Mary F. Berens, a 1974 graduate of Cornell, has been appointed director of alumni affairs at the university, said Inge T. Reichenbach, vice president for alumni affairs and development.

Berens succeeds James D. Hazzard, a 1950 Cornell graduate.

"Mary brings a wealth of talents and abilities, as well as an in-depth knowledge of Cornell, to her new position that will allow her to guide the organization in this era of change. We are delighted that she has accepted the post of director," Reichenbach said.

As a senior member of the alumni affairs and development staff, Berens will be responsible for providing leadership in planning and directing Cornell alumni programs, including serving as secretary-treasurer of the Cornell Alumni Federation.

"I'm honored and very happy to have this opportunity to continue my service to Cornell in this capacity. It's a particular pleasure to have the chance to continue to work closely with so many friends on the faculty and staff here in Ithaca," Berens said.

"As the daughter of two very dedicated Cornellians, and as a long-time veteran of the Cornell staff, I have had the opportunity throughout my life to meet hundreds of caring and committed alumni who have given and continue to give selflessly of their time and talents to the university. Without question, Cornell's alumni are one of our most precious resources. As we approach the next century, I want to see alumni affairs programs preserve many longstanding traditions while responding at the same time to emerging new trends."

Berens joined the alumni affairs and development staff in 1977 as associate director in the Metropolitan New York regional office. She also has served as director of the Southwest/Mountain regional office, and as assistant dean, development and alumni affairs, for the College of Engineering. Most recently, she served as director of college and unit public affairs.

Berens received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish literature from Cornell in 1974. Since 1979, she has been a class officer for the class of 1974. Locally, she is an active volunteer for the Cornell Catholic Community, Rotary International and Chi Chapter Delta Gamma Property Association. She is married to Paul P. Feeny, professor of ecology and systematics at Cornell.