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The Corne¬ Daily Sun

Congratulations, 2024 Congratulations,

Graduation Issue Contents

Four Years at Cornell 2020-2024: TAKING A PAUSE

TO REFLECT

The Sun takes you back to some of the most momentous events of the last four years, tracing back headlines from this semester to the fall of freshman year. Re-read coverage of events that undeniably changed the Hill — from the COVID-19 pandemic to a once-in-a-generation campus protest movement.

Ithaca, though miles away from the metropolitan music haven of New York City, has nevertheless attracted quite the lineup of stars to come entertain the Cornell masses. Reminisce over Dead and Company revisiting Barton Hall in 2023, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie at this year’s Slope Day and other crowd-pleasers from the last four years.

Live From The Field

Whether you counted yourself a Lynah Faithful or the friend who had to be dragged to games by Big Red fanatics, relive the biggest headlines in The Sun’s sports archives from 2020-24. The wins and heartbreaking losses alike await you.

Graduation Issue Staff

Cover Design: Nicole Kye / Sun File Photo

Gabriel Levin ’26, Julia Senzon ‘26, Max Fattal ‘25, Sofia Rubinson ’24, Angela Bunay ‘24, Nina Davis ’26, Kate Sanders ’27

TimeLine

6.30.20 CORNELL ANNOUNCES FALL ACADEMIC CALENDAR: Cornell will reopen campus for the fall semester, offering in-person and online instruction, President Martha E. Pollack announced Tuesday, June 30. While students will have to follow strict health precautions when on campus and participate in the University’s extensive COVID-19 testing program, Pollack said reopening for the fall was the safer option. Classes were originally supposed to start on Aug. 27 but will now start Sept. 2; students will go home for the semester by Thanksgiving break. The fall semester will end with online classes and exams, and the spring semester is currently slated to start some time in February.

7.8.20 CORNELL JOINS HARVARD AND MIT LAWSUIT: President Martha E. Pollack announced that Cornell will join Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in a lawsuit challenging recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement visa restrictions for international students.

8.19.20 RESIDENT ADVISERS GO ON BRIEF STRIKE BEFORE FALL SEMESTER BEGINS: Fed up with unsafe working conditions and what they call a lack of concern from Cornell officials, campus resident advisers went on brief strike.

9.18.20 RUTH BADER GINSBURG ’54 DIES: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’54 died Friday of complications from cancer. Serving on the Supreme Court since 1993, Ginsburg was one of Cornell’s most notable alumnae, recently transformed into a liberal cultural icon, commonly known as “Notorious

RBG” to her following. She was 87 and passed away in her home in Washington, surrounded by family.

11.3.20 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAUSES STRESS BEFORE AND AFTER ELECTION DAY ITSELF: The most fraught election day in a generation turned into a high-stress week; many students voted early or sent in mail-in ballots despite confusing processes and many hiccups. The presidential election would not be called until Saturday morning.

11.11.20 NYS GOVERNOR CUOMO RELEASES NEW COVID REGULATIONS: Per a Wednesday, November 11 announcement by Governor Cuomo, as of Friday at 10 p.m., all gatherings at private residences larger than 10 will be banned, a measure that takes particular aim at house parties and other social gatherings. Bars, restaurants, gyms and any establishment with a license from the New York State liquor authority also must close at 10 p.m. –– sans takeout service. These measures come as the state faces a resurgence of COVID-19 that public officials had worked for months to keep at bay, with the state reporting daily new case totals not seen since late April and early May. Tompkins County’s health department reported 19 new cases on Wednesday.

12.12.20 STUDENT ASSEMBLY CALLS FOR CORNELL POLICE DISARMAMENT: The Student Assembly passed a hotly debated resolution calling for Cornell Police disarmament during its last meeting of the semester, a reversal from when disarmament failed to pass almost one month earlier.

‘Missing Out on the Cornell Experience’: First-Years Endure Remote Learning

When Cornell announced it would be reopening for the Fall 2020 semester, students expressed mixed reactions of relief and concern. Many were skeptical of how the reopening plan would work.

While the Fall 2020 semester’s success so far is in part possible because of students adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, some first-years opted to stay home for their very first semester at Cornell.

For them, the fall has not been the start of college they had envisioned.

Althea Bata ’24, a Dyson first-year, is taking her classes from Staten Island, New York. For her, the choice of coming on campus or going remote was not easy, but she knew it was the right decision for her.

“There are things I have to take care of at home, and it’s great to have home cooked food and be able to go out to some places I wouldn’t be able to in Ithaca, so I am grateful for what I have and am trying to make the most of my situation even though it’s frustrating at times,” Bata said.

However, Bata felt the social disadvantages of studying remotely during her first semester of college. In order to get to know fellow students, Bata reached out to classmates over Zoom.

“I feel like I missed a lot of opportunities to study on campus with peers,” she said.

Daisy Huang ’24 said staying home provided both drawbacks and positives.

“I got to pursue some of my passions deeper and developed hobbies,” Huang said. “At the same time, I wish I was on campus with people and getting that experience of exploring campus.”

Ricco Venterea ’24 was motivated to

stay home upon witnessing outbreaks over college campuses across the country, and Ithaca College’s decision to go fully remote for the fall solidified his decision to stay home.

Bata, Huang and Venterea agreed that professors have been accommodating and understanding of their situations, but there have, inevitably, been difficulties.

Huang recounted scheduling conflicts with office hours and difficulty forming connections with professors and classmates over Zoom. Bata has found that time management is an important skill to hone for remote learners, and Venterea found that staring at a screen for so long is a tiring task. The three firstyears also said they had their fair share of Wi-Fi complications and audio cut-outs.

Virtual ClubFest, recruitment and prelims are common experiences for all Cornell first-years, but remote learners face unique obstacles.

Taking prelims from home was normal according to all three students, but Bata highlighted her difficulty with Zoom proctoring and the lack of desk space complicating her test taking experience.

Maria Boza ’24 said there were some perks to taking all online classes –– from classes in her pajamas to being able to sneeze on mute without the whole class turning around, Boza thinks staying home was the right decision.

While Boza partook in a Prefreshman Summer Program and has some acquaintances from her classes, one of her biggest concerns is meeting friends and having the first semester freshmen experience.

‘Big R ed , White and Biden!’

“That was a good push to make new friends and talk to people,” Boza said. “But it hasn’t been the same. I feel bad. What am I supposed to talk to them about?”

Overall, Boza said she felt that the experience of making friends and enjoying freshman year has been less than optimal.

But Boza has lived through some of the college freshmen year experience through her friends. “Most of my friends are a year older, so that is usually who I hang out with,” she said. Boza said she believed that she will have the rest of her time at college to have those experiences.

In an attempt to meet people, Boza ran for freshman representative of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and won. Despite winning, she said she was upset that she was a remote student this semester, as she could not attend her inauguration in person.

Missing out on those freshmen experiences, Boza said she is excited to be on campus for the spring semester.

The first-years said they were satisfied with the way Cornell has handled the reopening and are all looking forward to joining their fellow classmates on campus in the spring as long as the University continues to keep the cases low.

“I’m definitely coming [back in the spring] because I want the full college experience, safely and hopefully meet the people I’ve met on Zoom, enjoy the fresh air from the beautiful scenery, survive the chilly weather, and just do everything that I can in Ithaca,” Bata said, “even if it’s not 100 percent normal.”

Biden Win Erupts Campus Into Joyful Cheer

Students, half-looking down at their Parades of honking cars drove up and down Collegetown; some blasted “Party in the USA,” and students showed off “Fuck Trump” signs and Biden shirts through-

nics after five days of waiting and eyeing Inside a bustling Collegetown Bagels,lege student Olivia Kirschbaum

“When everyone was honking today, that’s when it

ally

setting in,” Kirschbaum said. “I was in France for the World Cup, and it feels like this is our version of that.”

“I’m just so excited,” said Danielle Mangini ’23, a Biden supporter “since day one.” Mangini, in line at CTB waiting for a Brooklyn bagel and smoothie, heard the news and began fielding a “barrage of calls” from her mom and her friends.

