Nearly 140 retirees and guests gathered at the Cornell Recreation Connection (CRC) Park on Sept. 10 for the Cornell Retirees Association's annual barbecue. The event was renamed "The George Peter Memorial Barbecue" to honor the memory of one of Cornell's true champions, George Peter, who died in August 2008.

Peter retired in 1988 after more than 40 years of service. He gave another 20 years of service to Cornell as a retiree. The Cornell Retirees Association (CRA) Board said it was a fitting tribute to honor Peter at this event because he was very active in the CRA and the CRC.

Bill Paleen, past CRA president, presented a plaque inscribed, "In recognition of his many contributions to Cornell University, its employees and its retirees, the Cornell Retirees Association dedicates its annual barbecue in the memory of George Peter." This plaque will be hung annually at the barbecue. Framed certificates were given to members of the Peter family.

Kathee Shaff is the program manager for the CRA, Division of Human Resources.