Robert Barker/University Photography

Cornell President Emeritus Hunter Rawlings addresses the board of trustees at the unveiling of his portrait May 27 in Duffield Hall. Rawlings thanked the artist, Steve Polson, "for doing such a wonderful job with such a difficult subject."

ITHACA, N.Y. -- When the black cloth came down and the dinner crowd at Duffield Hall got its first look at Hunter Rawlings' official presidential portrait, Cornell's 10th president, who stepped down in 2003, was pleased and gracious.

But surprised?

Well, no.

"I snuck in a few minutes early to get a look," he confessed.

Members of the Cornell University Board of Trustees gave Rawlings a standing ovation as the portrait by artist Steven Polson was unveiled Friday evening. Harold Tanner, chairman emeritus of the board, noted that Rawlings is the first Cornell classics professor to have an official portrait -- but added the distinction is richly deserved.

"In eight distinguished years as president of Cornell University, you renewed emphasis on undergraduate teaching, envisioned and implemented a new approach to undergraduate life, set in motion plans for the Life Sciences Initiative, renewed the strength of Weill [Cornell] Medical College . . . and served effectively around the world as ambassador for Cornell," Tanner said.

President Jeffrey Lehman and former presidents Dale Corson and his successor Frank H.T. Rhodes were on hand to celebrate the occasion, as was the artist. "Thank you," said Rawlings to Polson, "for doing such a wonderful job with such a difficult subject."

Polson, known for his classical style, has also painted New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (former secretary of energy and U.N. ambassador), the late Ron Brown (former secretary of commerce), Mickey Kantor (former U.S. trade representative), Christine Todd Whitman (former administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) and winery owners Ernest and Julio Gallo.

Rawlings' portrait will hang in Uris Library.