www.pawprint.cornell.edu • May 27, 2010
Pawprint A Newspaper by and for the Cornell Community
Community Relations wins award for race relations efforts
Skorton addresses layoffs, workload and other staff concerns at EA meeting
By Susan Lang
By Nancy Doolittle
he Cornell Office of Community Relations will receive the Judges’ Citation award at the annual Awards of Excellence ceremony for the State University of New York Council for University Advancement (SUNYCUAD) June 11 in Buffalo. Its submission, “Race relations — community relations — progressive Gary Stewart and John Gutenberger outreach,” was entered in the Community Relations Programs category. “In recent years, a series of race-related incidents at Ithaca High School and in the community have been of great concern to Tompkins County residents,” wrote Gary Stewart and John Gutenberger, deputy director and director, respectively, of community relations at Cornell. “In response, a variety of initiatives were developed, coordinated and produced by Cornell’s Office of Community Relations and other Cornell units.” These include: • Community forums led by six major employers, including Cornell and the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. Partnerships were forged between for-profit and nonprofit sectors for outreach programs and to develop shared strategies on common challenges and opportunities. • A series of 15 public service announcements in support of a communitywide focus on equity and diversity that won a top New York State Broadcasters Award. • A weekly radio show, “All Things Equal,” sponsored by the six major employers. Topics have ranged from new race, class and equity strategies in area public schools to local affordable housing and employment challenges. • Regularly addressing race and diversity through video productions on Cornell’s website and local cable access. • Regularly highlighting lectures and programs on campus through Community Relations’ twice-monthly Ithaca Journal newspaper column, “East Hill Notes.” Membership in SUNYCUAD includes full-time professionals working in university advancement at the 64 SUNY campuses.
hen it comes to layoffs on campus, “There will be fewer job actions than I originally feared,” said President David Skorton at the Employee Assembly (EA) meeting May 19 in Day Hall. An estimate of how many layoffs to expect will be announced in coming weeks, but they will not all occur at once. For the past couple of years Cornell has had on average about 25 percent more layoffs than in previous years, said Mary George Opperman, vice president for human resources, President David Skorton adding that she expects about the same percentage of layoffs in fiscal year 2011 as in 2010. Still unknown, she said, is the effect of cuts in the New York state budget on Cornell’s staffing levels. But, even so, “when you lay off one person, as far as I’m concerned, that makes it a bad year.” Most of the questions raised at the May 19 EA meeting with Opperman and Skorton, who meet with the EA twice a semester, concerned layoffs, workloads and recent actions in the Russian and Theatre, Film and Dance departments. Reiterating his appreciation for how Cornell staff have handled the uncertainties brought about by the financial situation, Skorton admitted that it is a “tough time ... overall, things cannot stay the same.” But, he said, it is important that Cornell have robust arts and humanities programs, and there will always be core strengths in Slavic languages. At several points in the discussion, Skorton expressed concern that, in general, people are doing the same work or more than they did in the past. “We have not figured that out yet,” Skorton said. He also acknowledged the role of grants in the careers of graduate students and recognized that the availability of staff resources can affect those grants. Opperman said that it will be the responsibility of leadership at all levels to plan work so that it is aligned with the number of people in the department available to do it. In response to questions about communicating change, Opperman acknowledged that it is easier to communicate change when the discussion is more abstract, rather than once the change makes an impact on people. Skorton noted that the shared governance system provides some two-way conversation but does not penetrate deep enough into individual departments. Jason Seymour, EA’s outgoing chair, noted that the EA is planning on changing its structure to help facilitate that level of communication.
