Cornell University: A Hub of Academic Excellence and Rich Traditions

Cornell University, founded in 1865, is a prestigious private Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York. With a mission to “discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge,” Cornell stands out for its extensive academic offerings and unique traditions. The university’s main campus spans 2,300 acres in the Finger Lakes region, providing students with ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, right on campus.

Cornell has a global presence, with locations in New York City, Rome, Washington D.C., and Doha, Qatar. The university is renowned for its graduate school of medical sciences, as well as its programs in art, architecture, and urban planning. Cornell boasts an impressive list of alumni, including 45 Nobel laureates, Tsai Ing-wen, the president-elect of Taiwan, and Huey Lewis, the frontman of the band Huey Lewis and the News.

The university is known for its vibrant student traditions. One notable event is Dragon Day, where first-year students of the College of Architecture, Art and Planning parade a large dragon across campus, which is then burned in the Arts Quad. This tradition, dating back to 1901, is a highlight of the academic year. Another long-standing tradition is the Cornell Chimes, where selected students, known as chimesmasters, perform daily bell concerts from the historic McGraw Tower, playing from a repertoire of over 2,500 songs.

Cornell is committed to diversity and inclusion, reflecting its founding principle that “any person can find instruction” there. The university has recently released data on its incoming class of 2028, the first cohort admitted after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on race-conscious admissions practices. Cornell also values community engagement, as seen in programs like the “A BIRDSONG” initiative, which brings together Cornell students and high school students with disabilities for mutual learning and support.

The Graduate School at Cornell is another cornerstone of the university, offering research and scholarship opportunities in over 80 fields. Programs such as Pathways to Success and the Deanne Gebell Gitner ’66 and Family Annual Prize for Teaching Assistants highlight Cornell’s dedication to academic excellence and student development).