Cornell has been named a "best employer" in 2007 for both working mothers and people age 50 and older by two national organizations.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has placed Cornell on its list of "Best Employers for Workers Over 50" for the third consecutive year. Working Mother magazine named Cornell to its "100 Best Companies" for working mothers for the second consecutive year.

"We are very proud that the AARP and Working Mother magazine recognize Cornell's commitment to a truly inclusive work environment," said Mary Opperman, Cornell vice president for human resources. "We are working hard to identify and address the emerging needs of our staff, students and faculty. While we are proud of our accomplishments, we also recognize that, as the workforce changes, its needs change, and we must continue to listen and do our best to respond."

AARP named Cornell a "Best Employer" once again due to the university's "winning strategies." For example, Cornell employees over age 50 are offered preretirement workshops about planning for elder care, investing, health and wellness. Cornell retirees can enroll or audit up to six credit hours of courses per semester at no charge, and they automatically become members of the Cornell Retirees Association, which provides numerous work and social opportunities.

"Employers that take a world-class approach in their policies toward 50 and over workers understand that the result is more productive employees," said AARP State Director Lois Aronstein, while announcing winners from New York state.

Working Mother recognized Cornell for the university's efforts in day-care, child-care and flexibility programs, family-leave policies and more.

"Every year, our winning companies raise the bar for what it means to be an employer of choice for working families. Cornell University not only offers essential benefits like flextime and telecommuting -- they go above and beyond with a range of best practices and policies to ease the difficulties for working parents and their families. Their supportive culture makes a huge difference to employees who want to be great moms and great workers," said Carol Evans, chief executive officer and president of Working Mother Media.

"We appreciate these awards for our past accomplishments," said Lynette Chappell-Williams, director of Cornell's Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity and Life Quality. "At the same time, we remain committed to, and invigorated by, opportunities to improve. The University Assembly has formed standing committees to focus on campus needs and priorities in the area of work and family integration. We believe they will help us develop a focused plan for the future."

For more information about Working Mother magazine 's 100 Best companies, see http://www.workingmother.com. For information about AARP and programs for workers aged 50 and older, visit http://www.aarp.org. For more information about programs for Cornell's diverse workforce, visit http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/contactHR/worklifediversity/index.html.