Thanks to Rob Osborn, Director of Building Care, for submitting this photo along with the following caption: “Our annual spring Adopt-a-highway clean-up was completed on May 20 for the three-mile stretch of Rte. 79 highway, east of Slaterville Springs. We had 21 Building Care custodial volunteers who removed debris from the grassy shoulders adjacent to the highway. We also policed the rest park at the west end, and the pull-off area at the far eastern boundary of the stretch. Once everyone was in place, the effort took only 35 minutes. We have designed the operation so that everyone walks only about .4 miles (.375 miles to be exact). Four of us shuttled folks to their starting locations, and then picked them up at their finish points. Paula Senno and Diane Miller coordinated the event for us, and needless to say, did a super job!” Have an idea for a story? Is your department in the news? Do you know a staff person who should be? Pawprint keeps the Cornell community informed with the help of readers like you. Submit your articles and photos to: pawprint@cornell.edu.
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Assistant Cornell wrestling coach Damion Hahn leads a scavenger hunt at Myers Park in Lansing on May 21 for local wrestlers. The hunt was just a small part of a two day camp out for the young athletes.
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Inside Tech Talk.......................................................................................2 Pawprint Picks.............................................................................2 Classified Ads...............................................................................4
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2 May 27, 2010 Pawprint
Pawprint May 27, 2010 3
Tech Talk
ILR Staff Recognition
Shaley DeGiorgio
ILR School holds employee recognition ceremony
Join us at Cornell’s IT Forum
Throughout the day, Cornell groups and commercial vendors will maintain tables at the Duffield
By Donna Goss
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Tech Training Spotlight:
Hosted by Dean Harry Katz, the event recognized more than two dozen members of the School. Those recognized for their years of service to the university are:
At the IT Forum on June 16, seminars open to everyone include: MS Office 2010 – Sneak Peek; Virtualization – What’s next; AT&T Emerging Technology Solutions; ePublishing – Content in the 21st Century; Red Hat Linux Enterprise Edition; and at least 25 others! Check out the entire Seminar Schedule at itforum.cornell.edu.
Five years: Opal Bablington, Donald Criss, Kasi Dean, Mithila Khounthavong, Jeffrey Trondsen. Ten years: Rhonda Clouse, Alexis Falise, Shelly Hall, Linda Riddell, Barbara Sosna Fifteen years: Kathleen Briggs, Victor Diaz, Regina Duffey Moravek Twenty years: Dorothy Carlson, Jonathan Horn
For a complete listing of technical training resources, go to cit.cornell.edu/training. Have a question? Contact workshop-info@cornell.edu.
Thirty years: Lynn Coffey-Edelman, Deborah Fisher Thirty-five years: Ann Herson, Susan Lacette Jill Kubit, assistant director of ILR’s Global Labor Institute (GLI), joined the university 8 years ago and played a leading role in building the program. Known for her resourcefulness and dedication, Jill has been a true mentor to both students and colleagues. Jill is always challenging herself and others and achieves a high standard in all she does. Her nominating colleagues say that, “Jill is a fantastic member of ILR team; the kind of person who is guided by a strong moral compass that guides this school in its tradition and history and makes this a great institute.”
Tour de Cornell attracts a “joyful” group
Jason Koski/University Photography
For information on biking at Cornell, and in the Ithaca area, visit www.bike.cornell.edu.
Pawprint Contributors Michelle Artibee, Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Karen Brown, Campus Life Shaley DeGiorgio, Academic Tech Support and User Svcs Joe DeMarco, EH&S Nancy Doolittle, University Communications Kerry Howell, Physical Fitness Wellness Instructor Sandra Kisner, Peace Studies Program Matt Klein, Academic Tech Support and User Svcs Beth Lyons, CIT Cheryl McGraw, Human Resources Ruth Merle-Doyle, CU Wellness Amy Ross, TMS Administration Kathee Shaff, Division of Human Resources Publishing Distributed free and published bi-weekly September through May and monthly in June, July and August by university employee volunteers. Pawprint Desk 114 Day Hall, pawprint@cornell.edu Donna Goss, editorial coordination/circulation, 254-2777 Valerie McMillen, production/design Content Please send any articles or suggestions for articles to, pawprint@cornell.edu.
