Bursar of Two State Colleges [George W. Parker] to End 28 Years of Service
The Ithaca Journal, Dec 4 1940, P. 5, Col. 2.
'Announcement has been made of the coming retirement, on Jan, 1, of George W. Parker from the position of bursar of the State Colleges of Agriculture and Home Economics at Cornell University.
Mr. Parker has been associated with Cornell University for more than 28 years, and has had charge of the business office of the two state colleges during that time. Prior to this he was connected with the First National Bank of Ithaca.
--Saw Growth of Colleges--
Since he entered the service of Cornell in 1912 during the administration of Dr. L. H. Bailey, Mr. Parker has served under six administrations and has been intimately associated with the state institutions from their early days of rapid expansion when they were housed in Roberts Hall, the first college building, and when they had an appropriation for maintenance of only $25,000, to the present large development, housed in 15 or more major buildings which represent an investment of close to five million, and an annual operating expense of more than three and a half million dollars.
The growth of the institution is illustrated by the fact that in 1912 Mr. Parker had two clerks to assist him in the college business office, whereas the business staff now includes 15 clerical assistants.
Two members of this office force, John G. Gudmundsen and Miss Ruth W. Burns, have been associated with Mr Parker in this work for more than 20 years.
--Ladd Pays Tribute--
Dean Carl E. Ladd in a letter to Mr. Parker on his retirement says: "At this time I want to have the opportunity to say how much I appreciate the fine loyal, honest, untiring effort that you have given to your work all through these many years. In my position as dean it is absolutely necessary for me to have figures that are entirely reliable. I have had entire confidence in every detail of the work which you have done or supervised, and that confidence has only been strengthened with the passing of the years. When I have had to go before various budget conferences in Albany, the reliability of your figures has always been a tremendous help and a firm and substantial platform on which I could stand without hesitation of any sort. You are to be congratulated, too, on the loyalty and industry of the staff which you have selected and trained. They are a fine group and I am proud of them as members of the staff of this institution.
--Services Appreciated--
"Let me express to you my very deep appreciation for all that you have done to serve Cornell University, and through these institutions, all the people of the State of New York. Those who have been closest to your work know, appreciate, and are grateful for the contribution you have made in this field." A letter from the former dean of the Colleges, and former provost of the University, A. P. Mann, when Dr. Ladd told him of Mr. Parker's retirement, contained these words: "You have carried on ably and effectively through many years, and the Colleges and the state are heavily indebted to you."
Other staff members and University officials have joined in these tributes to Mr. Parker's work. One said, "Mr. Parker will be missed from his accustomed post, not only because of the things he has done but because of the ideals he represented."
--Readiness to Aid Cited--
Another pointed out that while Mr. Parker's work did not bring him into contact with the students and not often with members of the faculty, he was always ready to aid the heads of departments as to the correct procedures in keeping track of the fiscal requirements of the state. In this, he always showed himself to be helpful, sympathetic, and understanding as to their problems.
Mr. Parker plans to visit friends in Vermont, and expects to live in the Green Mountain State, after some time devoted to travel, which will include a trip to the Pacific Coast this winter.
Mr. Parker's successor is Arthur H, Peterson, formerly of Hartford, Conn. Mr. Peterson comes to the college with a large experience in office management. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and holds an advanced degree from Cornell University.'