A portrait of Purcell is the centerpiece of this display in the Robert Purcell Community Center
Robert Purcell Community Center, Cornell University North Campus

Robert W. Purcell (1912–1991) was an American businessman and philanthropist, having served as financial advisor to the Rockefeller Family from 1955 to 1979 and as chairman of the board of trustees of Cornell University from 1968 to 1978.[1] During his tenure as Chair, two different Presidents, James A. Perkins and Dale Corson, resigned. However, his tenure as Chair also marked expanded minority enrollment, the founding of the Africana Studies and Research Center, and adding five student members to the Board of Trustees. Purcell also served on a number of corporate boards and had a noted role in Bendix Corporation's 1982 attempt to acquire Martin Marietta.[2]

Early life

Purcell was born in Watertown, New York in 1912. He graduated from Cornell University in 1932, being elected during his last year into the Sphinx Head Society. Purcell then graduated from the Cornell Law School in 1935.

The North Campus student union at Cornell, built in 1971, was named for Purcell in 1982.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Dear Uncle Ezra - Questions for Thursday, June 24, 2004 - Cornell University". Archived from the original on 2013-06-06. Retrieved 2006-09-19.
  2. ↑ Cunningham, Mary (May 1984). Powerplay: What Really Happened at Bendix. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-671-47563-0.
  3. ↑ "North Campus, Cornell". Ithacating in Cornell Heights. 25 June 2008. Retrieved 24 May 2018.


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