Mary Maxon Grainger - The Woman Who Makes Cornell and Ithaca Better Every Day

Mary Maxon Grainger ’79 has spent her life showing up for the people and places she cares about most. From leading alumni groups to mentoring women to advocating for girls’ hockey, she’s made an impact that stretches across Cornell and the Ithaca community.In this episode, Mary shares how a gregarious first-year student in Baker Tower became a lifelong connector, volunteer, and leader. Her story is thoughtful, honest, and full of the kind of perspective you can only get from decades of service.Over the years, Mary’s dedication has been recognized with numerous honors, including, brace yourselves:Frank H.T. Rhodes Award for Exemplary Alumni ServiceAAUW Title IX ChampionCornell Tradition’s Debra S. Newman Community Recognition AwardWomen of Excellence, Girl Scouts Seven Lakes CouncilAFP Volunteer Fundraiser of the YearAgda Osborn Award, Family and Children’s ServiceWomen Making History Award, City Federation of Women’s OrganizationsMegan Shull Award, Tompkins Girls Hockey AssociationTompkins Trust Company Award for ExcellenceWe love her a little extra because she is also a sorority sister of ours who just helped plant a beautiful garden in remembrance of sisters who are no longer with us.Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University