Cornell University Athletics

Both members of the Class of 1948, they made a gift of October of 2000 that will impact Big Red athletics for generations to come. Their $15 million unrestricted gift to endowment was the largest ever given to the Department of Athletics and Physical Education. In addition, they allowed the University to use this gift as a challenge that resulted in the department receiving a number of other very significant gifts. Their son Philip ’71, who was a swimmer at Cornell, made a gift in 1998 to endow the head swimming coach’s position. Hank and Nancy made a commitment to give Cornell rowing a racing shell every five years for the next 50 years, and they also provide a generous annual gift to fund the Bartels Director’s Discretionary Fund. This fund allows the director to use the gift wherever it will have the biggest impact on the undergraduates who participate in the department’s programs. Hank flew carrier-based dive-bombers in World War II before coming to Cornell where hew as a lightweight rower. In addition to the Bartels’ many gifts to Cornell athletics, they have made many generous gifts to other areas as the University. Nancy is a life member of Cornell University Council, and Hank was recently elected a Presidential Councillor, the highest honor the University can bestow alumni. The Bartels live in North Haven, Conn.