From a 1999 graduate who has already become one of the most well-respected journalists in the United States to an apple and cherry marketer who has been an ardent advocate of agriculture for more than 50 years, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) honored seven of its alumni at the Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony at the Statler Hotel Nov. 4.

Kathryn Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences, praised the awardees for making substantial differences in their communities, their fields of endeavor and the college through their service and dedication.

"They truly represent the breadth of the college, and the very best of it, too," Boor said.

David Atkinson '60 was credited for his accomplishments as a business leader in the financial industry, as well as his role as an important adviser to the university and a visionary philanthropist. He co-chaired a task force on Environmental Sustainability and Development, which led to the creation of the Cornell Center for Sustainability that Atkinson and his wife, Patricia, later seeded and ultimately endowed. He was also named a presidential councilor, the highest honor the university bestows.

Kenneth Pollard '58 was recognized for being one of the most effective and widely respected advocates for New York agriculture and an active community leader. The former vice president of the Western New York Apple Growers Association and New York Cherry Growers Association has been previously recognized with top awards from the New York State Agricultural Society and Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Andrew Ross Sorkin '99, co-anchor of CNBC early-morning show "Squawk Box," author of the award-winning book "Too Big To Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System" and co-producer of the Emmy-nominated HBO movie "Too Big To Fail," received the Young Alumni Achievement Award. Sorkin, who started writing for The New York Times while still in high school, was praised for continuing to engage current students through his involvement with the Department of Communication.

Also honored were:

Department of Food Science Chair Dennis Miller, Ph.D. '78, and retiring Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering Professor Norman Scott, Ph.D. '62, were also recognized with Outstanding Faculty/Staff awards.

Stacey Shackford is a staff writer at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.