George Bantuvanis ’51, Longtime CHS Treasurer, Dies

George Bantuvanis ’51, a dear friend of SHA and the Cornell Hotel Society, died of congestive heart failure March 31 at his home in Ithaca. His work at the school included serving as administrator of special projects, instructor for executive education summer programs, and acting general manager of the Statler Inn. For many years he was historian of CHS and the CHS Foundation and, for the past 15 years, he was CHS treasurer.

Mark Birtha ’94, president, Cornell Hotel Society 2011: “Ever since I graduated, George Bantuvanis’s name has been synonymous to me with the Cornell Hotel Society. Each dues letter and Society update always listed him as treasurer, and he became legendary to me. I had the pleasure of meeting him years ago, and he became an advisor to me when I assumed my leadership positions. His dedication and passion for the Society, the School of Hotel Administration, and all things Cornell were unrivaled. More importantly, I got to know both George and Ann personally, and I can easily say they are the most gracious and giving people who truly love Cornell and everything about it. We will miss George as a good supporter of the Society, and, more importantly, as a great friend.”

Rocco Angelo ’58, former CHS president: “We have lost a pillar of the CHS and the school, and I have lost a friend.”

Dick Kennedy ’56, former CHS president: “George was himself an institution! He was not only one of my best Cornell friends but the connection for so many of us to the rich history of the School of Hotel Administration. He knew so many people and always knew what was going on at the school.”

Jay Treadwell ’61, former CHS president: “George was a true giant for the whole Cornell community and the Society and Foundation in particular. He really will have left a hole at this coming HEC. Ann’s and his hospitality, the dinners they worked so hard on all these years, and George’s wonderful guidance will surely never be forgotten.”
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If you would like to send a card to George’s wife, Ann, the mailing address is:

Mrs. Ann Bantuvanis
203 Ithaca Road
Ithaca, New York 14850

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s memory to the Cornell Hotel Society Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made payable to “Cornell University” and sent care of Christine Natsios, Cornell University, 174 Statler Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853. Donations can also be made to St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 120 W. Seneca Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.