Jason Koski/University Photography
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“It was a joyful and enthusiastic group of people, and several did the loop three or four times,” said Spring Buck, Outreach Coordinator for Riders wait at a stoplight before heading south on East Avenue. Transportation and Mail Services and one of the event organizers who was there to provide biking information, water bottles and energy bars to participants. A prototype bicycle for a future bike share program, initiated by the Big Red Bikes undergraduate student group, was also on display.
The Lansing community carnival has long been a favorite in Tompkins County and Beyond. Best known as one of the first carnivals for the season and totally family friendly. There is no alcohol served and the huge event has also come to mean great food, great music and good family atmosphere. The Lansing fire fighters have an outstanding food menu of burgers, curly fries, hot dogs, sausage, clams, chili, corn, and salt potatoes. This year’s activity venue includes: • Thursday May 27 pay one price 6 to 10 p.m. • Friday May 28 music with Iron Horse Band fireworks at 10:00 p.m. • Saturday May 29 pay one price 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Karaoke with Elephant Sounds 7 to 10 p.m. • Saturday at 6:00 p.m. is the huge parade with clowns, trucks, bikes and the awesome float contest. Join your friends and family at the Lansing Carnival Grounds, 80 Ridge Rd. in Lansing for the greatest carnival in Tompkins County!
WWW <Websites Worth Watching> Cornellians ‘paint the town red’ in new online feature
The second recipient, Ann Herson, is described as a person who can always be counted upon to make events very successful and looks outside the box to overcome obstacles. Her colleagues described her as upbeat and someone who always goes above and beyond to get the job done; setting the gold standard for the outside world. Ann is recognized not only within the school, but across the university as being passionate about her work and a positive influence. Dean Katz then recognized two groups for their dedicated service. The Undergraduate Admissions Office, under the direction of Ian Schachner (members include: Lorie Fessenden, Kristie Lovley, Tracy Vesley) was able to overcome numerous challenges this year. Although the team was relatively new to the office and lacked both human and financial resources, they worked together to develop creative solutions. They established cooperative and collaborative relationship while improving office processes and implementing new technologies to manage student records and mailings.
Members of the ILR Technology Services Group received the ILR Employee Recognition Group Award. Jeff Bishop, Lorrie Tily, Michael Haflett and Jason Kenyon. (Not pictured: Laura Robinson, Michael Radzik, Colleen Clauson, Don Bazley and Don Friedrickson)
The Technology Services Group (members include: Laura Robinson, Jeff Bishop, Michael Radzik, Jason Kenyon, Colleen Clauson, Lorrie Tily, Michael Haflett, Don Bazley and Don Friedrickson) was also lauded for their management of the email migration from Eudora to Outlook. The manner in which the team executed the project gave staff the confidence that the ILR techs were well prepared to accomplish all their tasks in the given timeframe and without major disruption. Several ILR Resident Faculty Awards were announced. The recipients are: Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Prize: Lisa Nishii, Assistant Professor, Human Resource Studies; Robert N. Stern Mentoring Award: Rebecca Givan, Assistant Professor, Labor Relations, Law, and History; MacIntyre Award for Exemplary Teaching: Ileen DeVault, Professor, Labor Relations, Law, and History; MacIntyre Award for Exemplary Teaching: Kate Griffith, Assistant Professor, Labor Relations, Law, and History; Exemplary Graduate Teaching: Lance Compa, Senior Lecturer, Labor Relations, Law and History. Recognized as the AD White Administrator of the Year is Laura Lewis, Director, Office of Student Services.
ILR Employees service award recipients include: Back row: Susan Lacette, Regina Duffey Moravek, Jonathan Horn, Barbara Sosna Front row: Shelly Hall, Rhonda Clouse, Alexis Falise, Kasi Dean, Ann Herson, Dorothy Carlson, Donald Criss, Deborah Fisher.
