Jason Koski/University Photography

More than 650 staff members gathered to celebrate office professionals, April 22.

Jason Koski/University Photography

Marilyn Willkens presents President Skorton with a framed photograph of him and Robin Davisson at the Office Professionals Celebration, April 22.

More than 650 people attended the annual Jennie T. Farley Office Professionals Celebration April 22, one of the largest workplace observances on campus. The celebration held special meaning for speakers President David J. Skorton and Vice President Susan Murphy, both of whom are leaving their positions at the end of June.

Kevin Hallock, dean of the ILR School, kicked off the ceremony. He highlighted the celebration’s roots in ILR: Jennie T. Farley and Alice B. Cook, both ILR faculty members, founded the event by holding a Secretaries Day Symposium in 1988. The name was changed to the Office Professionals Celebration in 2003, and later renamed in honor of Farley.

Hallock emphasized the critical role administrative staff members play at Cornell and shared a personal story about the first office professional he ever knew – his grandmother.

Reiterating Hallock’s sentiments about office professionals being a vital support network for the university, Skorton encouraged the audience to maintain a healthy balance in their professional and personal lives through such university resources as the wellness, counseling and recreation programs. At the close of his remarks, Skorton was presented with a framed photo of him and his wife, Robin Davisson, dancing, along with quotes from one of his first speeches given on campus that highlighted the importance of taking time to dance.

“It was bittersweet to see President Skorton’s last time doing this event,” said Jackie Creque, of ILR’s Office of Student Services. “Seeing him choke up as he was being thanked was really touching.”

Murphy spoke of the importance that office professionals hold not only for the university as a whole but also in the lives of students and in Cornell’s educational mission. Drawing from her personal experience, Murphy said it is crucial for students to have a “rock” or mentor during their college years and that very often it “was not their faculty adviser but it was a person with whom they worked.” The job of an office professional touches the lives of many, she said.

“It is so refreshing to have our institution show that they appreciate us for all that we do. It is important for the morale of the office staff to know that all our hard work … is truly appreciated,” said Tammy Wildenstein, from chemical and biomolecular engineering.

Also recognized was the planning committee: Traci Morse, Kathleen Snyder and Marilyn Willkens, co-chairs; Sandra Redfield and Amy Sindone.

The program was sponsored by the ILR School, the Office of the President and the Office of Human Resources.

Amy Layton is the assistant to the facilities director in Weill Hall.