Sitting beside Mangini on a stone bench, Daniela Rodriguez-Chavez ’23 digested the news as she munched on her bagel. “I am so relieved this is over,” she said. “The fear mongering had to stop, and enough people realized to not give into fear.”

“This whole week has been so stressful,” Mangini continued. “Now that this burden is lifted off of my shoulders, I’m so happy.”

Honking and cheering | Shortly after Joe Biden’s presidential election victory was announced, honking cars with cheering passengers began circling Collegetown and downtown Ithaca. The horn blasts continued for several hours.

Mask Wearing Restrictions Lighten Up

With 50 percent of the campus vaccinated, the University has relaxed certain masking policies

With half of Cornell’s on-campus students vaccinated, the University has relaxed certain distancing restrictions — allowing vaccinated students to gather in small groups without masks.

In a May 3, 2021, evening announcement, Provost Michael Kotlikoff, Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi and Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer Mary Opperman, lauded campus for reaching this milestone.

“While we are still a long way from achieving herd immunity on campus,” the email read, “We feel we can safely

“We are still a long way from achieving herd immunity on campus.”

Cornell Administrators

ease the following restrictions consistent with latest guidance from the CDC.”

On April 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated recommendations regarding mask-wearing in response to more widespread vaccina -

These new recommendations, adopted by New York State, say that fully vaccinated individuals can dine at outdoor restaurants with people from multiple households and attend small outdoor gatherings with both vaccinated and unvaccinated people while

Additionally, anyone can attend small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated family and friends and run, walk or bike outdoors with household

The new University guidelines include allowing fully vaccinated individuals, who have submitted documentation of the vaccination to the University, to no longer be required to wear masks in outdoor gather -

ings of 10 or fewer people. Those who have yet to receive their vaccine must continue to wear masks outdoors, and all are required to wear masks indoors.

Cornell’s decision is in line with the updated CDC guidelines which require masks for all indoor activities.

Student organizations and groups of up to 30 people are also allowed to meet under the new guidelines. However, everyone is required to wear masks in these gatherings and registration and attendance tracking is required for contact tracing purposes because groups may include both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

“We

feel we can safely ease the following restrictions consistent with the latest guidance from the CDC.”

Cornell Administrators

The CDC says that in groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, those who are fully vaccinated are safely able to go maskless, while Cornell mandates that in those groups all participants regardless of vaccine status must wear masks.

The number of participants in Universitysponsored events is also increasing from 10 or fewer attendees to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors depending on the venue and activity.

These new guidelines do not pertain to Commencement ceremonies, which will have their own distinct set of guidelines, according to the email.

The University is also continuing its efforts to vaccinate the rest of the on-campus population by hosting a vaccine clinic for faculty, staff and students.

New York Legalizes Cannabis, Cornell Keeps Restrictions

Weed, grass, the “devil’s lettuce” — whatever students call it, adult recreational use of cannabis recently became legal in New York State. Some students across the Cornell community expressed their excitement toward the new legislation — even though marijuana won’t be legal on Cornell’s campus anytime soon.

On March 31, the New York State Legislature passed a bill allowing adults 21 and older to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of concentrate, both of which can be smoked anywhere tobacco use is legal, except in motor vehicles.

The new New York legislation comes after years of unsuccessful lobbying and stymied attempts, which primarily stemmed from disagreements over the distribution of tax revenue from marijuana sales.

“I’m 100 percent in favor of legalization, and I believe it’s far overdue,” said Joseph Mullen ’24. “I believe that there is nothing harmful about it, and it should be treated like it.”

However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse warns against the potentially harmful effects of marijuana usage, including breathing problems and hallucinations.

Some students said they thought legalizing marijuana could destigmatize the drug.

Keaton Danseglio ’24 said he hoped the recent legislation would “allow people to be more open-minded and not stigmatize the drug just based on its legality status.” A growing acceptance of marijuana use could, according to Danseglio, transform social life around campus and facilitate new norms.

But Cornell isn’t changing its policies to allow cannabis on campus. In an April 2 email to the Cornell community, Joanne DeStefano, executive vice president and chief financial officer, clarified that the possession, use and distribution of marijuana on Cornell’s campus would remain prohibited in line with the unchanged federal law. Nearby schools, like Binghamton and Ithaca College, will hold to similar policies.

According to the email, Cornell’s position can be partially attributed to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act, which control the University’s federal funding based on it implementing programs and policies that ban any illegal drug.

The night Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) signed recreational cannabis use into law, Housing and Residential Life sent an additional email to students living on campus, reminding them that Cornell doesn’t allow smoking in University-owned housing.

Some students said that they understand why Cornell has left its policies surrounding marijuana use unchanged.

“While I think it is restrictive, it does make sense as smoking and stuff is still banned,” said Hailey Choi ’24. “I guess that nothing has really changed for most students at Cornell.”

But outside of campus, the recreational legalization of marijuana may pave the way for a potential $4.2 billion dollar industry in New York State. Although it will not be immediate, the introduction of dispensaries into the local area will make regulated marijuana more accessible to consumers and provide economic benefits to the state.

Although the recreational legalization of marijuana was a breakthrough in progressive politics in New York State, the work is far from done, according to Mullen.

“The criminalization of marijuana has ruined peoples’ lives, disproportionately people of color,” he said, referencing the mass incarceration of people of color in the United States for non-violent marijuana offenses.

The bill will also erase cannabis-related felonies for those who had a previous marijuana conviction. However, Mullen said he believes that the New York State Legislature should put more effort into repairing the damage caused by the past criminalization of the newly legalized drug.

TimeLine

2.21.21 BIG BOX ARRIVAL: Under slow flurries and gray skies, dozens of excited Cornellians and Ithacans lined up outside Trader Joe’s for its highly-anticipated opening.

3.31.21 NEW YORK STATE JOINS POT LEGALIZATION BANDWAGON: The New York State Legislature passed a bill allowing adults 21 and older to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of concentrate for recreational use. Individuals with some types of marijuana convictions will have the latter expunged from their records.

3.30.21 AS VACCINE ELIGIBILITY EXPANDS, STUDENTS RUSH TO GET FIRST DOSES: The Sun announced that while many Cornell students were not yet eligible, most staff members and faculty would now become qualified to receive vaccines on March 30 under guidelines that allow them for adults 30 and older. The state also plans to make the vaccine available to all adults on April 6, according to a statement released on March 29 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) — a significant development for Cornell students. Josh Figueroa ’24 recently received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the State Fair Expo Center in Syracuse. While Figueroa was pleased

with how his appointment went and how organized the vaccine clinic was, he said he had some difficulty registering. “The registration process was pretty stressful because appointments were being booked by the minute,” Figuerora said.

4.22.21 THIS YEARS’ VIRTUAL SLOPE DAY PERFORMERS ARE ANNOUNCED: Last Dinosaurs and Ari Lennox will be this year’s Virtual Slope Day performers on May 14 and 15, announced the Slope Day Programming Board. Though only half of the student body has experienced an in-person Slope Day, the board nevertheless expressed hope that this year’s festivities would be fun. “The hope is that we as a student body can celebrate the end of the year as safely as we can, given that we’re still in a pandemic, with these concerts,” said Estefania Perez ’21, the board’s executive director.

7.8.21 CORNELL ADOPTS AN OFFICIAL LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, EXPANDING RECOGNITION FOR THE CAYUGA NATION: For the first time in Cornell’s 156-year history, announcers presented an official land acknowledgment at the 2021 commencement ceremonies. The statement recognizes the University’s place on the traditional homeland of the Cayuga Nation.

HANNAH ROSENBERG / SUN FILE PHOTO

Masks | Vaccinated students may gather outdoors without masks. Here, the bear mascot Touchdown enjoys a sunny day.

