The good Cornellians can do: Jerry Elbaum ’61, JD ’64

When Jerry Elbaum '61, JD '64 retired from the practice of law 25 years ago, he turned his attention to his what he now sees as his life's work: CowParade. Jerry says that CowParade is "the world's largest public art event," with 103 events to date, mounted in 35 countries. These events have raised more than $50 million for non-profits like the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and for the local artists whose work is featured.

CowParade is literally a series of fiberglass cows that are custom painted by artists, from world renowned figures to local schoolchildren. There are three styles of cows: head up, head down, and reclining. To date, more than 10,000 artists have participated in creating 5,000+ unique, life-sized cows—and, according to the project website, more than 250 million people have viewed the cows in cities around the world.

“The cow is important to virtually every culture in the world, and is a unifying, universal symbol for artists and viewers to relate to everywhere,” Jerry observes. “At the age of 84, I am immensely proud of what CowParade has accomplished and of all of the good things it has done around the world.”

Cornellians around the globe are sharing how they do good in communities big and small. Share your own story.