Two dapper members of the Class of 1918 in Schoellkopf during their 55th Reunion (1973).

Glorious to View

A Look at Reunions of Yesteryear, Saturated in Big Red Spirit

In these vintage pics, the ties may be wider—and the variety of chapeaux wilder—but alumni connections still shine

By Joe Wilensky

Reunion traditions—from dancing in the Arts Quad tents to family boating on Beebe Lake—have endured through the decades, as alumni flock to the Hill each June to reconnect with old friends.

In our latest showcase of vintage color images (drawn from slides long stored in the Library’s Rare and Manuscript Collections), there is nary a smartphone to be seen. But alumni of all eras will recognize many of the locations, activities, and gatherings that Cornellians will enjoy at Reunion ’25 and beyond.

One of our takeaways from these vintage shots, which stretch from the 1960s to the early ’90s: can we bring back the awesome Big Red hats?

(Do you recognize someone—or yourself!—in these pre-Instagram photographs? Let us know in the comments!)

a fire truck, emblazoned with a sign reading "Class of 1912," arrives at alumni registration headquarters for Reunion 1967

Too hot to handle? The Class of 1912 brings a fire truck to its 55th (1967).

three male alumni from the Class of 1935 socialize in Barton Hall during Reunion 1985

Have cap, will travel … to the Hill (1985).

Austin H. “Kip” Kiplinger ’39, then about to begin his term as Cornell Board of Trustees Chair, enjoys a light moment with classmates at his 45th Reunion in 1984

Reunion volunteers and attendees at a table in 1985, signing up participants for the Cornell Reunion Run

Classmates from 1939 enjoy a playful moment at their 45th (1984); signing up participants for the Reunion Run (1985).

another Reunion classic activity: dancing in the Arts Quad tents, here in 1992

A tradition for the ages: dancing in the Arts Quad tents (1985).

two women alums on a boat during Reunion 1992

Chatting during a Reunion cruise on Cayuga’s waters (1992).

Then-President Hunter R. Rawlings III, standing on a ladder, conducts the Big Red Band at Reunion 1996

Then-President Hunter Rawlings III conducts the Big Red Band (1996).

Bob Petrillose and a staffer at the famed Hot Truck serve French bread pizza subs at Reunion 1992

Give me a PMP: Hot Truck owner Bob Petrillose looks on as a staffer serves Reunion attendees (1992).

daytime view of the front of Statler Inn during Reunion 1985, with a "Welcome Alumni" sign visible

The most senior alums’ privilege: headquarters at the Statler Inn (1985).

the classic Reunion activity: boating on Beebe Lake, seen here in 1992

An eternal favorite: canoeing on Beebe Lake (1992).

a group of alumni, mostly members of the Class of 1917, gather for their 55th during Reunion 1972

Class of 1934 Headquarters at Reunion 1984

A red-clad Class of 1917 at its 55th (1972); the Class of 1934’s headquarters in Risley for its 50th (1984).

the Cornell Alumni News and its staffers at an information table in Barton Hall at Reunion 1985

Long before Cornellians, the Cornell Alumni News offered subscriptions—and merch!—in Barton (1985).

two members of the Class of 1945 at a table in Barton Hall during Reunion 1985

Seeing double: members of the Class of ’45 at their 40th (1985).

Class year signs mark the crowded tables in Barton Hall during Reunion 1985

Signs of the times: lunching by class year in Barton (1985).

Members of the Class of 1950 chat in Barton Hall during Reunion 1985

Members of the 1950 “Class of the Century” at their 35th (1985).

an evening view of the front of Statler Inn during Reunion 1985, with a "Welcome Alumni" sign visible

The Statler Inn at twilight (1985).

Top: Two dapper members of the Class of 1918 in Schoellkopf during their 55th Reunion (1973).

Published May 14, 2025

Comments

Elizabeth Hoare Cowles, Class of 1982
16 May, 2025

My grandfather Don J. Wickham was the class of 1924 president. I remember him making comments about one reunion (either 65th or 70th) when the class stayed at the Statler. A classmate had requested seven pillows, and Grandpa opined as to why someone needed that many pillows. His class was so much fun and wore their beer mugs around their necks. I have Grandpa’s class beanie and jacket.

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