9.6.21 CORNELL REPORTS RECORD COVID CASES; STUDENTS MISS FIRST CLASSES: Nearly 400 Cornell students tested positive for COVID during the first weeks of classes, scrambling to get tested and find isolation housing. The University linked these cases to “informal, off-campus gatherings” among undergraduates, as Cornell responded by asking students to put off parties and to mask up. Students kept up with coursework in isolation with few live classes to attend, as faculty weren’t required to provide remote course access.

10.17.21 IN-PERSON CAMPUS TOURS RESUME AFTER TWO-YEAR HIATUS: Since spring 2020, prospective Cornell students could only get glimpses of campus through virtual tours and Zoom information sessions — but October 2021 marked the return of the campus tour. Nico Modesti ’21, who had been a tour guide for three years, told The Sun he was excited to interact with prospective students in person again. “You never know who you’re going to meet on a tour, where they’re coming from and what stories they have,” Modesti said.

10.24.21 CORNELL ANNOUNCES PLAN TO RAISE $500 MILLION FOR FINANCIAL AID: President Martha Pollack announced the launch of “To Do the Greatest Good,” a campaign that is aiming to raise $500 million for undergraduate financial aid. According to Pollack, the money raised for the campaign would help the University to educate future leaders, address major world problems and increase Cornell’s global public engagement.

11.17.21 PURITY ICE CREAM USHERS IN NEW OWNERSHIP: The owner of several local restaurants including Luna Inspired Street Food and Jack’s Grill has a new eatery under his ownership: Ithaca’s Kevin Sullivan has continued the legacy of the “ice cream of the Finger Lakes,” serving up a variety of ice cream flavors and family favorite foods to students and locals.

Bomb Threats Hit Campus Treats ultimately found ‘not credible’

Cornellians were bombarded with a combined 22 alerts — over text, email and phone — throughout the afternoon of Nov. 7, urging students to evacuate Central Campus following a bomb threat that authorities found “not credible.”

An hour and a half following the first alert — when Cornellians, shocked and panicked, scrambled home — the University confirmed that the earlier calls to evacuate and shelter in place on Central Campus were due to bomb threats.

The first alert notified the campus community to avoid the Arts Quad and Goldwin Smith Hall, adding that those in the area should shelter in place, offering no explanation. Before sending the official CornellALERT at 1:57 p.m., the University sent two blank crime alerts, with the subject line “Crime Alert - [INSERT subject here].”

A frantic second alert arrived just 15 minutes later in all caps, urging

Cornellians to evacuate and avoid the Law School, Goldwin Smith Hall, Upson Hall and Kennedy Hall: “PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE CORNELL POLICE UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY,” the text alert read. By 3 p.m., the University told students, faculty and staff once again to avoid Central Campus and to evacuate areas in or nearby the four buildings. Police blocked off Feeney Way and multiple other sidewalks with caution tape, and stationed cars from multiple statewide agencies across Central Campus.

In Sunday evening campus-wide email, Joel Malina, vice president for University relations, clarified that Tompkins County 911 received an anonymous call from someone threatening with automatic weapons and explosives just before 2 p.m.

About an hour and a half after the first alert Cornell officially said the evacuations were due

to bomb threats at 3:23 p.m. By approximately 4:06 p.m., the latest CornellALERT notified the Ithaca campus that Cornell police, along with other law enforcement agencies, were investigating the bomb threat — and by 5:30 p.m., law enforcement agencies were sweeping buildings, as Cornellians awaited updates on when they could leave shelter.

Five and a half hours later, the seventh and final CornellALERT announced that law enforcement found no credible threats after concluding a search of the Ithaca campus — saying that “it is safe to resume all normal activities.”

For the hour and a half after the first alert, rumors wwirled online and among Cornellians huddled together — without further information that the evacuations were due to a bomb threat. People remained in their dorms and apartments, unsure if they were under active threat or safe away from key buildings.

From popping student union to empty halls

Upperclassmen Lament Willard Straight Changes

Alia Adler ’22 remembers when Willard Straight Hall smelled like popcorn, the lobby bustling with students exchanging a freshly popped bag and a conversation before heading off to class.

She remembers the crowds of students who used to rush through the student union during her first two years at Cornell — catching up with friends in the lobby, waiting in line for Carli Lloyd tickets or even napping on browsing library couches after a long day.

But 19 months after campus first shut down, the Willard Straight Hall lobby smells like hand sanitizer.

Students wandering into the building are greeted by signs that read “Please do not sit here,” rather than club representatives tabling. The longest lines aren’t for free popcorn at the Resource Center, but for a slot at one of Cornell’s busiest COVID testing sites.

“That big library where the testing is in? That’s where I used to study all the time,” Adler said. “You could take a nap there, you could go study. And right next door was free popcorn. I was there all the time. Now those spaces are gone, so I barely go anymore.”

Even as campus springs back to life this fall, with students spilling onto quads between classes, Willard Straight Hall is not yet the hub for student and campus life that it was before the pandemic. Lobby run-ins are a pre-COVID memory to just upperclassmen, the main floor of the student union now largely dark and empty. Many students say they rarely linger in the Straight, heading inside just for weekly nose swabs. Some of the old events, however, have returned: Cornell Cinema is back with movie screenings, a renovated Okenshields has moved entrances and Student Assembly

meetings once again convene in the Memorial Room.

But the Willard Straight Hall Resource Center (renamed the Campus Activities Resource Center in fall 2019) has remained closed since March 2020. The lobby nook popped up free popcorn for decades, filled with a steady stream of visitors stopping by for a buttered and nutritional yeast-dusted snack.

“Given the various public health precautions put in place in response to COVID it was determined to pause the distribution of popcorn to limit building traffic and prioritize testing and concentrate food consumption in dining hall and eatery areas within Willard Straight Hall,” campus and community engagement, a unit within student and campus life, wrote to The Sun.

Linda Siptrott, campus activities program coordinator and former Resource Center manager, said

one of the primary functions of the center was to support student groups — from organizing campus mail to offering directions and booking club meetings. Now that many of these resources are available online, the campus and community engagement team no longer needs to staff the center for this purpose. Student employees on the campus activities

engagement team can meet with students in 520 Willard Straight Hall to support campus organizations, answering questions about everything from registration to funding.

But to the student workers who staffed the Resource Center, it was more than just a job. It was also about finding community, former popcorn workers said. It was about cultivating kindness

and connecting with strangers. It was a place for students to be themselves.

Adler, who worked at the center from her first year until the campus shutdown, remembers changing into her red Resource Center polo and keeping the popcorn machine running (while trying not to spill butter on herself).

She recalls her favorite garlic bread popcorn

and the

regulars from Cornell Health — and Adler also remembers engaging with students at the popcorn stand as a key part of her job.

“It’s the idea that no matter what is happening in the world, a snack and a short conversation with a stranger can make it a little bit better,” said Maya Cutforth ’20, who worked at the Resource Center from her sophomore to senior year.

seasoning

2019 : Free popcorn | Willard Straight Hall was once known as a spot to receive free flavored popcorn.

2021: COVID testing | Students wait for a COVID test in The Straight. After the pandemic, the building was re-made into one of the busiest testing centers on campus, but its other spaces are now sparsely used.

HANNAH ROSENBERG / SUN SENIOR EDITOR

BORIS TSANG / SUN FILE PHOTO

Cornellians Rally to Support Ukraine in Midst of War

In the midst of a crowd on Ho Plaza, a woman hands out yellow roses from a bouquet, each individually tied with a blue bow around the stem. The woman, Maryna Lytvynova Mullerman grad, a Ukrainian veterinary student, uses torn pieces from her navy-erinary scrubs to make strips of fabric to mimic a ribbon. The colors of the roseresentation of the Ukrainian flag, a symbol of solidarity for those currently affected by the Russian-Ukrainian

Students, faculty and other sympathizers joined together in support of Ukraine on Feb. 26 at Ho Plaza as the conflict continued to escalate in Europe. Attendees of the peaceful protest waved blue and yellow banners as the Ukrainian national anthem played. Some protesters offered poster The protest comes after Russian military forces

invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, causing uproar and leaving an impression on the global scene. Supporters of Ukraine across the world have held protests, vigils and religious movements in response to the attacks, calling for peace. The devastation that comes with war is difficult to bear alone, and those in Ithaca with ties to Ukraine are leading movements to find a sense of community.

