"We are pleased to see nearly 500 office professional staff here today, and I am grateful for an opportunity to thank you for all you do -- every day -- to keep Cornell running," said Mary George Opperman, vice president for human resources, in opening the 2010 Jennie T. Farley Office Professionals Celebration April 21 in Bailey Hall.

This event, held annually on National Administrative Professionals Day, recognizes the work of Cornell's office, clerical and administrative professionals. It began as a brown bag lunch 22 years ago by two ILR school professors, Jennie Farley and Alice Cook.

Noting the difficult times Cornell has recently experienced, Opperman said, "We have spoken often lately of our caring community, and I believe in that, because the community is all of you."

Underscoring Opperman's remarks, President David Skorton said that he has been "hugely enthusiastic and proud about being your colleague." Although the university has one more difficult year ahead, it is "rounding third base" in its progress toward a balanced budget, Skorton said. The strategic plan makes it clear that "everyone is focused on how much the staff are the people who really pull the university forward in partnership with the faculty," he said. Skorton also spoke with pride about the accomplishments of Cornel''s athletes and the ways in which so many faculty, staff members and students have pulled together as a caring community.

Two student groups provided entertainment: the Amber Dance Troupe presented a colorful Chinese dance, "Flowers in the Rain," and the Yamatai Drumming Group filled the hall with intense Japanese percussion. Door prizes from off-campus businesses and Cornell departments, complimentary apples from Cornell Orchards, and $5 Cornell Dining tickets were also distributed.