SESQUICENTENNIAL
Launches sesquicentennial celebration
Homecoming Weekend kicked off the 150th-year sesquicentennial celebration for Cornell University in Ithaca Oct. 17 with a fireworks- and laser light show-laden party. Thousands – from Cornell parents and members of the Ithaca community to students, university leaders and returning alumni – chanted "1-5-0!" in Schoellkopf Stadium. Earlier that evening in Barton Hall, a gala presentation (including a song-and-dance revue) to Trustee-Council Annual Meeting participants and guests condensed 15 decades of university history.
Beyond Ithaca, regional events celebrating the sesquicentennial were held Sept. 13 in New York City, Nov. 14 in Washington, D.C., and Dec. 15 in Hong Kong. Upcoming events are slated for Jan. 17 (Boston), Feb. 14 (West Palm Beach), March 6 and 8 (San Francisco and Los Angeles) and May 14 (London). See 150.cornell.edu for more details.
How are alumni planning to celebrate the university's sesquicentennial, and what are they most proud of about Cornell? Read more of what alumni have to say at a voice-filled and revitalized Alumni Affairs and Development homepage at alumni.cornell.edu.
Cornellians on the sesquicentennial and celebrations
"I'm most proud of how Cornell is able to give opportunities to people all over the country and the world to get a wonderful education and to learn about America and about themselves. To learn to be able to take risks. And that there are so many fields of study. I'm proud that Cornell produces alumni who contribute to service, to their communities and to the country. People leave with the idea that they have an obligation for service."
– Marcus Loo '77, M.D. '81, trustee emeritus and presidential councillor
"Cornell afforded me the opportunities for my professional life."
– Richard Silver '50, life member of the Cornell University Council and member of the SAS Advisory Council
"I'm most proud of Cornell for the acceptance of all types of people. I have felt so included since I first arrived, and I didn't expect that. I'm a biology and society major, which is an unusual field of study, but I love it. I'm also a tour guide. I had the opportunity to give a tour to the new trustees."
– Olivia Vaz '15
"The Cornell Club of Chicago is preparing a spring celebration for the sesquicentennial that's going to be inclusive, but a little on the fancy side. We expect to do it up big. What I'm most proud of is that every year, the students get better and cooler. Cornell alumni are obsessive and in a whole other universe from alumni from other schools. We are seriously devoted."
– Kathy Cornell '70, member of the Cornell University Council