked together at Commencement, for the United Way, to feed the hungry within our community, to employ those with special needs and on a variety of projects within Cornell and beyond."

Dean of the University Faculty Bill Fry said that the faculty has "benefited significantly from your many contributions," from facilitating the functioning of departments, courses and research projects and maintaining buildings and grounds -- "sometimes under really adverse, salty conditions" to contributing to the central administration and supporting students.

Highlighting how those leaving the university have made an enduring difference to Cornell, Provost Kent Fuchs acknowledged that this was a day of transition and mixed feelings of gratitude for that difference and joy for their future.

Bill Paleen, president of the Cornell Retirees Association, provided an overview of programs for retirees. Tenor Mark Lawrence from the Center for a Sustainable Future, accompanied by Bill Cowdery on a keyboard, provided two musical numbers that received standing ovations.

"All of you mean so much to me," said Cornell President David Skorton, noting that in these difficult times, it is especially important to remember that it is the people who make this place what it is.

Organized by Cheryl McGraw, event manager for the Division of Human Resources, employee-elected trustee Beth McKinney and Leon Lawrence of the Employee Assembly, the event included Cornell ice cream from the Dairy Store. Opperman invited all departing employees to take a red bag with a red tulip bulb donated by the Grounds Department and urged them to contribute to a memory book that will be sent to the university archives about their times at Cornell.