Two high numbers told the story of Employee Celebration Day, Oct. 13. First was the single-game record 280 receiving yards made by football special teams co-captain Luke Tasker to help Cornell to a 41-38 win over Monmouth at Schoellkopf Field under partly sunny skies. Second was the 3,000-plus tickets sold to faculty, staff, retirees and their families to see the game and attend the chicken barbeque and pasta dinner at Barton Hall afterward.

Also at Barton: face painting for children, Crossroad Clown, McGruff the Police Dog and displays by representatives of 14 campus and local organizations, including the Employee Assembly, United Way, Ithaca Car Share, Transportation Services, Gannett Health Services, Environmental Health and Safety, the Vet School, CU Compost, Procurement Services , and a number of human resource services.

The celebration's planning committee had worked with Cornell Catering to reduce the amount of trash that was removed from the event: With the exception of cold beverages in recyclable bottles, all dinner utensils were compostable, in keeping with Cornell Catering's sustainability focus.

"Thanks to everyone who participated to help make this year's fall Employee Celebration a huge success," said Jackie Beal of the Division of Human Resources and Safety Services, who coordinated the event this year. "From the planning committee, to Cornell Catering, Building Care and Facilities Management Shops staff, to the groups who provided informational displays -- as well as more than 65 student and staff volunteers -- many thanks."

The event was sponsored by the Division of Human Resources and Safety Services, Cornell Catering, Pepsi, the Department of Building Care and the Department of Athletics and Physical Education.