ITHACA, N.Y. — Roger J. Weiss '61, the first individual to endow a college football coaching position and one of the top benefactors in Cornell Athletics history, died this past Monday. Weiss was 85.
Read full obituary from the New York Times
"Roger Weiss was a pioneer and a philanthropist who reveled in the life-changing experience Cornell provided him, and later the generations of student-athletes, coaches and staff who benefited from the support he provided," said Dr. Nicki Moore, the Meakem & Smith Director of Athletics & Physical Education. "His passion and pride in Big Red football continued throughout his life was unmatched. Roger loved Cornell and Cornell football in equal measure, and both will deeply miss him."
Weiss became the first person in college football history to endow a head coach's position back in 1982. He helped finance a cable deal between the Ivy League and Sports-Channel America when ESPN did not renew Ivy football in 1991. The deal had a twist though, which further showed his love for the Big Red. Weiss secured broadcasting rights for only Cornell's seven Ivy League games. In addition to the broadcast deal and endowment, the press box lounge which overlooks Schoellkopf Field also bears his name.
For more than three decades, Weiss was a staple on the Big Red sidelines, witnessing, and subsequently celebrating, Cornell football's 1988 and 1990 Ivy League Championships. His support for Big Red football knew no bounds, and yet his generosity extended beyond the football program.
"Roger Weiss was more than just a supporter of Cornell Football; he was an institution," said Dan Swanstrom, the Roger J. Weiss '61 Head Coach of Cornell Football. "Since my appointment as head coach in December, Roger and I spoke weekly, forging a meaningful friendship. His passion for the program and unwavering support were truly inspiring. Roger's passing is a tremendous loss for all of us, and he will be deeply missed."
Beyond the realm of athletics, Weiss served on the Cornell University Board of Trustees from 1988 to 2000 and later was named an Emeritus Trustee and Presidential Councilor, the highest honor the university can bestow upon an alumnus. He was elected to the Cornell Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
As a member of the Board and a generous benefactor, he was one of the most effective alumni advocates for the Department of Athletics & Physical Education. Over the years, he also counseled and assisted many former Big Red athletes as they moved through their careers beyond Cornell. Some of those individuals even had the opportunity to begin careers in the financial industry as interns at the investment firm of Weiss Peck & Greer.
Roger is survived by his wife, Caren, to whom he was married for 53 years; son Gregory, his wife Rachel and their children Jack and Alexis; stepdaughter Robin Benerofe, her husband Steve; stepdaughter Wendy Gordon, her husband Keith and their children Nicholas, Carey and Jacob; and seven nieces and nephews and their families.
