Cornelliana Libe Slope, Friends, and East Hill Sunsets: Your Fondest Memories Stories You May Like Popular Course Offers Life Lessons from Faculty Dream Team Cornellian Crossword: ‘Holiday on Ice’ Cornellian Crossword: ‘Back Home on the Hill’ This year’s Homecoming exercise garnered hundreds of Big Red recollections—from the universal to the poignantly specific Editor's note: Please scroll down and share your own memories in the comments! By Beth Saulnier What’s your fondest Cornell memory? That’s what we asked the Fan Festival revelers during Homecoming ’24. And—in exchange for bespoke Cornellians umbrellas—we got hundreds of responses, each jotted onto a brightly colored sticky note and posted in our booth. Much of what participants wrote was universal—the types of recollections that tug at the heartstrings of Big Red alums across generations. “Getting accepted!!!” “Calling myself a Cornellian.” We tempted participants with umbrellas—and candy! “First time arriving on campus with my parents and making them proud.” “Exploring libraries + fun spots w/ friends!” “Walking through campus, listening to the clock tower chimes.” “First time away from home—but feels like home.” Walking through campus, listening to the clock tower chimes. Naturally, there were some common themes. Libe Slope had the single biggest presence, with dozens of recollections about hiking up it, viewing sunsets from its iconic perch, picnicking, taking naps, enjoying its nighttime quiet, partying on Slope Day, or just chilling with friends. And speaking of friendships: the connections that Cornellians make with each other (again, unsurprisingly) form the basis for precious, lifelong memories. The line for our booth snaked across the parking lot—and as the skies began to open up, our swag was in high demand. “Building the most incredible network of intelligent + caring people.” “Eating hot pot with friends in mid-autumn.” “I found my love.” “Studio time with classmates (till late night).” Stories You May Like Popular Course Offers Life Lessons from Faculty Dream Team Cornellian Crossword: ‘Holiday on Ice’ “Finding my best friend here.” “Fall leaves and my lovely lab mates.” “Yapping with friends in Rose Seminar Room until 4 a.m.” “Meeting friends for life (and my husband).” As one current student movingly noted, citing the previous evening’s Homecoming display: “The last laser show brought a realization that it’s my last year & I’m glad I spent it with my friends.” Many other quintessentially Cornellian elements got shout-outs: Touchdown the bear; Commencement; hockey games in Lynah; the Big Red Marching Band; the Glee Club and Chorus; studying in the libraries; strolling through the Botanic Gardens or around Beebe Lake; Greek life; Louie’s Lunch truck (including a particular fondness for its Cajun fries). Some entries were inherently wistful, callbacks to beloved Big Red eateries and watering holes that endure only in memory—like the Chapter House, the Hot Truck, and Level B lounge. Some entries were inherently wistful, callbacks to beloved Big Red eateries and watering holes that endure only in memory. Then there were recollections that were evocative in their specificity: buying an apple from the Mann Library vending machine; getting a hug from Touchdown; seeing snow fall outside Sage Hall for the first time; that professor who “helped me not fail multivariable calc”; playing with the Marching Band at a 1992 Buffalo Bills game; attending a Harry Chapin concert (in Bailey Hall) in November 1980; a 2024 women’s ice hockey game at Colgate, lost though hard fought. But … we have to admit that a few responses had us scratching our heads. Is someone’s fondest memory of Cornell really “taking the MCATs”? Are they more fun than they sound? (Ditto for whoever wrote that they fondly recall “prelims.” Should we be worried about you?) What exactly is “Karen’s souperbowl soup contest”—and how do we wrangle an invitation? Was “getting an L-lot parking permit space” really such a memorable moment? (OK, we drive to campus too; that one, we kind of get.) And to whoever wrote that their fondest Cornell memory is “3/21/70”: you intrigue us. But among the rainbow of Sharpie-scrawled sticky notes on our booth walls, perhaps this one summed up the Big Red experience most concisely: “Every moment is the best time!!” (All images by Cornell University photographers Noël Heaney and Joe Wilensky.) Published October 4, 2024 What's your fondest Cornell memory? Comments RICHARD ERALI, Class of 1969 14 Oct, 2024 As a senior, realizing I’m about to graduate with a degree from Cornell University while realizing I was not going to be accepted into the vet school program. I fondly remember leaving Mann Library and walking over to listen to the Big Red Band play “Love Is Blue” a great study break!!! Reply Margaret Nichols 14 Oct, 2024 Passing my Qualifying Exam in September 1978. I was so excited that I ran through the grove of trees on the Arts Quad toward home. Reply Barbara Redden Leamer, Class of 1957 14 Oct, 2024 As a freshman fall of 1953, all-women Clara Dickson 5, in dining room after dinner on Sunday, standing and singing “The Evening Song”. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Cornelliana Campus Time Capsules Are Blasts from the Past Alumni A Cacti Expert’s Vast L.A. Garden Is a Drought-Tolerant Wonder Ask the Expert How Well Does the U.S. Care for Its Veterans? An Expert Weighs In