In January of 2005, the Cornell Association of Class Officers established the William “Bill” Vanneman ’31 Outstanding Class Leader Award to recognize Cornell alumni who, in their capacity as class officers, have provided long-term exemplary service to their individual classes. The award is appropriately named in honor of Bill Vanneman ’31, who served his class tirelessly for over 75 years.

Alumni are eligible for nomination after they have celebrated their 40th Reunion (classes of 1951-1985) and are selected solely on the basis of their contributions as class officers. Recipients of the Frank H. T. Rhodes Award and alumni who have served as University Trustees are not eligible for consideration.

2026 Recipient

Daniel Mansoor ’79, MBA ’80 

Dan Mansoor ’79 MBA ’80 has dedicated over 40 years of tireless volunteer service to the class of 1979, holding numerous roles including President, Treasurer, Annual Fund Rep, Class Council member, and Reunion Campaign Co-chair. His commitment has made a lasting impact on his classmates and the broader Cornell community.

In 1999, Dan created the Class of 1979 Memorial Scholarship to honor classmates who have passed away. Each year, he pens a heartfelt and inspiring appeal letter to the full class, instrumental in growing the scholarship fund to nearly $700,000, making it one of Cornell’s largest class scholarships.

Dan played a key role in developing the idea for the Class of 1979 Distinguished Classmates program, which recognized classmates at the 25th, 30th, 35th, and 40^th Reunions for their notable professional achievements. The program not only identified and celebrated the accomplishments of his peers in a wide variety of fields, but also strengthened class connections.

Beyond his service to the class of 1979, Dan is a life member of Cornell University Council, and has been a volunteer for the Johnson School Class of 1980, Sigma Phi Society, and served as president for the Cornell Club of Northeastern Ohio. He has provided informal counsel to the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement and the Office of Student and Campus Life.

Dan’s passion for Cornell extends to the Ithaca community. Sharing his professional and personal expertise in fundraising and development, his proposal to community leaders led to the establishment of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County in 2000 – now a vital philanthropic institution with assets of nearly $30 million.

Cornell is a family affair for Dan. In addition to his sister Yardena Mansoor ’74, he shares his love for the Big Red with his late wife, Joyce Rothschild ’80, and daughters, Jesse ’19 and Emma ’23.

Known as the consummate connector, Dan regularly brings together Cornell classmates, students, parents, faculty, and alumni. From facilitating introductions to collecting updated contact information and finding lost classmates, his efforts have strengthened the Cornell community. In the words of his fellow class officers, “It’s hard to imagine too many other Cornellians who eat and breathe carnelian red and white like Dan.”

Past Recipients

2025 Larry Krablin ’69 and Nancy Jenkins Krablin ’69
2024 Paula Laholt ’63
2023 Martha Clark Mapes ’48, MS ’49
2022 Linda Jarschauer Johnson ’60, MS ’63
2021 Richard Hoffman ’67
2020 Dick Haggard ’58, PhD ’65 & Connie Haggard ’58
2019 Paul Blanchard ’52
2018 Chuck Hunt ’58
2017  Marshall Frank ’61 & Rosanna Frank ’61
2016  Jean Pearson ’48
2015  Stanley Rodwin ’50
2014  Shigeo “Shig” Kondo ’43
2013  Robert “Bob” Persons ’48
2012  Jack and Inger Gilbert ’49
2011  Jane Hardy ’53
2010  Peter D. Schwarz ’47
2009  S. Miller Harris ’43
2008  Edward Shineman ’37
2007  William & Elsie Doolittle ’38
2006  James C. Hanchett ’53
2005  William “Bill” Vanneman ’31