Cornell University Athletics

He was co-captain of the freshman football team in 1947 and played on the varsity football team from 1948 to 1950. His excellent play at tackle helped Cornell to 8-1 records and unofficial Ivy League titles in 1948 and 1949 and a 7-2 mark in 1950. After graduating in 1951 and serving two years in the U.S. Army, Ramin spent 41 years working for Cornell. In a quiet and personable way, he bound together generations of Cornellians. He joined the Cornell administration in 1954 as alumni field secretary and then served as assistant director of admissions from 1956 to 1959. After serving as associate director of development from 1959 to 1964, he became director of development and served in that position for six years, during which time the University mounted its record-setting Centennial Fund campaign. In 1970, Ramin became assistant vice president for public affairs, and in 1971, vice president for public affairs with responsibilities encompassing fundraising, publications and alumni liaison. He spearheaded Cornell's $1.507 billion capital campaign, which began in 1991 and concluded in 1995. At the time, it was the most successful capital campaign in the history of higher education. He was a native of Williamsport, Pa., and made his home in Ithaca prior to his death in May 1995.  Former Cornell president Frank Rhodes said at the time of Ramin's death in May 1995, [quote]Cornell has never had a more devoted alumnus nor a more steadfast friend than Dick Ramin.[quote] (In '99, the HOF selection committee voted to move Ramin's nomination to the special category.)