Cornell College 2023 Homecoming Convocation Address by Bishop Jack Lumanog

The 2023 Homecoming Convocation at Cornell College was a profoundly meaningful event for Jack Lumanog, marking his final act as President of the Alumni Board. Reflecting on cherished memories and the institution’s impact, he expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the ceremony’s success and reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to Cornell’s mission.

Jack Lumanog

As I write this, my heart is filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and nostalgia. The 2023 Homecoming Convocation, held at our beloved alma mater, was not merely an event but a profound experience for me that has left an indelible mark in my heart. It was a privilege and honor to preside over this momentous occasion, marking my last official act as the President of the Alumni Board of Directors for the Alumni Association.

Cornell College holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I discovered my passion, nurtured my talents, and forged lifelong friendships. The spirit of Cornell – its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and personal growth – has shaped me into the person I am today. Serving as the President of the Alumni Board of Directors has been a tremendous responsibility, but it has also been a labor of love. It has allowed me to give back to an institution that has given me so much and to connect with fellow alumni who share my deep affection for Cornell.

The Homecoming Convocation was a celebration of our shared heritage and the enduring values that define us as Cornellians. It was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, tears, and moments of profound reflection. Seeing familiar faces from years gone by and meeting the next generation of Cornellians filled me with hope and optimism for the future.

As I presided over the Convocation, I was reminded of the words of our alma mater:

“When from thee we’re far away,
tears of mem’ry dim our eyes,
as loved scenes before them rise,
then we’ll sing and then we’ll say:
Cornell greater be thy name.”

“Cornell, Greater Be Thy name”
Jennie Francis Cook (Class of 1910) and T. Stanley Skinner
“When from thee we’re far away,
tears of mem’ry dim our eyes,
as loved scenes before them rise,
then we’ll sing and then we’ll say:
Cornell greater be thy name.”
– “Cornell, Greater Be Thy name”
Jennie Francis Cook (Class of 1910) and T. Stanley Skinner

In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, our beloved Hilltop remains a sanctuary of learning and enlightenment. It is a place where students are encouraged to question, explore, and grow, and where alumni are inspired to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

While my tenure as the President of the Alumni Board of Directors may be coming to an end, my commitment to Cornell College and its mission remains unwavering. I am excited to see where the next chapter of the Alumni Association’s journey will take us and look forward to supporting its future endeavors as a proud member of the Cornell community.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who made the 2023 Homecoming Convocation a resounding success. To President Jonathan Brand, our amazing Alumni Office, Alumni Board colleagues, organizers, volunteers and attendees – thank you for your passion, dedication, and love for Cornell College. As I step down from my role as President of the Alumni Board of Directors, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit renewed by the enduring legacy of our alma mater.

Until we meet again on the Hilltop,

Jack Lumanog ’96

The Right Rev. Dr. Jon I. “Jack” Lumanog is an Anglican Bishop in good standing with the Apostolic Communion of Anglican Churches and the leader of The Anglican Diocese of St. Ignatius Loyola, overseeing clergy and congregations in the United States, South Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia. A pastor and evangelist at heart, Dr. Jack Lumanog has planted, revitalized and led churches, traveling extensively around the world to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He served as a denominational leader for eight years, providing executive-level oversight for more than 1,000 congregations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Dr. Lumanog is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in Management at Harvard University through the Harvard Extension School. He is an accomplished corporate strategist with extensive experience leading high-impact clinical projects for a Fortune 20 healthcare company.