Lindsay France/University Photography

Professor Robin Davisson and President David Skorton serve up dinner.

The 2012 Winter Employee Celebration drew a record 2,400 to the community dinner and athletic events at Bartels Hall Jan. 14.

President David Skorton, Professor Robin Davisson, administrators and Cornell student and staff volunteers helped serve the chicken parmesan and pasta dinner to faculty, staff, retirees and their families in the Ramin Room. Nearly 1,300 saw Big Red women's hockey beat Princeton 1-0 at Lynah Rink; hockey was followed by men's basketball in Newman Arena, where the Penn Quakers topped Cornell 64-52.

Lindsay France/University Photography

Vice President Mary Opperman serves dinner in the Ramin Room.

Children's activities included remote-controlled model cars and craft projects and -- for the first time -- the opportunity for children accompanied by an adult to scale the Lindseth Climbing Wall. Also featured at the dinner were McGruff the Crime Dog and Crossroad Clown and displays and activities sponsored by Environmental Health and Safety, Cornell Police and Benefit Services in the Division of Human Resources and Safety Services and the United Way.

"I am thrilled that participation in this event continues to grow," said Cheryl McGraw, manager for employee outreach and connections and coordinator of the event.

Lindsay France/University Photography

Johnny Sanford scales the wall.

"I'd especially like to thank Cornell Catering, Athletics and Building Care for preparing for this large number of people, as well as for the Cornell Outdoor Education department members who helped provide interested young people with safe and challenging climbing experiences." McGraw also thanked the planning team and the more than 100 Cornell staff, faculty, retirees and students who volunteered for the dinner and Ramin Room activities.