Robert Barker/University File Photography

President David Skorton plays the flute presented to him by the Board of Trustees May 22.

On the eve of President David Skorton's last Cornell Commencement, Board Chair Robert Harrison ’76 and the university's Board of Trustees - at the trustees dinner May 22 - showed appreciation with more than a gift. They presented an instrumental treasure: a handmade flute with a beautifully crafted wooden-head joint, personally selected by a renowned flautist.

A wooden-head joint creates a warm, rich, opulent tone flautists prize, and Skorton played the woodwind for a rapt audience.

Also at the dinner
Board Chairman Harrison thanked outgoing members of the board for their service: Gregory J. Galvin, M.S. ’82, Ph.D. ’84, MBA ’93; Ross Gitlin ’15; Rana Glasgal ’87, M.Eng., ORIE ’92; Lubna Olayan ’77; Lisa Skeete Tatum ’89; and Michael J. Zak ’75.
President David Skorton recognized Harry Katz, interim provost and former ILR School dean, Susan Murphy ’73, Ph.D. ’94, vice president for student and academic services, and Charlie Phlegar, vice president for alumni affairs and development.
Earlier in the day, the trustees voted to endow a scholarship in the name of David Skorton and his wife, Robin Davisson, professor of molecular physiology. The trustees also named Skorton president emeritus, effective July 1, and named the new Skorton Center for Health Initiatives in the expanded University Health Services Facility, which will promote the physical and mental health of the Cornell campus community.

The story of this magic flute is quintessential Cornelliana. Earlier this year, while attending a Cornell investment meeting in Florida, Skorton attended a brunch hosted by Trustee Dahlia Stiller ’84, which featured a surprise performance by noted Latin American jazz flautist, Nestor Torres. The musicians spent the meal talking about Torres’ flute and the head joint, created by craftsmen in Munich, Germany.

Wanting to find Skorton a meaningful gift, Harrison, who had heard about the Skorton-Torres discussion, then sought the advice of Cornell trustee Robert Appel ’53 – a jazz aficionado who chairs Jazz at Lincoln Center. “Through [Appel’s] flautist friends, I found the flute store that supplies most professionals, including, coincidentally, Nestor Torres,” Harrison explained.

The New York City based-flute store hand delivered five flutes to Torres in Miami to personally select his favorite for Skorton. It was handmade in Boston by Powell Flutes, whose Cornellian CEO, Steve Wasser ’74, fitted the flute with a wooden head joint from Torres’ German craftsman.

Skorton told the trustees and their guests: “This is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. That spirit, that thing that would make people come together and figure out what makes someone tick, and then do what’s necessary to make their dreams come true. That’s what the trustees have done for me.”

Recounting family lessons from his growing years, Skorton fondly remembered his late father’s life tutorials. “If he were here tonight, he wouldn’t believe it,” Skorton said. “So, on behalf of my old man, thank you.”