This was the perfect conversation to have just days before Christmas.

We spoke with Beth and Dan Duffy, whose love story began on campus in 1978. Dan, a member of the Cornell hockey team, and Beth, known for her warmth and wide circle of friends, created lifelong connections during their time on campus. Their love story started as freshmen, took a pause, and then started again 20 years later when they got married.

Together, they’ve created the "Christmas Tree of Kindness," a project that encourages people to add ornaments to a paper tree for every kind deed they do, spreading positivity and connection during the holiday season. It started as a family tradition and was then embraced by their church and their town, and now people all over the world.

They've written the inspiring book The Christmas Tree That Changed the World  (by Cookie Claus, we will tell you why), and developed an app to make kindness the great global connector and soon a year-round habit.

You will love their story of building a movement that’s transforming families, schools, and communities. 

Their links:

• Christmas Tree of Kindness Project
• The Christmas Tree That Changed the World (Book)

Shout out to Nancy Winklestein for the introduction, thank you!

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn: CornellthankU

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University