While passing out her roses to protesters, Mullerman shared how she received overwhelming support from friends, family and peers while processing her initial reactions to the daily updates from home.

“Nobody could predict this; nobody could expect this,” Mullerman said. “Me and my fellow Ukrainian students are in complete, complete shock.”

Mullerman was born and raised in Ukraine, only immigrating to the United States when she was 15 years old for schooling. Her family and friends remain in Ukraine, and her grandparents were unable to be evacuated.

“[There’s been] bombs for the past three days nonstop; I just hope all of them are in bomb shelters,” Mullerman said. “My heart is still there, my home is still there. It is extremely hard to watch this and not be able to do much.”

Prof. Olena Vatamaniuk, soil and crop sciences, expressed disbelief that the conflict is occurring.

“We knew there were forces that were surrounding Ukraine, we knew it may happen, but we still didn’t believe it was possible in the 21st century,” Vatamaniuk said.

With a sense of urgency, Vatamaniuk further explained the significance of the event.

“What’s happening right now goes beyond Ukraine. It really touches Europe, it touches all parts of the world

because it’s a fight for democracy,” Vatamaniuk said. “It’s an assault on democracy, people need to understand this. Which country would be next?”

One protestor, Cassi Wattenburger, grad, said that prior to the conflict she was on a “news diet”and hadn’t been reading the news. That changed as soon as she heard about the invasion and had thought about her friends who might be affected.

“It became difficult for me to continue to read the news,” she said. “However, I came here to support my Ukrainian friend [Olenka Zavodna].”

Olga Zimina, a visiting scientist in biology, and Olenka Zavodna, grad, organized the protest on Ho Plaza. They urged Cornellians to support Ukraine and spread awareness about the conflict. They encouraged students to donate to humanitarian organizations and message their local government officials to push more sanctions on Russia.

“One of the reasons why we organized this protest is to show people at Cornell that we are here,” Zavodna said. “Ukrainians are here, and we will protest against the war. Hopefully, Cornell will follow our lead and give some sort of statement, because it was disheartening not to see one.”

Along with Zavodna, Vatamaniuk expressed hopes that Cornell will make a statement soon in support of international students from the eastern European region.

“I am very appalled at Cornell,” Vatamaniuk said. “There was not a single word from the Cornell administration in support of Cornellians who are Ukrainians. I did write a letter, and they did not write back. We are getting letters from people around the world; we don’t need a political statement, just a statement of support. I can’t focus – my mind is with Ukraine.”

TimeLine

1.24.22 MAYOR SVANTE MYRICK ’09 RESIGNS: Cornell alumnus Mayor Svante Myrick ’09 announced his resignation as the 44th mayor of Ithaca at a Jan. 5 Common Council meeting after he accepted an offer with a progressive advocacy group. At 24 years old, Myrick became the youngest person in city history to be sworn into mayoral office and Ithaca’s first mayor of color. His agenda primarily focused on expanding affordable housing options, working toward resolving Ithaca’s substantial $3 million budget deficit and improving city-wide infrastructure.

2.18.22 UNIVERSITY ENDS SURVEILLANCE TESTING REQUIREMENT FOR VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS: For the first time since August 2020, Cornell announced that it would lift surveillance testing requirements for individuals who are fully vaccinated and boosted. This announcement marked the end of biweekly nose swabs that marked campus life for three semesters at Cornell.

4.13.22 DRAGON DAY RETURNS AFTER TWO-YEAR

HIATUS: On April 1, College of Architecture, Art and Planning students in elaborate outfits grabbed hold of the two-head-

ed dragon they had designed and embarked on the Dragon Day parade, a Cornell tradition returned to campus after a two year pandemic-induced hiatus. Despite rainy weather, participants and observers alike were excited to see the tradition return. “I have long heard about the enormous dragon they built for this parade,” said Noon Son ’25. “It was very magnificent to see.”

4.18.22 ITHACA IS THE FIRST CITY TO UNIONIZE ALL STARBUCKS LOCATIONS: Following efforts extending back to October, all three Ithaca Starbucks locations voted to unionize this past Friday, April 8. The outcomes of the votes for the College Avenue location, the Ithaca Commons location and the Meadow Street location were 19-1, 15-1 and 13-1, respectively.

5.11.22 SLOPE DAY RETURNS: Students celebrated the end of finals with the first in-person Slope Day since 2019, with a line-up slated with Aminé, Loud Luxury and Luna Li. “I am still looking forward to my first Slope Day at Cornell,” Isabel Hou ’24 said. “I am excited that Slope Day is happening.”

Capital idea | Upperclass architects celebrate Dragon Day on April 1 by dressing up as ornate classical columns.

SAMMIE LAMBOURNE / SUN STAFF WRITER

JULIA NAGEL / SUN PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

IFC Temporarily Suspends All Social Events

TimeLine

9.12.22 U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT RANKS

CORNELL #1 IN N.Y., SURPASSING COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: Cornell was named the best university in all of New York state, according to the 2023 Best National Universities rankings published by U.S. News and World Report. While still remaining the 17th best university in the nation, Cornell has now surpassed Columbia University, which saw a significant drop this year in rank, falling from No. 2 to No. 18. Columbia’s downfall came after Columbia University Prof. Michael Thaddeus, mathematics, started questioning the program’s soaring ranking, which in 2021 tied in second along Harvard and MIT.

11.9.22 SEVEN CORNELLIANS SET TO SERVE IN 118th CONGRESS: Seven Cornellians — mostly incumbents — won their elections to serve in the 118th Congress. In addition, one candidate lost the general election. The seven congress members-elect as well as Jamie McLeod-Skinner, M.R.P. ’95, whose race is too close to call, represent several parts of Cornell: Reps. Katherine Clark J.D. ’89 (D-Mass.) and Sharice Davids J.D. ’10 (D-Kan.) are graduates from Cornell Law School, Rep.

Elissa Slotkin ’98 (D-Mich.) majored in rural sociology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, while Rep. Dan Heuser ’88 (R.Pa.) was a government major in the College of Arts and Sciences. Katherine Clark J.D. ’89 (D-Mass.) won re-election handily over Republican challenger Caroline Colarusso (R-Mass.) with nearly 75 percent of the vote. This is Clark’s fifth full term since entering office in a 2013 special election to replace then-Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) following his successful election to the Senate. She also serves as Assistant Speaker of the House.

11.30.22 NICKI MOORE FIRST WOMAN NAMED DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS: Nicki Webber Moore was named Cornell’s first female Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education.

12.6.22 EARLY MORNING COLLEGETOWN CENTER FIRE LEAVES STUDENTS DISPLACED AMID FINAL EXAMS: On Dec. 6, a fire began at Collegetown Center, an apartment complex on Dryden Road that many students reside in. Residents of the building were safely evacuated. The University gave affected students temporary support through campus housing and dining.

As a response to the release of a crime report on Nov. 4, 2022, alerting the Cornell community to at least four drugging incidents and a sexual assault allegation, the Interfraternity Council has temporarily suspended all fraternity parties and social events.

In a University-wide email, President Martha Pollack and Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi issued a joint statement condemning the reported incidents and calling for solidarity.

“We are outraged and saddened … we strongly condemn the actions of all individuals responsible for these criminal violations,” Pollack and Lombardi wrote. “Crime is never the fault of those who are victimized. The University is providing support services to the victims … our campus community is stronger together.”

According to the C.U. police crime report log, within the past two months at least four students have reported being exposed to Rohypnol, a depressant and benzodiazepine also referred to as “roofies” or a “date-rape” drug.

According to the report, the incident occurred between Oct. 28 and Nov. 3 at 800 University Avenue.

“Students reported to have consumed little to no alcohol at an off-campus location but became incapacitated while attending parties,” the police report said.

On Nov. 6, 2022, at approximately 4:45 a.m., the C.U. police crime report log shows that another student reported being sexually assaulted while attending an event at 140 Thurston Avenue. There has not been a release of further details, as the investigations are ongoing.

