Every spring since 1989 the Cornell Tradition, an alumni-endowed student recognition program at Cornell, has honored its own graduating seniors. The 10 Tradition fellows who have been honored this year for their community service and leadership efforts will use their monetary awards to benefit others.

The Cornell Tradition, a program of the university's Cornell Commitment office, was established in 1982 through an anonymous gift of $7 million. The program awards 545 fellowships each year to Cornell undergraduate students based on their work experience, campus and/or community service, leadership and academic achievement.

Each senior recognized will establish a $4,000 Cornell Tradition-named fellowship for other students during the 2009-10 academic year and designate a nonprofit agency for a $500 gift.

This year's Cornell Tradition Senior Recognition Award winners are:

• Michael Bufano, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has established the Michael Bufano Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to the Cornell Office of Student Activities.
• Efrem Bycer, College of Architecture, Art and Planning, has established the Dr. Kenneth Reardon Engaged Scholar Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to the Cornell Office of Student Activities.
• Kelsey Donahue, College of Arts and Sciences, has established the Kelsey Donahue Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to Shared Hope International.
• Susan Duan, College of Arts and Sciences, has established the Susan H. Duan Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to the Cornell Asian/Asian American Center.
• Amanda Hjellming, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has established the Mandy Hjellming Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to the GlamourGals Foundation.
• Ryan Lavin, ILR School, has established the Ryan Jay Lavin Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to the Class of 2009.
• Jordan Leen, College of Human Ecology, has established the Dr. Jeffrey Lewis Family Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to the Franziska Racker Centers.
• Amy McKlindon, College of Human Ecology, has established the Amy C. McKlindon Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to the Cornell Prison Education Program.
• Brittany Mosher, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has established the Thomas A. Gavin Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to Building Futures Inc.
• Constanza Ontaneda, College of Human Ecology, has established the Constanza Ontaneda Cornell Tradition Fellowship and made a contribution to Asociacion De Arqueologos Humanistas.

Since 1989, 203 Cornell Tradition seniors have received this recognition. They, in turn, have awarded 105 fellowships to other undergraduates. More than $300,000 has been awarded to nonprofit agencies, and more than $160,000 has been awarded to Ithaca organizations, benefiting such agencies as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, the Southside Community Center and On Site Volunteer Services.