April 27, 2017 (Thursday)
In the fall of 1997, Wanda and I took a trip to the northeast to see the fall foliage. After visiting Vermont, we went to Niagara Falls. Then we drove south between two of the Finger Lakes, passing many vineyards, to arrive at Ithaca, New York, where we spent the night. As we arrived at that small city, I was deeply impressed with the natural beauty of the area. Cornell University is located there. Here is a picture of their campus, situated in Ithaca, within sight of beautiful Cayuga Lake.
It must be a wonderful experience to become a part of that student body at such a beautiful location.
The university was founded by Ezra Cornell, who worked for Samuel F. B. Morse. He designed a method of using glass insulators to string telegraph wires on poles. Paid in stock, he became a very wealthy man, owning most of Western Union. He wanted to do something good for the world with his money, so he gave much of it to establish Cornell University in 1865.
Today the research university has 21,904 students, 1648 professors, and is ranked Number 6 among the great universities. Cornell awarded the world’s first degree in journalism, the nation’s first degree in veterinary medicine, and the first doctorates in electrical and industrial engineering. The institution boasts of having produced 45 Nobel Laureates.
The countryside of Ithaca is gorgeous, with waterfalls, canyons and granite cliffs, along with uncounted acres of magnificent trees and foliage.
Just spending the night there, nearly 20 years ago, made me thankful for this wonderful country where we all live. America, America, God shed His grace on Thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.