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Cornell University

Office of the Dean of Faculty

Connecting & Empowering Faculty

Faculty Memorial Statements

Calm autumn scene of a Cornell building with a statue of Ezra Cornell in the foreground.

History

Since 1873, the University Faculty has always followed the practice of preparing a memorial statement upon the death of one of its members. Statements are prepared by a committee, of the deceased’s colleagues, selected by their department chair.

Preparation Guide

Guidelines

  • 500 to 1500 words in length.
  • Include the deceased’s title in the first paragraph (ex: Dr. or Professor). After that you may use a pronoun, first name, or title.
  • Include the deceased’s date of birth and the date of their passing.
  • Note if Emeritus or Emerita.
  • Include the names of the memorial statement committee members.
  • If including web links, include the full URL.
  • Statements will be formatted/edited for continuity.

Materials to Submit

  1. Microsoft Word doc of the memorial statement.
  2. High-resolution photo (jpg/jpeg) of the deceased, as an email attachment.
  3. List of family members’ mailing addresses.
  4. List of committee members’ campus addresses.

Due Date

All materials are due by September 15, 2025.

Books are printed and distributed in the fall semester, so families of the deceased receive books in time for their Thanksgiving gatherings.

The fall 2025 book will include those who passed away July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025.

Where to Send

Send Materials/Questions to C.A. Shugarts.

View Memorials

The archive of the University Faculty Memorial Statements is maintained by the Cornell University Library on eCommons. The most recent memorials can be viewed here.

Request A Printed Book

Email C.A. Shugarts with your name and mailing address.