Geezerhood Encounters Beyond the Ski Slope

     I am a retired Cornell academic with Professor Emeritus status, an identification that I have had now for over 30 years.  I have maintained  connection with Cornell University in several different ways over the years by voluntarily advising undergraduates in my field of agricultural engineering both about their studies and with special projects. More recently my active connection has slowed. In fact, when Covid hit my last advisees graduated which ended that gig. Also, as I moved along into late geezer-hood it was time for me to gracefully exit significant involvement.  However, some perks still remain at Cornell including a shared office if I wish to use it and opportunities to provide advice and associate with old colleagues.  

    Last week was one of those opportunities.  Annually the Dean of Engineering at Cornell hosts a luncheon for the Engineering Emeritus group, a free luncheon at the Cornell Statler Hotel. A gourmet level lunch with premium service by the Dean and the hotel staff was provided.  I certainly felt like I was getting VIP treatment. Beyond the lunch,  we were given a comprehensive view of the status of the college and the exciting initiatives being launched.  We had an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.  It is nice to feel like we continued be relevant well into geezer-hood. 

    Perhaps one of the greatest personal benefit of attending, was getting to see previous colleagues all in one place. Probably after 30 years of retirement I was one of the oldest, if not the oldest attendee.  All in all the group probable average 80 plus years old if not older.  I enjoyed pleasant exchanges with my nearer contemporaries and a few recent retirees too. As a group I found them to be remarkably active in many different ways both physically and mentally.  There were a few canes in use and many of us shared some of our aches and pains, but overall we are a pretty happy well-adjusted bunch.   Perhaps we are not so different from a group of geezer skiers who maintain a vigorous social, mental and physical existence.

Image above is from the 2024 gathering.  I am third from the left in the first row.  I can't believe I wore a tie!  Not so this year. When I get this year's photo I will edit the blog to insert it.