Cornell's Livestock Pavilion was transformed into an authentic hoedown, as the Meinig family hosted a square dance and barbecue dinner for the Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars. President David Skorton, his wife, Professor Robin Davisson, and Dean of Students Kent Hubell also attended.

Robert Barker/University Photography

Peter Meinig, chairman of the Cornell Board of Trustees, second from right, takes to the dance floor with Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars, from left, Morgan Hale, Arun Swain, Rachel Barry and Jessica Dwinell, Oct. 17 at the Livestock Pavilion.

The square-dance event, which the Meinigs hosted once before in 2000, now will be held every four years so that Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars (approximately 200) can meet the Meinig family.

A buffet-style barbecue dinner, much of it provided by the Meinigs, preceded a round and square-dance demonstration and instruction and the dancing itself.

Meinig '61, chairman of the Cornell Board of Trustees, and his wife, Nancy '62, endowed the Cornell National Scholars Program in 1998, which was renamed the Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars Program. For this gift to Cornell, the Meinigs were joined by their daughters, Anne Meinig Smalling '87, Sally Meinig Snipes and Kathryn Meinig Geib, MBA '93, in supporting promising young students at Cornell. Anne and Kathy joined their parents in hosting the Oct. 17 event.

Each year, about 50 students who show exceptional leadership potential enter Cornell as Meinig scholars.