Credit: Robert Barker/University Photography

Credit: Robert Barker/University Photography

With the double attraction of men's and women's basketball against Columbia University in Newman Arena Jan. 16, more than 1,500 Cornell faculty, staff, retirees and their families enjoyed chicken parmesan, pasta, salad and Cornell Dairy Store ice cream at the Employee Celebration community dinner in the Ramin Room of Bartels Hall.

The men's team defeated Columbia, 74-53, while the women's team fell to Columbia, 68-44, in what was the Ivy League opener for the Big Red.

Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a variety of campus events throughout the day, including an open swim and bowling at Helen Newman Hall and open skating at Lynah Rink. New this year were two child-oriented events sponsored by the New York state retirement program vendor, ING Financial Services -- a remote-control car course in the Ramin Room and a half-time contest in Newman Arena featuring the Cornell Bear, RedMan the wrestling mascot, Crossroads Clown and "Guido" from local radio station Z95.5.

Also featured were door prizes, displays by Cornell Police and Transportation and Mail Services, and information on assisting the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

"Thanks go to our new children's event sponsor, ING Financial Services, members of the Cornell wrestling team who built and ran the remote control car track, and the many volunteer employees who helped make this event a great success," said Cheryl McGraw, manager for employee outreach and connections and coordinator of Employee Celebration Day. "I'd also like to thank those who sponsored the dinner and athletics admission, making it possible for so many in the Cornell community to attend: the Department of Athletics and Physical Education, the Division of Human Resources, Cornell Catering and Pepsi."