Given the recent chain of events and past rumored incidents of drugging allegedly involving needles being used, students voiced increased safety concerns.

“Day to day, I feel safe going to Cornell,” said Zoe Yao ’23. “However, given everything that has happened and everything from last year as well, similar drugging rumors, I would say I do not necessarily feel safe going to certain fraternities.”

In response to the rising concerns, the IFC, which governs more than 30 IFC-recognized fraternities at Cornell, is working with the University to implement stronger health and safety plans for students. As its first step, IFC

voluntarily made a decision Sunday evening to suspend all fraternity social events.

“The IFC Executive Board and current IFC Chapter Presidents made the decision to suspend all fraternity functions on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022,” wrote the IFC executive board in an email to The Sun. “The IFC is currently working toward enhancing plans to keep the community and students safe and will use subject matter experts and available resources to promote health and safety.”

In the past, Cornell fraternities have been implicated in the deaths of two students. In 2011, Sigma Alpha Epsilon was temporarily suspended and returned this year after hazing George Desdunes ’13 to death, and in 2019, Antonio Tsialas ’23 was found dead at the Fall Creek Gorge after attending a “dirty rush” event at Phi Kappa Psi. The last ban on Inter-Fraternity Council social events was put into place in 2019 following the death of Tsialas.

“My freshman year Antonio Tsialas passed away,” Yao said. “From there, Martha Pollack, our president, made a good move and reformed Greek life in the spring of that year. It has definitely had implications on the social scene and Greek life for the past couple of years since then.”

However, despite the changes, Yao said that more incidents of laced drinks and drugging have recently surfaced.

“We already have regulations on alcohol at the parties: registering parties, having bands and sober monitors,” Yao said. “[They] all feel like bandages to the fundamental problem.”

The IFC wrote to The Sun that it is looking into “current practices” to ensure a safe and welcoming community.

“We take these reports extremely seriously as this directly infringes upon the principles that the IFC stands for,” the IFC executive board wrote. “The IFC strives to create a safe and welcoming community on campus and we plan to take a hard look at our current practices and see where we can change holistically to better support our campus.”

In a statement to The Sun, the IFC recognized the bravery of the students who came forward and reported the incidents.

“Furthermore, we affirm the bravery of those individuals in our campus community who made the important choice to come forward,” IFC executive board wrote.

Ann Coulter ’84 Speaking Event at Cornell a NonStarter After Disruptions, Protest Prompt an Early Exit

Conservative media pundit and author Ann Coulter ’84 was invited to speak at Cornell on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2022, to talk about the midterm elections and host a Q and A. Coulter was met with a strong coalition of students standing against her with at least eight individuals being removed from the venue for disrupting her speech.

The event was hosted by the Network of Enlightened Women, a campus conservative women’s network. Members of Cornell Republicans assisted in the promotion and staffing of the event.

The event was barely off its feet, however, before protesters interrupted. When Coulter was introduced, one student played “Entrance of the Gladiators” by Julius Fucík — commonly known as the Circus Theme — as she

approached the podium. As the music reverberated throughout the silent lecture hall, the student said, “Go back to the circus Ann.” The student was escorted out without incident.

Not more than a few minutes had gone by before other protesters began sporadically interrupting the event. Some blew raspberries and shouted their disapproval, another blew a loud whistle.

“No KKK, no fascist USA,” said two students, before being escorted out.

Coulter rose to fame for her criticism of the Clinton Administration in the late 1990s, but has since grown into a harsh critic of American liberalism and what she deems as the silencing of conservative values. She has also gained notoriety for her controversial and offensive statements over the course of the last two decades.

In the past, Coulter made targeted remarks of hate against numerous marginalized groups including Muslims, Latino immigrants, Jewish people and women.

The entrance to Landis Hall at the Cornell Law School was patrolled by security guards, and several were scattered throughout the hall itself. Campus police officers were also stationed, standing in the sidelines and the back of the hall, as well as three outside the Law School building.

Outside, a few protesters gathered, but not amounting to more than 20 in total. One protester held a sign, reading, “We don’t support white supremacists.”

Coulter partnered with the Leadership Institute, a non-profit organization that trains conservatives in activism and leadership, as part of her Campus Reform project. It aims to combat perceived liberal bias on college campuses across the country by publicizing such circumstances to larger conservative media outlets and the public.

Coulter began her talk by discussing the midterm election results of the day prior. She spoke of the emerging consensus that the Republican “red wave” that many polls predicted had never materialized, and that the previous night had been kind to Democrats.

Coulter also included quips at the expense of Democratic figures, joking about Fetterman misspeaking in his debate against Republican Senate race rival Republican Mehmet Oz — Fetterman narrowly survived a stroke in May, leaving him with temporary struggles in reading, listening and speaking. Coulter also took aim at President Biden (D) and Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.) in her opening.

The interruptions past this point, however, became more active and relentless. Coulter was barely able to recount Gov. DeSantis’ win in

Florida’s gubernatorial race before gagging and raspberry blowing began from a student in the audience near her.

Visibly frustrated, Coulter chose to rebuke the Cornell student body, comparing her alma mater with Harvard, which she deemed smart. However, the speech effectively ended at this point, where students began to yell in protest of Coulter.

“Your words are violence! We don’t want you to speak here,” students said. “We don’t want your ideas here! Leave! Leave!”

Coulter urged her security to remove the students from the event. When another student began yelling at Coulter, and then another began blowing a whistle, Coulter left the podium and went backstage leaving the stage empty for nearly 10 minutes. A few extra security guards and police began spreading throughout the room in an effort to be closer to react to future outbursts.

When she returned, Coulter was only able to speak one last sentence.

“Here’s some more violence for ya,” she joked, before another student stood up and interrupted, yelling, “You’re a fucking fascist!” Coulter, stoney faced, promptly exited the hall, concluding the intended hour-long event in 20 minutes.

Although a few students protested individually, some were organized by a coalition of Cornell campus groups and clubs, who wished to not be named. On Friday, the protesters shared a statement with The Sun, signed “Cornell students who stand against white supremacy.”

“Why do we allow someone to come to speak on our campus whose rhetoric very bluntly stands in opposition to [Cornell’s motto]?” the students said in the statement.

Neither the Leadership Institute nor the Network for enlightened Women chapter at Cornell responded to a request for comment.

University Rejects Content Warning Proposal

President Martha Pollack and Provost Michael Kotlikoff rejected a Student Assembly resolution which asked the University to implement content warnings for what it calls “triggering” classroom content, citing concerns about academic freedom and freedom of inquiry.

The resolution passed the S.A. on March 23, 2023, and requests content warnings for course content that may trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Such content includes, but is not limited to, domestic and sexual violence, racial and homophobic behavior and suicidal actions. It additionally requests that students be allowed to opt out of viewing or working with said content without academic penalty, so long as they make up missed content.

In their email, Pollack and Kotlikoff wrote that although they understood the interests of the S.A., the necessary actions that would be required by adopting the resolution would violate Cornell’s policy of free and purposeful inquiry and expression.

“Common courtesy would suggest that in some cases faculty may wish to provide notice, whether via the course syllabus or in the classroom, when they will be addressing topics that some may find challenging or painful,” Pollack and Kotlikoff wrote. “But requiring that faculty anticipate and warn about all such situations … would unacceptably restrict the academic freedom of our community, interfering in significant ways with Cornell’s mission and its core value of Free and Purposeful Inquiry and Expression.”

Pollack and Kotlikoff did not support permitting students to opt out of viewing the content without penalty, stating that exposure to challenging ideas is crucial to the University’s educational experience for students.

Though the resolution’s sponsors expressed disap-

pointment at the University’s decision, they said that they understood its reasoning in rejecting the resolution.

Sponsor Claire Ting ’25 said the University and the S.A. were approaching the issue from different perspectives.

“We are both individuals who seek for a better Cornell community — trying to make the environment better for Cornell students so that we can produce the next generation’s leaders — and in doing so we must serve the needs of our [student] communities.”

