Two graduates of the College of Engineering, Harry Bovay and Edward Butler, were among nine distinguished Cornell alumni selected to receive 2004 Frank H.T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Awards, recognizing their outstanding long-term service to Cornell volunteer activities within the broad spectrum of the university’s various alumni organizations.

The recipients of the award, established in 1994 in the name of President Emeritus Frank H.T. Rhodes are: Eleanor S. Applewhaite ’59; Harry E. Bovay Jr. ’36; Edward M. Butler ’63, and Nancy T. Butler ’64; Emmett W. MacCorkle III ’64 and Carol Britton MacCorkle ’64; Josephine Mills Reis ’29 and L. Sanford Reis ’29; and Irene H.S. So ’61. The award winners were honored in October, during a Homecoming Weekend dinner and reception.

Harry E. Bovay Jr. became an enthusiastic alumni leader in the 1950s when he stepped into the role of “Mr. Cornell” in Texas. A prominent citizen of Houston, he played an effective leadership role in developing and sustaining the visibility and prominence of Cornell, recruiting top students and raising funds for Cornell for many years. He was the driving force for establishing a chair and supporting program on the history and ethics of professional engineering at Cornell. In addition, he is a life member of the Cornell University Council and the Cornell Engineering Alumni Association. He is the Class of ’36 major gifts chair and Cornell Fund representative. Bovay is former president of the Cornell Alumni Association of Greater Houston and was a member of the planned giving committee, the Engineering College campaign committee, and the Houston city campaign committee for each of the past three university campaigns.

Edward M. Butler was honored together with his wife, Nancy T. Butler: The Butlers’ enthusiasm and generosity of spirit have significantly advanced Cornell’s mission through an impressive range of organizations. A 14-year member of the Cornell University Council, Nancy Butler most recently served as vice chair of the administrative board and as chair of both the student and academic services committee and the membership committee. Ed Butler has served for 13 years on the University Council, chairing the admissions and financial aid committee from 1993 to 1996 and serving on the technology transfer committee and the career advising committee. He was a member of the alumni-in-residence steering committee and was a member of the Cornell Alumni Association board of directors. He currently is president of the Class of ’63 and co-president of the Cornell Club of Monmouth/Ocean Counties (N.J.), which he co-founded in 1983.

—Cornell News Service