Watch for the Pawprint this summer:
MealChoice Encore for Retirees
June 17, July 15, and August 19
PAWPRINT PICKS Lansing Fire Department holds annual family community carnival MAY 27-MAY 29
The Wellness Program received 199 entrants to the Spring In To Step walking contest held this April. Five entrants accumulated over 500,000 steps in 30 days. The Individual Spring In To Step walking contest winner was Susan Withers who took an amazing 726,636 steps. Spring In To Step team contest winners were the L-4 Busy Bee’s which consisted of Kim Stowell, Marie Davis, Dixie Clark, and Penny McKane. They walked a combined total of 1,986,796 steps. That’s approximately 1,000 miles! Congratulations to our Grand Prize winners. They received 3 free lunches redeemable at Cornell dining establishments plus 15 minute chair massages ($30 total value). The 10 winners from the random prize drawing included Al Parke, Marjory Brooks, Larry Robertson, Wendy Wirth, Heidi Mouillesseaux-Kunzman, Sue Edwards, Kelly Clark, Ellen Fitchette, Pat Borra, and Cyd Hamilton. Random prize winners had their choice of a Wellness Program nylon tote bag or 2 Philips Energy Saver 60 light bulbs (good for 9 yrs). Congratulations to all participants and prize winners!
Two staff members received recognition awards for outstanding performance.
o celebrate National Bike to Work Day more than 50 students, faculty and staff participated in the first Tour de Cornell bike ride across campus on May 21, sponsored by Transportation Services and the Cornell Wellness Program. The biking Spring Buck talks with riders before leaving Lynah Rink parking lot. event was designed to show how biking can be a viable and enjoyable way to get around campus. Beth McKinney, a self proclaimed fair weather bicyclist who typically rides to work one a day week in summer months and joined the tour. “I love to kill three birds with one stone: getting exercise, taking in beautiful scenery, and saving gas,” she says.
Ann Herson receiving the ILR Employee Recognition Individual Award, presented by Dean Harry Katz.
Jason Koski/University Photography
ith the help of video conferencing technology to span the miles, employees located at the ILR New York City Extension office joined their colleagues on campus to celebrate the achievements of faculty and staff in a ceremony held on Monday, May 17.
Jason Koski/University Photography
The morning will be devoted to a Millionairestyle game show, “Survival of the Geekiest,” from 9-10:30 a.m. in Phillips Hall Auditorium. Teams of three or four people will compete to answer “geek questions” about IT in general and Cornell IT in particular. Audience members will act as a lifeline via an iClicker voting system when teams get stuck and decide to “Ask the audience.” Each member of the winning team will receive a Flip video camera. Second and third prizes include iTunes gift cards and red Swingline staplers (as seen in the movie “Office Space”).
Atrium, and around 30 will host 45-minute seminars on technical topics from 11:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Duffield and Upson Halls. As in previous years, event sponsors have provided prizes, which attendees are eligible to win by registering for the event. Full details about the event and a link to register are available at itforum.cornell.edu.
Jason Koski/University Photography
Do you work on a website, manage computers or servers, or happen to love geeky technology trivia? Whatever your connection to IT, plan to attend the fifth annual Cornell IT Forum on June 16 to network, learn, and play games with other like minded Cornell community members.
Spring In To Step walking contest winners announced
Cornell’s 2010 Dump & Run collections run NOW THROUGH MAY 31 Campus Life is collecting donations for the university’s eighth annual Dump & Run program, now through Monday, May 31, 2010. Look for a collection bin in your building. Items collected will be stored through the summer months and sold at the Dump & Run sale during Cornell’s Opening Weekend – Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22 in Helen Newman Gym. For more information: www.campuslife.cornell.edu/ campuslife/dump-and-run.cfm.
to 9:00 p.m. the following three days. The Ithaca Festival is community supported through the sale of Festival buttons and t-shirts. A Festival button, only a $5 purchase, brings you four days of fun, 1,000 local artists, and 10,000 smiles. Your participation in the Festival, along with your support through merchandise sales, is what makes the Festival happen! If you have a disability that will require special arrangements to fully participate in the Ithaca Festival, please call us at 607.273.3646 or email info@ithacafestival.org. For more information go to ithacafestival.org.
The 2010 Ithaca Festival, June 4, 5, 6, All Day, downtown ithaca
Swing Dance Classes at the Big Red Barn! Tuesdays starting June 1 to July 13, 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.