Sponsor Shelby Williams ’25 shared similar sentiments to Ting, saying that she understood the feedback that President Pollack shared with the S.A., but that the impetus behind the resolution — which the S.A. did not originally disclose in the resolution’s text to protect the victim — caused mischaracterization in national press.

“I understand what [Pollack is] saying: if professors fear some type of retribution for not including this warning, that it might have a chilling effect. I understand that.”

Since its passage, the resolution has drawn fire from conservative news organizations and opinion columns such as Newsmax, Fox News and the New York Post, with the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board lambasting the S.A. for even considering the resolution.

“The entire idea of a trigger warning for speech is antithetical to the idea of a university, and in a previous age no one would have taken it seriously,” the board wrote. “But this is era [sic] of woke censorship, so it’s news when campus leaders push back, as they have at Cornell.”

Ting said that the resolution was passed in response to reports of a student — who had recently experienced sexual assault and a Title IX trial — being required to read mul-

Students Occupy Day Hall Over Starbucks Partnership

In response to the announcement that all Ithaca-based Starbucks locations will be permanently closed by May 26, 2023, student organizers and Starbucks employees occupied Day Hall on Thursday, May 11, 2023, to urge Cornell to end its relationship with Starbucks.

On both North and Central Campuses, most Cornell dining halls and cafés serve Starbucks brand beverages. Rally organizers primarily demand that the University publicize its contract with Starbucks and sever its relationship with the corporation, switching providers for all on-campus dining establishments that serve Starbucks products.

According to Nick Wilson ’26, a former Starbucks barista in his hometown of Wilmette, Illinois who now is a student activist with the People’s Organizing Collective, organizers require a campus-wide switch to an “ethical” brand that is approved by the student activists occupying Day Hall and Starbucks Workers United before the fall semester.

Organizers discussed expanding the number of locations offering Gimme! Coffee — which is currently sold at Bill and Melinda Gates Hall and in three other Ithaca locations. According to Wilson, Gimme! Coffee is ideal due to being a local, unionized worker-run co-op. On Tuesday, organizers offered free Gimme! Coffee in front of Starbucks stores and campus dining establishments selling Starbucks products while discussing their cause and asking for optional donations, which ultimately raised over $700 in support of the strike.

To Wilson, specifically targeting Cornell’s relationship

tiple, graphic, scene-by-scene depictions of sexual assaults for a class in the context of studying the 1937 Rape of Nanking, in which Japanese soldiers committed atrocious human rights abuses against captured Chinese civilians.

“Students have to understand that this material is challenging to interact with to learn from the mistakes of prior history,” Ting said. “At the same time, there’s an understanding that ought to be upheld from instructors that because these are inherently human experiences, past, present or future, students will have some sort of history that will align with this.”

Ting and Williams both stated that they believed that the media had misunderstood the purpose of the resolution, saying that their vision of it was to institute best practices regarding displaying graphic content in the classroom, rather than enforcing any type of University policy.

“All we’re asking for is the same sort of courtesy to students,” Ting said. “If we as students are to learn from disturbing content, then I personally don’t believe it’s egregious to ask that this disturbing content be brought in with an approach that is aware of [the fact that] its disturbing content by nature tends to activate certain responses in students. That’s something instructors should be aware of if this content is to be taught nonetheless.”

Still, despite the setback, Williams said that she hoped to reopen the conversation at some point.

“I think that in some capacity, we’re going to try to re-articulate the intent of the resolution in a way that is better understood by community members,” Williams said. “I can’t give you an answer at this moment as to what that will look like. But I certainly don’t think that this is over. I think it’s an ongoing conversation.”

TimeLine

3.7.23 POLLACK SUPPORTS PLAN B VENDING MACHINE AT CORNELL HEALTH: The University indicated its intention to install a vending machine in Cornell Health for 24-hour access to nonprescription health care supplies, including emergency contraception, following a Student Assembly proposal.

4.10.23 COIN ANNOUNCED AS SLOPE DAY HEADLINER: COIN was announced as the slope day headliner, openers were CoCo and Clair Clair and Snakehips.

4.17.23 POLLACK ANNOUNCES FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ACADEMIC THEME YEAR AMID CONTROVERSY: Following national scrutiny over a proposal to mandate “trigger warnings,” President Pollack announced that the first ever academic theme year would center around the freedom of expression for 2023-2024.

with Starbucks — rather than Starbucks as a whole — is a way to leverage the organizers’ authority as students of the University.

“You can’t negotiate with Starbucks — that’s a boardroom full of multinational executives who won’t listen to us,” Wilson said. “Where power is, is we have this affiliation with the University [as students], and we have the ability to democratically rise up and say, ‘This is what we demand.’”

Wilson noted that organizers believe Starbucks is making a profit of millions of dollars through its relationship with Cornell, but this contract is not currently public. In turn, disrupting the agreement between Cornell and Starbucks is a way for organizers to demonstrate to the corporation that there are economic consequences to what they consider to be a national union-busting campaign.

Prior to the occupation of Day Hall, organizers urged Cornell students to send over 900 emails to the University demanding that they sever all University ties to Cornell, although Ryan Lombardi, vice president of student and campus life, denied receiving an email until 30 minutes prior to his and Dean of Students Marla Love’s initial arrival in the lobby of Day Hall shortly before 5 p.m., where students had already been gathered for hours.

Lombardi told protestors President Pollack was out of town and accused the demonstrators of negotiating in bad faith with the administration.

“I’m willing to make that commitment to have this dialogue and try to figure something out — see what we can

4.28.23 UNIVERSITY ELIMINATES COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIREMENTS: A The University elimated allCOVID-19 vaccine requirements as of May 20, marking a potential end to Cornell COVID-19 policies.

5.8.23 DEAD AND COMPANY PERFORM AT BARTON HALL: 46 years to the day after the Grateful Dead’s iconic Barton Hall performance, Dead and Company performed at the same location as part of their summer 2023 farewell tour. Droves of Cornellians flocked to Ithaca for the event.

5.9.23 PRESIDENT OF STUDENT ASSEMBLY OUSTED OVER TITLE IX ALLEGATION: Moments after being sworn in, S.A. President Pedro Da Silveira ’25 was voted out of the position after a Title IX allegation was brought to light.

come up with,” Lombardi said. “I think it’s unreasonable to ask us to make that on the spot. That’s not giving us a fair chance to really look at all the implications.”

“What do you think is unreasonable about the demands? Because for us, it seems pretty clear. You have this contract and you could give it to us,” Wilson said. “All we’re asking you to do is commit to not Starbucks next fall, and commit to working with us… as to what that next vendor will be.”

After an extensive back-and-forth, Lombardi and Love returned to their offices.

Love then came back to the lobby at 5:40 p.m. to inform the demonstrators that the building would officially close at 6 p.m., and offered to allow them back into the building at 8 a.m. on Friday when the building reopens. The demonstrators countered with an agreement to leave the building if Love and Lombardi agreed to a definitive meeting between the demonstrators and President Pollack, as well as all “relevant” decision-makers.

According to both the University and the demonstrators, relevant decision-makers include the University cabinet as well as attorneys representing the University.

Organizers affirmed that they intended to stay in the building until the requested demands were reached or until they received more details affirming legitimate reasons for the University’s inability to meet their demands at the time — such as an explanation of the legal provision that states Cornell cannot be released from its contract with Starbucks or information on why essential individuals cannot be reached.

Tension brewing | On May 12, 2023, protesters moved outside as part of an agreement with the University.

MING DEMERS / SUN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Middle E ast C aptures C ampus Attention

Israel-Hamas War Divides Campus

A Cornell professor’s speech at a pro-Palestinian off-campus rally on Oct. 15 sparked a nationwide debate over whether he should continue to hold a position at the University. But his remarks revealed a deeper divide within the Cornell community over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

After calling Hamas’s initial invasion into Israel “exhilarating” and “energizing,” Prof. Russell Rickford, history, first defended his remarks to The Sun, stating that he was referring to “those first few hours, when they broke through the apartheid wall, that it seemed to be a symbol of resistance, and indeed a new phase of resistance in the Palestinian struggle.”

