On April 25, more than 2,000 Cornellians gathered at the historic Beacon Theatre in Manhattan to reconnect with one another, reminisce about Cornell, and celebrate one of the nation’s preeminent historians on American foreign policy. 

The highlight of the evening was a lecture by Professor Walter LaFeber, his final lecture before he retires in June from a 46-year teaching career in Cornell’s History Department.

With his trademark blend of drama and humor, Professor LaFeber discussed the modern history of American foreign policy and the expansion of democracy—a lecture delivered, as always, without the need for notes. Following the lecture, Cornell President Hunter Rawlings presented him with a collection of tributes written by friends, colleagues, and former students.