Cornell College gets $25,000 gift

MOUNT VERNON -- Syndey Smith Hicks, a 1969 Cornell College graduate, has pledged $25,000 for the Career Center in The Commons, in honor of her parents, David W. and Elizabeth A. Smith.

The Commons opened during the spring of Hicks' freshman year at Cornell. Before that, students ate in one of two residence halls, separating the student body in half. 

“It was an eye opener for everyone,” Hicks said, “because we had a chance to mingle with people from across campus."

Students spend part of nearly every day in The Commons, eating, having class, attending lectures or hanging out with friends. Peter Wilch, vice president for Alumni and College Advancement, said the gift demonstrates the continued importance of The Commons today. 

Hicks began her career at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, became a chief economist at a commercial bank, and for the last 15 years has been in technology companies, now serving as executive chairman of the board of DeviceFidelity, Inc.  She received her bachelor's degree in economics from Cornell, and master's and doctoral degrees in economics from Washington University in St. Louis.

The Commons $13.2 million renovation and expansion will increase the building size by 28 percent to accommodate enrollment growth and modern student life activities. The plans call for changes to the building's upper-level entryway, along with a two-story addition on the back. A spacious entry, a new career services center, and a larger and more prominent bookstore will greet visitors.