He issued an apology in The Sun over his choice of words two days later.

Following Rickford’s remarks, President Martha Pollack and the Chairman of the Cornell University Board of Trustees said Rickford’s words were “a reprehensible comment that demonstrates no regard whatsoever for humanity.” Rickford subsequently requested and was granted a leave of absence from the University.

Student organizations distributed online petitions both supporting Rickford

TimeLine

8.21.23 CORNELL KICKS OFF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION THEME

YEAR: President Martha Pollack announced intentions to hold a series of events focused on the theme of “The Indispensable Condition: Freedom of Expression at Cornell,” two days after joining the Campus Call for Free Expression, a joint effort by 13 universities to model critical inquiry and civil discourse on campus.

10.12.23 CORNELLIANS ORGANIZE VIGILS FOR ISRAELI VICTIMS OF OCT. 7 ATTACK AND PALESTINIAN LIVES LOST: One day apart, Hillel and Cornellians for Israel held a vigil to honor the victims of Hamas’s attack on Israel and Students for Justice in Palestine held a vigil to mourn the loss of life in Palestine and call on President Pollack to acknowledge Palestinian suffering. Pollack released a statement on Oct. 10 condemning Hamas’s attack but did not mention Palestine.

10.14.23 CORNELL AGREES TO REVISED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH CITY OF ITHACA, COMMITS TO $4 MILLION

ANNUALLY: After months of stalled negotiations, Cornell agreed to pay the City $4 million annually, adjusted yearly for inflation, with the City amending the term length to 15 years, a five year decrease from the original proposal. Cornell is exempt from paying property taxes as a higher education institution, but instead offers the City voluntary payments in lieu of taxes. Last negotiated in 2003, the University had been paying Ithaca $1 million annually.

10.15.23 PROF. RUSSELL RICKFORD STATES HE WAS “EXHILARATED” BY HAMAS ATTACK ON ISRAEL AT OFF-CAMPUS RALLY: After history professor Russell Rickford stated he

and asking the University to hold the professor accountable for his remarks.

A truck with digital billboards displaying a picture of Rickford was seen driving throughout Cornell’s campus on Oct. 19. The truck displayed the words “President Pollack: Fire Antisemitic Professor Rickford Now.”

While the truck circulated campus for a second day, pro-Palestinian protesters followed the truck in defense of Rickford.

Students gathered in support of Rickford in front of the Statler Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 21, where events for the Cornell Board of Trustees were being held throughout the weekend. The group held two large banners that read “Anti-Zionism ≠ Antisemitism” and “Stand With Russell, Stand With Gaza.” The group chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Many speakers at the rally expressed frustration over Rickford’s leave of absence and urged attendees to email the Administration in support of Rickford. Other students, however, said Rickford’s words created “a hostile environment for learning” and that Rickford was wrong to call Hamas “rife with contradictions” instead of labeling Hamas “for what it is” as a terrorist organization.

was “exhilarated” by the “challenge to the monopoly of violence” during Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack, he garnered national condemnation, including from University leadership, and elected to take a leave of absence.

10.29.23 POSTS ONLINE THREATEN JEWISH STUDENTS AND CENTER FOR JEWISH LIVING: Students became alerted to vile threats posted on the anonymous discussion forum Greekrank, which implored students to carry out acts of violence against Jewish students and threatened a mass shooting at Cornell’s kosher dining hall. Gov. Kathy Hochul visited campus the next day to assure the community the state was taking these threats seriously, and the perpetrator was identified as Cornell senior Patrick Dai ’24 two days after the threats were posted.

11.8.23 S.A. PRESIDENT PATRICK KUEHL ’24 WINS FOURTH WARD COMMON COUNCIL RACE IN A SURPRISE WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN: In what was previously an uncontested race, incumbent Jorge DeFendini ’22 lost his seat to Cornell senior and Student Assembly president Kuehl, who campaigned almost exclusively at Cornell fraternities. Kuehl provided inconsistent timelines and reasoning for his campaign, that the majority of Fourth Ward residents learned about on Election Day.

11.9.23 CORNELL GRADUATE STUDENTS UNIONIZE: Graduate students won their unionization election by a vote of 1,873 to 80 and will federate as Cornell Graduate Students United, an organization fighting for the rights of graduate workers. The current effort to unionize started in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and over the course of September, over 2,500 graduate workers signed unionization cards.

Antisemtic Treats Target Students

Threats were posted to Cornell’s Greekrank forums on Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Oct. 29, including one that threatened a shooting at 104West!, which is home to Cornell’s Center for Jewish Living and the kosher dining hall.

Posts also threatened to rape female Jewish students and behead Jewish babies in front of their parents.

The posts came four days after graffiti stating “Israel is fascist,” “Zionism = genocide” and “F*** Israel” was sprayed across Central Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul came to campus on Oct. 30 to address the campus community directly.

“We will not tolerate threats or antisemitism or any kind of hatred that makes people feel vulnerable and exposes people and makes them feel insecure in a place where they should be enjoying their campus life, without fear that someone could cause them harm,” Hochul said.

Patrick Dai ’24, an engineering student, was arrested on Oct. 31 on charges of posting threats to kill or injure another using interstate communications, following an accelerated FBI investigation.

The charge filed against Dai carries a maximum term of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to three years.

Appearing before a judge on Wednesday in federal court in Syracuse on Nov. 1, Dai originally waived his right to an immediate detention hearing, but backpedaled that decision under new representation.

At a hearing on Nov. 9, Dai’s public defender argued that he was not a risk to the community and that he has an undiagnosed developmental disability that was exacerbated at Cornell into severe mental health issues.

Federal prosecutors stated that his antisemitic threats posed a severe risk to the community and that his release could lead to further terror and dangerous actions. They also stated that his suicidal ideations pose a risk of flight, in addition to his connection to a foreign country as his father currently resides in China.

The judge ordered Dai’s detention on the grounds that his threats were vile and terrorized the Jewish community, and that his online threats were consistent with those of other mass shooters in recent U.S. history.

In Low-Turnout Election, City Candidates Found Votes at Frats

Two Cornell students who won seats on Ithaca’s Common Council — including the one who ran a controversial and unannounced write-in campaign — coordinated more closely with Cornell fraternities than was previously known, discussing the possibility of allowing for later fraternity parties and even getting approved to pick up absentee ballots for fraternity brothers.

Patrick Kuehl ’24, who edged out an incumbent this month in a surprise write-in campaign for the Fourth Ward, and Clyde Lederman ’26, who won a close race in the Fifth Ward, both were elected in part because of absentee and affidavit ballots cast in wards with low numbers of voters. In the Fifth Ward, 20 of the 60 absentee ballot requests were made by fraternity brothers, along with 19 of the 22 requests in the Fourth Ward. The forms obtained by The Sun only indicate who requested ballots, and do not indicate which of those requestors actually voted.

The applications show that all fraternity brothers who requested absentee ballots in the fourth and fifth wards authorized either Kuehl or Lederman to pick up their ballots from the Tompkins County Board of Elections and deliver them to the fraternities. Ballots were requested by members of five fraternities, with the most requests coming from Sig Phi and Chi Psi.

The requests came after Kuehl and Lederman met with fraternity presidents on Oct. 22 and encouraged their members to vote in the

Nov. 7 election, according to a fraternity member who was briefed on the meeting.

All of the 39 fraternity members who requested ballots across the two districts said on the request forms that they were either going to be out of the area on election day or had a “temporary illness or physical disability.”

James Gardner, an election law expert at the University at Buffalo, said voters must be truthful about the reason they are requesting absentee ballots. He said the arrangement in which Kuehl and Lederman were authorized to deliver absentee ballots to the fraternity brothers was unusual but did not appear to break any rules.

Lederman defended being authorized to pick up the ballots, saying it was “standard practice.” Kuehl declined to comment.

