A "Chordash-built home" is synonymous to many Ithacans as a home of quality. Chordash Builders, which constructed and remodeled numerous homes in Ithaca from the 1950s to the early 1970s, was owned by Michael A. Chordash and his wife, Esther, who did much of the planning and the interior design for the company's homes.

The marks of distinction and quality of Chordash homes are now destined to last far beyond the late couple's lifetimes. Their son, Richard Chordash, Cornell B.S. '69, and M.S. '72 and Ph.D. '75, both in food science, has established the Michael A. and Esther C. Chordash Scholarship in Architecture and the Esther C. and Michael A. Chordash Scholarship in Interior Design at Cornell to honor his parents' achievements.

The undergraduate perpetual scholarships will give preference to students from upstate New York studying architecture in the College of Architecture, Art and Planning and to those studying interior design in the College of Human Ecology.

Esther (Cicchetti) Chordash was a lifelong resident of Ithaca and a 1935 graduate of Ithaca High School. She married Michael, of Cairnbrook, Pa., in 1943 while he was training with the Army Air Force. After a 21-month tour in central Europe during World War II, "Mike" returned to Ithaca and began learning the building trade from his father-in-law, Enorfino ("Frank") Cicchetti, a carpenter who at one time had worked on the construction of the Pentagon.

"My father and grandfather, with the part-time assistance of my uncles -- Arthur Cicchetti and Rudolph 'Fluff' Massicci -- built a family business with my mother, who showed a natural talent for planning, interior design and landscaping. My father was able to create her concepts through his skill, craftsmanship and work ethic," said Richard Chordash who recently returned to Ithaca after more than 20 years with Kraft Foods, where he worked in research and development.

Richard, who was an alternate on the 1984 Olympic shooting team and won bronze and silver medals at the 1991 Pan American Games in trap shooting in Havana, Cuba, said he established the scholarships as a legacy to his parents. "Neither of my parents had the opportunity to go to college but were very proud of my Cornell education. Having these scholarships in their names in their respective professions will give them a way to maintain a lasting connection at Cornell," Richard said.

Chordash Builders constructed all but one of the homes on Highgate Place and several on Highgate Circle. In 1971 Michael Chordash died suddenly at age 54. Esther continued the business for several years. Later she was manager of the Lansing North East apartments and worked for the Citizens Savings Bank, from which she retired in 1990. She also obtained her real estate broker license and established Chordash Real Estate. She died in February of this year.