Steven Gorgos/University Photography

Cornell electrician David Richardson, right, explains his role in working with local unions and in recruiting staff to Cornell to a video crew from AARP. The videographers were on campus last week to interview administrators and employees for a piece that will debut at the Oct. 7 awards dinner.

Cornell University is the best place in the nation to work for people over age 50, according to AARP. That is the accolade that AARP announced today.

Cornell tops AARP's 2008 list of 50 best employers, ahead of Scripps Health of San Diego (No. 2) and S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. of Racine, Wis. (No. 3). Other universities making this year's list are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (No. 14), Virginia Commonwealth University (No. 24), George Mason University (No. 31) and Harvard University (No. 34).

Cornell President David Skorton will accept the award at an Oct. 7 dinner in Chicago honoring the best employers. Several Chicago-area Cornell alumni and trustees have also been invited.

"This award confirms that Cornell is coming ever closer to what we set out to achieve -- to be an inclusive and caring community of staff, students and faculty who comprise an institution that imparts an uncommon sense of purpose to its every endeavor," Skorton said. "We are honored to be recognized as a top employer for those Cornellians who work so hard to make this a special place to work, study, create and discover and who have had a career-long experience of meaningful employment."

Cornell received the award because of its commitment to staff and faculty, more than 40 percent of whom are age 50 or older. "Staff and faculty over the age of 50 may have been with the university for many years or they may be new hires. They may have significant historical expertise or bring fresh ideas," said Mary George Opperman, vice president for human resources. "Their skills, talents and attributes span a wide range."

AARP, which represents the concerns of people age 50 and older, highlighted the variety of health-related programs that Cornell offers faculty and staff, including online and in-person health counseling for those enrolled in the Cornell Program for Healthy Living. Also mentioned were the Wellness Program and Opportunities for Healthy Aging, a program that involves group fitness and nutrition classes designed specifically for older adults. Also contributing to Cornell's top ranking were the university's flex work policies; medical insurance and prescription drug plans; the phased retirement program for faculty; paid time off for care giving; and the employment of a dependent-care consultant (Eileen Whang), who helps families identify child- and elder-care options.

"AARP was especially interested in the educational benefits we provide to faculty and staff, both for themselves and their children," said Lynette Chappell-Williams, director of the Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity and Life Quality in the Division of Human Resources, "especially the opportunities that both our staff and retirees have to take Cornell credit courses tuition-free."

"A diverse group of corporations and not-for-profits are increasingly recognizing the importance of innovative policies as employers seek to retain and recruit experienced workers," said AARP CEO Bill Novelli. "Progressive practices lead to more productive workers."

Last week, AARP sent a team to Cornell to interview Skorton, Opperman and Chappell-Williams, as well as several of Cornell's older staff members for a video on Cornell that will debut at the awards dinner.

AARP The Magazine will feature the 2008 Best Employers in its November-December issue.