Fifty years ago, “Jaws” was making waves in theaters, the world was dancing to the Bee Gees and the first episode of “Saturday Night Live” hit the airwaves.

That year, Lou Farino and Roger Kaplan ’73, M.Eng. ’89, were beginning their careers at Cornell.

Credit: Jason Koski/Cornell University

The two longtime Cornell employees were among the nearly 400 staff members congratulated at the 69th Annual Service Recognition Event, held June 2 in the Schurman Hall Atrium at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The event honored staff who celebrated 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of service at Cornell.

Raised in Ithaca, New York, Farino started working at Cornell as a receiving clerk at the Cornell Store, then known as the Campus Bookstore. He later became a warehousing and distribution manager before concluding his career as a facilities manager.

Meanwhile, Kaplan spent much of his career at the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE). He began as an accelerator operator and eventually focused on equipment design and construction as a research support specialist.

“I never imagined I’d be at Cornell for 50 years, but the academic environment and focus on basic research kept me engaged,” said Kaplan, who earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell in 1989. “From walking past the accelerator building as a curious student to designing and maintaining its systems, my journey has been both unexpected and deeply rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside Cornell while contributing in a small way to its scientific progress.”

President Michael I. Kotlikoff delivered a toast to celebrate the honorees’ dedication and impact across the university.

“All of you, for decades, have helped Cornell fulfill its mission and helped your colleagues, our faculty, and our students to do the same,” Kotlikoff said. “Through snowstorms and pandemics, whatever the crisis or the weather, you show up and keep Cornell moving forward. I’m deeply grateful to all of you, and proud to be part of this community.”

Lorin Warnick, Ph.D. ’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, and Sean Moeller, associate vice president of academic human resources, opened the event with appreciation for the honorees’ achievements.

“Cornell is so fortunate to have the remarkable accomplishments and energy you all have brought to work every day over the last 25-plus years,” Moeller said. “This evening is all about you. Take some time to mingle, reminisce and continue to make more happy memories of your time here at Cornell. From all of us, thank you for your service.”

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed milestone-year videos featuring highlights from pop culture, world events and iconic moments in film and television. Digital photo albums, created with images submitted by colleagues across campus, were set to decade-themed music. And a photo booth gave attendees a chance to capture new memories.

For more than 70 years, the Service Recognition Program has honored nonacademic staff for their length of service to the university, beginning at five years and progressing in five-year increments. This long-standing tradition reflects the unwavering commitment of staff who have helped sustain the university through decades of change.

To learn more about the program and view a complete list of this year’s milestone awardees, visit University Service Recognition.

Grace DePaull is communications assistant in the Department of Inclusion and Belonging in the Division of Human Resources.