On April 24, 2026, the Kenyon community gathered to celebrate the life of visionary architect Graham Gund ’63 H’81. The following remarks were given by Kenyon College President Julie Kornfeld.
It is my deep privilege to be here today, on behalf of Kenyon College and past presidents Rob Oden, Georgia Nugent and Sean Decatur, each of whom had their own relationship with Graham. As you have heard so beautifully already, Graham’s reverent vision and expansive generosity have shaped Kenyon’s campus and the experiences of thousands of students for decades. It is truly nothing short of awesome.
My thanks to Jeff, Daisy, Paul, Mark and David for generously sharing their own reflections about Graham, and to Delaney and Grace for conveying just some of how his work shaped not only this place, but our students’ time here.
Truly, Graham’s legacy at Kenyon looms large, despite, as has been noted, his soft-spoken, unassuming nature.
Coming to Kenyon three years ago as president, I was very aware that I was joining a proud tradition — many of them, in fact. Writing and swimming, to be sure, but also achievement in the sciences and the arts and where they intersect: the natural world around us. This beauty, the specialness of this place, and appreciation for it, is among our proudest traditions and one in which, as we celebrate today, Graham played a singular role.
Of course, as Paul reminded us, this aesthetic achievement is no accident. Graham’s eye was always keenly focused on allowing others to see the wonder and delight he did. As David noted, he also made a point of working art into each of his buildings and he shared spaces and artworks by putting their best facade forward.
In Chalmers, for me, it is the art glass in the atrium ceiling. Every time I walk through the library on a beautiful sunny day and the colors dance around, I feel like Graham is smiling at me. When we first met, he took the time to explain to me what he wanted our community to experience as they spent time in Chalmer and I think of his vision every time I am there.
To Graham, every detail was important. I lost track of the number of times we would be in the middle of discussing some other topic and Graham would bring up a small detail from campus that he had an idea for. He was always thinking, always visioning the next project.
I cannot tell you how valuable it is, as the president of a college, to benefit from the vision — and investment — of someone like Graham, although there truly is no one like him.
As was made clear so well today, Graham was much more than a supporter of Kenyon and the arts, he burnished our legacy and traditions by creating structures and spaces that have and will continue to allow Kenyon to grow and evolve.
I am so grateful that I was able to walk this campus with him and learn about it from the person who knew it best. My time with him was too brief but I am so very grateful for it.
As Daisy said so well: “attention is a form of generosity.” And in this and many other ways, Graham was extraordinarily generous.
In his last visit to campus, Graham took time to lead a tour of Thomas Hall for members of the board, students and other alumni. He explained, with a light in his eyes, so many thoughtful elements that were beautifully integrated into the building. The stained glass, the wood ceilings and window seats to add warmth, the stairwells placed intentionally on the ends, so as not to break up the community within. What an incredible privilege to experience a space with the person who conceived it.
Graham cared about Kenyon in a way you – we – can literally see all around you.
You’ve heard the word “vision” frequently this morning for good reason. He had foresight, intentionality and respect for this canvas. He saw the heart of Kenyon and wanted others to as well, to experience all it has to offer. He paid attention. He invited others to join him.
One of Graham’s biggest gifts to Kenyon was in helping all of us see what he did, realizing the promise of this college on a hill, centered around its Middle Path…. I am so grateful to have seen Kenyon through Graham’s eyes, and to have the honor of continuing to realize his vision.
Thank you for being here to help us celebrate it.
Now, please stand if you are able to join Doc Locke and the Chamber Singers in “Kokosing Farewell…”
As we conclude today, we have two exhibitions for you to explore. First, in the Gund gallery, student associates will lead tours of an exhibit of Gund’s work which they curated in the Buchwald-Wright Gallery in The Gund. The tours begin at 12:30 and 1 p.m.
You’ll also find an exhibit in the Bulmash gallery in Chalmers Library, the side closest to the Serra.
And finally, signs are up around campus noting his designs and gifts of public art. I invite you to take some time to explore and to reflect in your own time on the incredible life, work and legacy of Graham Gund.
Thank you.