The top stories In 2006 were the inauguration of David J. Skorton as Cornell's 12th president on Sept. 7 and the announcement the university's $4 billion campaign.

Among visitors to the university during the year were former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and N.Y. gubernatorial candidate -- soon-to-be governor -- Eliot Spitzer. In research, scientists in Ithaca and at Weill Cornell announced the discovery of a protein "bar code" that could lead to diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Textiles researchers are developing a biodegradable wipe that could quickly detect disease pathogens, from avian flu virus to E. coli. And Rovers Spirit and Opportunity are still at work on Mars. Cornell students continue to reach out: With rebuilding efforts in New Orleans' 9th Ward, in Costa Rica, where the Cornell Winds visited schools, and in Tanzania and Afghanistan.

Enjoy this look back at a few of Cornell's accomplishments, events, research and outreach efforts, and have a healthy, happy new year.

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