I graduated Cornell in 1982, but it was Frank H.T. Rhodes' words from his 1987 commencement speech that I remember most: "I hope that zest for living, and for giving yourself to others, will accompany you on the continuing journey. For if you mortgage all your todays for some vague and gossamer tomorrow, you may find, in the end, that life's greatest joys and satisfactions have eluded you. As you continue life's journey, I encourage you to ride more merry-go-rounds and eat more ice cream. That does not mean a life of hedonism, but it does mean a life lived in the present, which is the only time we have." I was a serious student, and now feel I should have explored more of my surroundings and availed myself more to the resources at Cornell. Frank Rhodes created programs and opportunities for his students, and I benefitted unknowingly. I've written about Cornell here . and how I worked with Penny Rhodes one summer at Uris Library, albeit unknowingly
"It's up to you to save the world. Our generation messed up." said an older person to no one in particular. I graduated in 1982 with a degree in Chemistry. As is tradition at Cornell, there were no hired inspirational speakers. The send-off was given -- more appropriately, I think -- by the then university president Frank H.T. Rhodes. The economy was in rough shape, but President Rhodes nevertheless emphasized the importance of setting great goals and finding meaning in service and leadership. I found a portion of his speech in the NY Times . My graduating class had 4,200 students, and President Rhodes was a distant figure. Yet, we were separated by one degree. One summer, I had a job at Uris Library doing general inventory, cataloging, and shelving. I learned this library was steward to a very special collection: all the issues, from number one with Marilyn Monroe on the cover, to the present, of Playboy Magazine. I got the plumb assignment of checking