Glorious to View After a Long, Cold Winter, Spring Has—Finally!—Sprung on the Hill Take a photographic tour of the Ithaca campus as warmer weather (mostly) takes hold—from blooming daffodils to al fresco guitars By Beth Saulnier Photography by Devin Flores, Noël Heaney, Sreang Hok & Jason Koski As the truism goes, April is the cruelest month of all—the point being that the month alternately tempts us with sunny skies and smacks us down with bouts of cold, gloom, and late-season snow. But let’s face it: on the Hill, that dubious honor really belongs to May—because Cornellians are far too savvy to be lulled into vernal complacency by a warm April breeze and some flowering trees, no matter how lovely. Given that an Ithaca spring is often so late in coming—and May snows aren’t unheard of!—those balmy days and brilliant blooms are that much more precious. Scroll down for a photographic tour of spring 2025 on the Hill! Late-season snow flurries outside Sage Chapel. Daffodils brighten Barnes Hall. Blue skies at the MVR courtyard. Strumming on the Slope. Spring buds and a scaffolding-clad McGraw Tower. An Olin Library close-up. Snapping a shot of spring. A feathered friend amid frigid flakes. Cracking the books on the Arts Quad. Art and nature: The Song of the Vowels sculpture counterbalances a flowering tree. A flowery view of the Johnson Museum. Hyacinths on the Slope, with Barnes Hall in the background. At work in the Wee Stinky Glen. Flowers frame the tower of the Arts Quad’s McGraw Hall. The Botanic Gardens’ welcome center and 12-foot-tall Double Allium sculpture. Delicate blossoms against Founders Hall. Passing Olin Library, on two feet and two wheels. Blooms brighten Barton Hall. Waiting for a bus on Feeney Way, across from Physical Sciences. Making music on the Arts Quad. And … a “spring” scene that many alums will (fondly?) recall. Top: A burst of color on the Slope. Published April 24, 2025 Comments Robert Rosenberg, Class of 1962 4 May, 2025 Best time of the year for me on the Cornell campus!! Reply Keith, Class of 1984 4 May, 2025 That is how I remember it. Thank you. Reply Alan G, Class of 1990 4 May, 2025 Always nice to go back in time for a bit… Thanks. Reply Michelle Sens Novo, Class of 1979 4 May, 2025 46 years since I graduated! These spring photos bring it all back like it was yesterday:). The magnolia in front of Uris Library just keeps on giving. Reply Michaline Bruyninckx, Class of 1979 4 May, 2025 I remember it snowing on Mother’s Day, 1978, I believe. The tulips were covered with snow! It didn’t last long, however. Reply Gregory Ryan, Class of 1982 4 May, 2025 Timeless photos! Except for a few small images of 21st century technology, these could be any time in the last 50+ years. Fond memories of Spring in Ithaca. Reply Bob Herwick, Class of 1964 4 May, 2025 I remember several years when we got a final snow storm the first week of May. Then the campus was transformed into a paradise, only to be time to “go home” for the summer. I had the opportunity to visit the campus only once during my 4 years in August. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Reply Philip Schwartz, Class of 1970 4 May, 2025 Stunning images; great memories. What’s with the scaffolding surrounding McGraw tower? (Perhaps a stunt to replace that mysterious Halloween pumpkin on the peak??) Reply Joe Wilensky 5 May, 2025 Hi, Phil, A significant renovation of McGraw Tower is nearing completion – see this story for details! 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 Ask the Expert In this Love-Oriented Month, Tips on ‘Mindful Communication’ Alumni Far from the Hill, Alum Builds His Own ‘Tower’—of Giraffes Ask the Expert ‘Ruff Going’ with Your Pandemic Pup? A Big Red Vet Has Answers