The Festival will take place on the Ithaca Commons, the heart of Ithaca, and the surrounding area. On Sunday, June 6th, Festival attractions move to Stewart Park, at the base of Cayuga Lake. The Festival begins with a parade on Thursday evening, and then runs from 11:30 a.m.
We’ve got you covered with a six week crash course, starting June 1. Classes are taught by a dedicated group of volunteer instructors who have trained extensively with world-class instructors and are passionate about sharing their love of the dance. No partner necessary. All proceeds are reinvested in the Cornell and Ithaca dance community. 6 weeks of classes start at $35/ students, $50/non-students. Open to the public. For more information contact ashieh@cs.cornell.edu.
Experience the meal plan designed exclusively for Cornell retirees! Like any debit meal plan, MealChoice Encore gives you convenient, cash-free access to Cornell Dining locations and campus vending machines with card readers. Eligible Cornell retirees with a valid Retiree ID card can enroll by going to dining.cornell.edu or calling 607.255.8581. If you still have a Faculty/Staff ID card, you must get a new Retiree ID card at the Registrar’s Office at B7 Day Hall. What does MealChoice Encore give you? • $5.00 Breakfast, Monday-Friday • $6.00 Lunch, Monday-Friday • $10.00 Dinner (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.) Restrictions apply and above pricing is limited to certain “All-You-Care-To-Eat” facilities as noted on the web. • 10% Discount off breakfast, lunch, and dinner purchases at Cornell Dining retail locations. • MealChoice Encore can be used at any cardreading vending machine on campus. Check the web for up-to-date information. MealChoice Encore is for the personal use of Cornell retirees only. Go to dining.cornell.edu for complete terms and conditions.
By Lauren Gold
From industry leaders and pioneering scientists to entertainers, artists, community service volunteers and students, Cornellians abound in New York City. For them, the city is a vital piece of their Cornell experience. But with all the noise of the surroundings, you might not realize how integral Cornell’s presence is to the life of the city -- or how integral the city is in enhancing Cornell’s educational and cultural resources. Paint the Town Red, a new audio slideshow on Cornell’s New York City Web page www.cornell. edu/nyc focuses the spotlight on a few of the Cornellians who are learning, working and making a difference in the city. The site will feature five episodes a year, each telling the story of a Cornellian whose experiences were enriched by time in the Big Apple. The series will start with a focus on students, with stories of faculty, staff and alumni to come in later episodes. “There have always been students doing interesting things in New York,” said Brenda Tobias ‘97, director of New York City communications. Many are linked to prominent programs — Cornell ILR in New York City, for example; or Architecture, Art and Planning-NYC — but others are there with smaller groups or following individual paths. “Internships, co-ops, spring break projects, jobs, performances, volunteer work . . . there’s no shortage of diversity in placements and talents,” Tobias said. And between Cornell’s affiliations and networks and the city’s wealth of experiences, she said, students get the best of two worlds. The first episode features Sam Keller ‘10, a chemistry major and dance minor in the College of Arts and Sciences who performed a modern dance titled “The Allure of Refinement: Music and Dance of Indonesia” at Lincoln Center. Episode two will be posted near the beginning of the fall semester. “Students go to Cornell because of their own voracious appetite and curiosity, and so New York City is a natural place for them,” Tobias said. “You can see they’re just taking this huge bite of life.” And once there, they become part of a strong Cornell network. “They’re not anonymous — they have all the familiarity and camaraderie that comes from a shared Cornell experience,” she said. “There are so many of these stories, and we hope that through the Paint the Town Red series we will be able to tell them.” The series is produced by the Office of Publications and Marketing.
