Goller surprised with 2023 Citizen of the Year Award
Dan Goller (center) was presented the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award June 17, during the Cornell Community Fair, by mayor Mark Larson (right) and former reading student Donovan Bera (left). Goller’s many previous and ongoing contributions to the community made him an obvious choice to receive the honor. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
Each year, Cornell mayor Mark Larson keeps his eyes open in the community, when he’s out and about. What he’s looking for, are people who give of their time to make the place they live better for everyone.
Larson keeps a running tab in his head of such a person and when the time for the annual Cornell Community Fair comes, he knows who to name as Citizen of the Year.
This year’s choice was an easy one to make, as the Cornell native donates not only handmade items for raffles, but also countless hours of his time to church and school functions, while serving on city boards.
“This individual is one of those citizens who took the next step,” said Donovan Bera, former student of the recipient. “This citizen was especially important to me personally, because he was a huge help teaching me how to read and write in the first grade.”
The person of whom Bera spoke, helped many students throughout his efforts in the Cornell School system and was always very patient. Although it came as a complete surprise to him, community members were ecstatic and in agreement that the 2023 Citizen of the Year, could only be Dan Goller.
“I really appreciate this a lot,” said Goller, who grew up, worked and raised a family in Cornell. “It’s always been good to me. I just enjoy people.”
Anyone who knows Goller, will tell you he goes above and beyond when he sets his mind to it, all with a smile on his face and a cheery wave.
“You see individuals like him that volunteer consistently, time and time again – they never know how to say no,” said Larson. “And a lot of these individuals like Dan, don’t get recognized and they should, in my opinion.”
