a g u y a CCollegian THE
Cayuga Community College’s Only Student Newspaper
Vol. 53 Issue 5 February 28, 2005
The Legend Lives On... -Josh Cradduck, Editor-in-chief There are very few people in the teaching profession that, when their name is mentioned, words such as “legend” or “revered” follow. However, there was one man close to us all who fit the bill to perfection. . .the late Mr. Robert Brunell. There are also very few people who meet the dreams and goals of their child-
1954 would be the beginning of a grand era for Cayuga Community College, which at that time was known as Auburn Community College. He would join the language department and would later become the chairman. However, his position was not limited to just the English language, as he would teach German, French (his specialty), and Spanish. Such roles may have tired out other teachers, but not Professor Brunell. He would later serve on a number of boards and become the Dean of Students. Advising the Cayuga Collegian newspaper, the Nainrubua yearbook, Phi-Theta Kappa and the student-run school government were also things Professor Brunell enjoyed. Awards were certainly not anythin new to Professor Brunell, as he rec ived countless amounts year after year for his incomparable teaching skills. Most notably, he was presented the award for New York State’s Most Outstanding Older Worker by former first lady, Senator Hillary Clinton in 2003. Others include: the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service in 2004 (also in 1974) and the Alumni Outstanding Educator Award from Colby College in 2003.
Professor Brunell hood, later in life. . .We all, at some point in our childhood, dream of becoming lawyers, astronauts, teachers or doctors. Clearly, at some point we begin to realize that the goals set by our young minds were too outlandish and impossible. Once again, such is not the case with Professor Brunell. At the age of six, he was asked what he wanted to do with his life. His response? According to an interview he conducted with ExperienceWorks.org teaching. Not even he could imagine what would become of his dream. Born June 5, 1922 in Massachusetts, Professor Brunell attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine during the start of World War II. He would become involved in the war as a French Interpreter for U.S. Army Intelligence, and kept the position for three years. Professor Brunell would later return to Waterville’s Colby College in 1947 and earn his bachelors degree in Foreign Language and English. Later that year, he would receive a French Consulate award and begin his career at Little Falls Central School. His educational journey would continue when he received his Master’s degree from Middlebury College in Vermont in 1949. He went on to Syracuse University to study and decided to make Central New York the base for his career, as he taught at SUNY Oswego for 2 years. His next position, of course, would be his last and certainly most spectacular.
Throughout all of his accomplishments, Professor Brunell remained down to Earth with his students, using his straightforward and somewhat intimidating teaching style until his final days. Never shy to use his natural wit in class, he knew when to let up on the work and inject a little life into a subject that would usually bore students. Long and tenuous essays were the norm in his classes, yet most felt compelled to try their best, as he enjoyed reading students’ work in front of the class. Upon initial inspection, newer students would see nothing more than an old man sitting with his legs crossed in a yellow chair in front of the chalkboard, with messy white hair, an oldstyle suit, and the occasional large glasses. They would wonder when the class would end and feel the urge to escape through the doors the moment he released you. Clearly, upon further inspection, he wasn’t just the old man sitting in the yellow chair – he was a legend in his own time. A great and classy gentleman that we wish was around for one more conversation. The classes of 2005 and 2006 still have papers to write for him. . .for he is the standard which all followers will be held to. The legend does, indeed, live on. . .
A guest book is set up in the hallway of CCC for people to leave their goodbyes and memories of Professor Brunell.
Remembering Prof. Brunell -Melissa Gauss, staff writer Just one semester into his 50th year at Cayuga Comunity College, beloved Professor Robert Brunell passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2004. It is obvious how many lives he touched not only by the somber mood around school but the loving thoughts and memories that were written in his memorial book that was in the lobby. ‘You’ve taught me so much and inspired me to make the most of my life,’ was just one of the comments written in his memorial tribute book. Asking a fellow student, who would like to remain anonymous, what it was if anything she got out of one of his classes she said “He was the man, he was just awesome. His appreciation for the written word and the visual arts just made you want to learn.”
of student’s lives, and serve his country, he also touched the lives of those throughout the community. His passion for music led him to be an accomplished musician. He played the organ for St. Lukes, and was not only the moving force of the K of C but also the Director for over 30 years. He also did the music for the Seward House for nearly 30 years. Brunell did near 20 performances a year at the area nursing homes and came to be known as ‘Mr. Cayuga Comunity College’ to the residents. “He touched many lives throughout the Community. Whenever he was called upon or needed he would drop what ever it was he was doing and lend a hand,” said friend Townsend. From Benefits to singing telegrams he was there.
Not only was he an extraordinary professor, Brunell, born in Gardner, Massachusetts on June 5, 1922, was also a WWII veteran. For three years Brunell was part of the U.S. Army intelligence as a French interpreter. He also taught French to the army troops, participated in the DDay invasion, and in the Battle of the Bulge. “He was a staunch American and Proud Veteran,” said his good friend Linda Townsend. He kept his deep feelings for his country throughout his life. He would spend every summer in Vermont where he proudly drove his flag adorned car in the July parade. Though having such a great love for his country after 9/11 he was left with a heavy heart believing that our nation was not ready to deal with the threat of terrorism.
Not just an accomplished musician, Brunell was also an avid reader and very well read. He could do a New York Times crossword puzzle in three to four minutes. His love of books was something that he wanted to share with future generations. It was that love that led him to donate his private collection to the newly renovated Port Byron library.
Not only did Brunell touch thousands
Apart from the community and the college Brunell was also a family man. He was predeceased in 1980 by his wife, Catherine Clark Brunell. He is survived by his two children, son Lee H. Brunell, daughter, Reverend Martha Brunell, and four grandchildren. Touching lives of many people Robert Brunell will be greatly missed by young and old alike.