4 May 27, 2010 Pawprint
classified ads
New location for Stromeyer sculpture
For Sale 3 BR duplex, Eastern Heights, close to CU, bus, $1100/mo incls heat and hot/cold water, free laundry. 255.1636 or MD41. ’02 Astro van, runs good, new tires, 140,000 mi. $2500 OBO. 533.0007 evenings or DBC4. Overhead projectors, purchased at auction, $35 or $90 depending on model 255.7700 or LEW14. First-aid kits, “auto” or “home” (please specify). Benefits the Groton Boy Scout Troop 77’s 2011 “high-adventure” trip. We deliver. DSB48.
Jason Koski/University Photography
’95 Chrysler Lebaron convertible. 88K. Runs great, no rust. $1200. PRS6.
Crew members from the Sheet Metal Shop and Grounds Department delicately balance a section of the Stromeyer sculpture as it moves to its new home on Hoy Road. The large, colorful sculpture was formerly located in front of the Johnson Art Museum, and has been hibernating over the winter months until it could be re-installed. Said Frank Robinson, Director of the Johnson Art Museum, “The Public Art Committee has overseen the placement of no less than four sculptures over the last four years. This is a remarkable record for a committee without a budget or assigned staff.” Please make time to break away from your work and studies to enjoy our beautiful campus!
Calling all shutterbugs Pawprint announces their annual photo contest Pawprint invites you to share your photo finesse in a competition of fun and spirit. At least ten prizes will be awarded, including Best of Show. Winning entries will be featured in a September edition of Pawprint. Guidelines Submit only one picture per category. Categories are: Adults, Animals, Children, Cornell (any location), Humorous, Landscape/Nature, Special Effects (digital enhancement), Structures/Buildings, and Unspecified.
Small 1 br apt. south hill. $760 includes all utilities. Nice & sunny. Covered parking. Avail. 7/1/10. EEG4. Proform 375e folding treadmill w/floor mat, like new. $250. DL16. 1 yr. old female English Bulldog. Up to date on all shots, spayed. Good with kids, other animals. Adoption fee. 257.1776 or KMR33.
Guidelines for Classified Ads Free to members of the Cornell community, ads are printed as space permits. Remember to: • Include name, campus phone, and category. • Limit ad to 20 words or less. • Submit only one ad/person. • Ads selling goods or commercial services on an ongoing basis or promoting employment outside Cornell cannot be accepted. • To run your ad more than once, you must resubmit it. • Pawprint is not responsible for errors or unprinted ads, and retains the right to edit or reject any submission. Submit classified ads via: email: ppclassified@cornell.edu. or www.pawprint. cornell.edu/Classifieds.html Classified Deadlines: • June 11 for the June 17 issue
Eligibility Cornell staff, faculty, student, alumni, and retirees are eligible. Family members of Cornellians, Cornell’s professional photographers, their support staff, student photography majors, contest judges, and the Pawprint Editorial Board are asked not to participate. Winning photos from previous year’s contests are ineligible. (Some are featured below.) Judging This is a contest for fun. Judges, chosen from Cornell’s photography and graphic design professionals, will look for composition, creativity, and uniqueness: the capture of a mood or special moment. There won’t be a narrow focus on technical detail. The judging will be blind—that is, done anonymously without an indication of the name of the photographer who took the picture. How to Enter Tape the handy label below to your 8 x 10 or smaller photos without frames. Then send to Valerie McMillen, photo contest coordinator, 353 Pine Tree Rd. Use cardboard to prevent damage to your photo. Entries will be accepted through August 20, and returned after winners are announced in September. Good luck!
Adult “New guitar”
Best of Show “Contentedly...”
Steve Gallow Computer Operations Manager, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Kim McAlear Temporary Service Technician, Plant Breeding and Genetics
Photo Contest Label Name:__________________________________________________________ Campus/home address:__________________________________________ Campus/home phone:___________________________________________ Email address:___________________________________________________ Category entered:_______________________________________________ Photo title:______________________________________________________ Do you have an electronic/digital copy of this image: yes or no Send to: Valerie McMillen, Contest Coordinator, 353 Pine Tree Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850. (Please fill out one label for EACH photograph submitted.)
Structures “Ferris wheel @ Darien Lake”
Clay Baillo
Accounts Representative, Campus Life