Toggle Background Video Playback Alumni Reunion ’22 Photo Tour: The Hill Is Alive with Big Red Spirit Stories You May Like Eclipse Tips from Big Red Astronomers Professor Studies Issues at the Intersection of Race, Poverty, and Public Policy Word Search: ‘Big (Red) Names’ Under (mostly) blue skies, alumni relish in-person festivities and embrace beloved traditions By Joe Wilensky Following two years of virtual gatherings, Reunion returned to the Hill last weekend—drawing more than 6,000 alumni and their guests for a joyous Big Red celebration. Touchdown joins in the Cornelliana Night fun. Alumni traveled from 48 states and 20 countries, coming from as far away as Australia and Saudi Arabia. The Class of 1952 broke the attendance record for a 70th Cornell Reunion with 24 members returning, and Reunion fundraising totaled $173.9 million from some 6,400 donors. While there were concerns about potential thunderstorms going into the weekend, balmy temperatures and picturesque skies graced the Hill for nearly the entire event, with only a brief flirtation with rain and clouds on Saturday afternoon. Among the weekend’s highlights was an appearance by “Science Guy” Bill Nye ’77—attending his own 45th Reunion—who drew an eager crowd to Schoellkopf for a presentation about his solar noon clock, the joy of discovery, and the importance of confronting climate change. Capturing the view from atop McGraw Tower. Brooklyn-based artist Olalekan Jeyifous, BArch ’99, gave the annual Olin Lecture; he discussed his architectural training and how it has informed his work, which often comprises large-scale installations in public spaces. Current and past members of the Cornell University Chorus celebrated their centennial with a gala concert in Bailey Hall, in addition to singalongs and other gatherings marking the milestone throughout the weekend. In a tradition founded by the Class of ’31—as a way to pass the torch from the most senior Reunion celebrants to the newest—a special gathering brought together the classes of 1947 and 2017. A festive mood in the Arts Quad tents on Saturday night. For her annual Reunion panel, President Martha Pollack led a conversation with two current students and a 2022 alum about their experiences as undergraduates, and how they plan to take the University’s “knowledge with a public purpose” mission into their lives and careers. Many other Reunion favorites were back, too—including the 5K run, canoeing on Beebe Lake, performances by the Big Red Marching Band, walking tours of the gorge, Cornelliana Night, and (of course!) tent parties on the Arts Quad. Scroll down for a photo tour of Reunion ’22—and share your own memories in the comments! A selfie with the iconic bear statue outside Teagle Hall. “Science Guy” Bill Nye ’77 enthralls his audience. A bird’s-eye view of the festivities. Far above, the Chimes make beautiful music. Canoeing on Beebe Lake. A cappella performances remain a Reunion favorite. Racing in the annual 5K. Classmates from the 1950s share wine and laughter. A future Cornellian enjoys the Fun in the Sun festival on the Arts Quad. Rappelling down Schoellkopf, under the guidance of Cornell Outdoor Education. Stories You May Like Eclipse Tips from Big Red Astronomers Professor Studies Issues at the Intersection of Race, Poverty, and Public Policy Touchdown gives his paw of approval to a Cornellian couple. Revelry and relaxation amid the Arts Quad tent parties. Phil Krasicky, PhD '80, a senior lecturer on the Hill, presents his “Phabulous Physics Phun Phest.” A ceremony in which the oldest attending class presents its banner to the newest Reunion celebrants. A guided bird walk through the Lab of Ornithology’s Sapsucker Woods. Honoring departed classmates at the Service of Remembrance in Anabel Taylor Chapel. Students and alumni join in song at Cornelliana Night. A walking tour of Cascadilla Gorge. A performance by the Big Red Marching Band, complete with color guard. Friends reconnect atop the Slope. Dancing in the tents. An eager crowd in Schoellkopf. The Marching Band sets the Reunion rhythm. On a picture-perfect Ithaca day, taking in the view. Top photo: A family selfie on the Slope. (All images in this story by Cornell University photographers Lindsay France, Noël Heaney, Sreang Hok, Jason Koski, and Ryan Young.) Published June 14, 2022 Do you have a Reunion memory you'd like to share? Comments Jeanne Arnold Schwetje, Class of 1978 15 Jun, 2022 Singing in the Cornell Chorus Centennial Concert, hanging out talking and laughing at the CRC lounge in Mews, brunch at Simeon’s, dancing in the tents, hearing the chimes as I was rushing to Chorus rehearsal, a great lunch in Statler, seeing the sunset standing by the Clock Tower. Walking down College Ave, crossing Thurston Ave bridge, power walking down and up Libe Slope. It was wonderful! I’ll be back next year for my 45th! Reply Stuart Baron, Class of 1982 16 Jun, 2022 I have attended all eight class of ‘82 reunions and had the most fun at this one. We had an amazing turnout of Sperry Hall folks, including 6 of the 19 living residents of my corridor on the fourth floor, and at least 20 overall out of roughly 400 attendees! Reply Ileana Betancourt, Class of 2012 17 Jun, 2022 Visiting the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, listening to Bill Nye’s talk, seeing friends and familiar faces from my years at Cornell, stopping by Mann Library, and crossing the bridges and seeing the waterfalls! Reply Eveline Ferretti 22 Jun, 2022 Hey Ileana–Thanks so much for stopping by Mann Library during your Reunion visit. We loved, loved, loved connecting and chatting with the alums who dropped in! Reply Steven Ludsin, Class of 1970 28 Jun, 2022 I had a wonderful 50th Reunion, albeit 2 years later than planned due to the pandemic. I was able to stay at Flora Rose Hall and that made the weekend even better. I retraced by paths when I was a student and it was a sentimental journey. I met friendly people on campus and at the tent parties. I was flattered by a comment from one of my classmates who said I have spent my life speaking to new people. He confirmed the fact that I refined my schmoozing skills when I was an undergraduate at Cornell and that was a vital part of my education. I’m still schmoozing! Reply Edward B Feldmeier(Ted), Class of 1967 6 Apr, 2024 It was so refreshing to once again to get together with classmates of class of 1967- never a dull conversation- regardless of political leanings, interests or whether I knew them back then. I wish I could have gotten a few of them to join the tent parties Friday and/or Sat Nites! It’s like being 35 years younger dancing to the music. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful time, both in and out of the tents. Everyone was so friendly, regardless of whatever class year they graduated in. It’s equally fun talking to much younger CU grads about life experiences that some of them may not yet have had- possibly for their benefit later on. 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 Quizzes & Puzzles Cornellian Crossword: ‘Far Beyond Cayuga’s Waters’ Quizzes & Puzzles Alumni Trivia: ‘Top Jobs’ Quizzes & Puzzles Cornellian Crossword: ‘Water World’