Kuehl and Lederman’s close coordination with fraternities depicts an ambitious effort to find votes from fraternities in a notoriously low-turnout district, where a handful of ballots can swing an election. Thousands of people live in the Fourth Ward, but because it is so heavily populated by college students — most of whom do not vote in Tompkins County — scavenging for votes can be difficult. This year, only 100 people voted in the Fourth Ward, and Kuehl won by nine votes. Kuehl has already been criticized for running a secretive write-in campaign, in which even his opponent, Jorge DeFendini ’22, did not know he was

running until Election Day. Kuehl has given shifting answers about how long he was openly running. He said shortly after the election that he had been canvassing for a month and a half, but said more recently that he did not officially launch his bid until around Oct. 22, the day he met with fraternity presidents.

At that meeting, Kuehl and Lederman discussed their campaigns with fraternity presidents and Rocco DeLorenzo ’24, the Interfraternity Council president. Kuehl, Lederman and DeLorenzo all work together on the Student Assembly.

Following that meeting of fraternity presidents, one fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, held a chapter meeting in which members were urged to fill out voter registration forms, according to Sasha Boguraev ’24, who attended the Pi Kappa Alpha meeting. He said members were told that voting for Kuehl and Lederman could lead to later parties — past the general current end time of 1 a.m.

At another fraternity house, Pi Kappa Phi, Ethan Hersch ’26 said the fraternity president slid voter registration forms underneath fraternity brothers’ doors and sent messages encouraging them to register and vote, noting that Lederman might be an ally to fraternities.

And at the Chi Psi house, the fraternity which DeLorenzo is part of, Arjun Parikh ’26 similarly said that brothers were told “Clyde would be helpful” to the fraternity.

Inside S.A. Member’s Plan for a Frat “Machine” TimeLine

1.24.24 INTERIM EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY

POLICY ANNOUNCED: The controversial Interim Expressive Activity Policy restricted student protest on campus through limitations on expressive activities including guidelines on the use of amplified sound and the number of people at outdoor demonstrations.

3.22.24 STUDENT ASSEMBLY LAUNCHES

ETHICAL INVESTIGATION INTO MEMBERS CONNECTED TO INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL AND CORNELL DEMOCRATS: Amid extensive political controversy, Student Assembly President Patrick Kuehl ’24 directed the S.A. Office of Ethics to investigate himself and several other Assembly members currently or formerly connected to either the Interfraternity Council or the Cornell Democrats. In a March 22 letter to the editor, Kuehl explained that the investigation was prompted by The Sun’s reporting on alliances within the Student Assembly, which seemed to implicate Vice President of Finance George Rocco DeLorenzo ’24, ex-president Pedro Da Silveira ’25 and representative Clyde Lederman ’26 in scheming to utilize the voting power of a Greek life “machine.”

4.16.24 ANN COULTER ’84 APPEARANCE LEADS TO ARREST: Ann Coulter ’84, a controversial conservative media personality, made her return to campus with a talk entitled “Immigration: The Conspiracy To End America.” Prof. Monica Cornejo, communication, was arrested during the question and answer section due to disorderly behavior.

4.18.24 VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE ROCCO DELORENZO ’24 RESIGNS FROM STUDENT ASSEMBLY: Vice President of Finance George Rocco DeLorenzo ’24 resigned from his position and seat on the Student Assembly amid

controversy over alleged hostile behavior toward women during his role as chair of the Appropriations Committee. The Student Assembly also voted to retain Vice President of Internal Operations Clyde Lederman ’26 to his position in an 11-6-10 vote, failing to reach the two-thirds majority needed for removal. A Sunday report by the S.A. Office of Ethics recommended that the Assembly consider a recall of the two high-ranking members for a series of ethical violations, including their role in planning to protect Greek life on the Assembly and their handling of complaints about DeLorenzo’s behavior towards women.

4.25.24 STUDENTS STAGE PRO-PALESTINE ENCAMPMENT ON THE ARTS QUAD:

Approximately 50 students staged a pro-Palestine encampment on the Arts Quad. Demonstrators stated they would continue the encampment until the University met their demands or removed them from campus.

5.9.24 PRESIDENT POLLACK ANNOUNES RETIREMENT: President Martha Pollack announced that she will retire from her position on June 30 after seven years of leadership. Pollack acknowledged that there “will be lots of speculation about [her] decision” and emphasized that she independently decided to retire from her role after “extensive reflection.”

5.13.24 COALITION FOR MUTUAL LIBERATION VOLUNTARILY ENDS ENCAMPMENT:

The Coalition for Mutual Liberation voluntarily took down its pro-Palestine encampment on Monday, two and a half weeks after it was initially erected on April 25. Approximately 250 supporters circled the original “Liberated Zone” space — no longer surrounded by a black tarp — as the encampment held a final vigil for the lives lost in Rafah.

Conversations between the president of Cornell’s Interfraternity Council and the embattled ex-president of the Student Assembly during the 2023 election season reveal plans the two had to bar criticism of Greek life from the S.A. floor and block resolutions pertaining to women’s health and gender issues.

Private text messages obtained by The Sun show how IFC president and influential S.A. member Rocco DeLorenzo ’24 — who was also running for executive vice president of the Student Assembly at the time — planned on wielding a Greek life “machine” in the Student Assembly to defend the interests of fraternities.

The Sun has reviewed a host of texts between DeLorenzo and Pedro Da Silveira ’25 during last year’s campaign cycle in which the pair discussed their vision and goals for the S.A.

Da Silveira — who was elected president of the Assembly in May 2023 but was ousted moments after being sworn in due to a Title IX allegation which he was later found not responsible for — said the two were campaigning together during a period when DeLorenzo knew about the allegation.

On Feb. 20, 2023, Da Silveira confided in DeLorenzo that a former sexual partner was creating a record of accusations against him and asked for advice. DeLorenzo responded by telling Da Silveira to report the accuser’s behavior as harassment to the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX to “get the first mover advantage.” The two continued to message about Da Silveira’s allegation over the next

month.

In February 2023, DeLorenzo messaged Da Silveira that a “machine greek life sweep” was coming that would work to prevent changes to the Greek life system from being considered by the Assembly. When asked what the “mandate of the machine” would be for the upcoming year, DeLorenzo wrote: “Probably two rules – 1. Don’t do anything controversial 2. Leave greek life alone.”

DeLorenzo seemed to be particularly upset about the S.A.’s Resolution 16: Condemning Greek Life. The resolution — written in the wake of the suspension of all Cornell fraternities over sexual assault and drugging allegations in November 2022 — called fraternities “misogynistic, racist and transphobic institutions that perpetuate sexual assault and harassment.”

The day after the resolution was adopted in December 2022, DeLorenzo told Da Silveira that the “SA will definitely look different next semester” and that the resolution was targeted hate speech.

DeLorenzo also appeared to take issue with certain women’s health-related resolutions. He told Da Silveira in February 2023 that he “just can’t morally support a Plan B vending machine,” referring to a resolution that supported a program to create a machine with contraception.

“All I gotta say is under the machine greek life sweep coming, this stuff wouldn’t ever make it to the floor,” DeLorenzo wrote, referring to the Plan B vending machine proposal.

In an April 21, 2023, text,

DeLorenzo told Da Silveira not to campaign on providing free date rape drug testing kits to fraternities through Cornell Health. “As promised everything Frat will be kept out of the mouth of the SA so if you feel strongly I can cut it,” Da Silveira wrote.

Toward the end of April, Da Silveira appeared to have lost the support of both the IFC and the Cornell Democrats. DeLorenzo — as IFC president — opted to endorse Patrick Kuehl ’24 (Fourth Ward) as the most “level-headed” presidential candidate.

DeLorenzo did not respond to repeated requests for comment on this story, including about why he had a change of heart and came out in support of Kuehl despite having apparently planned a platform with Da Silveira.

On May 9, 2023, at around 1 p.m., it was announced that Da Silveira won the presidential election with around 45 percent of the vote. In the following hours, DeLorenzo sent a letter to all Student Assembly member-elects, which openly accused Da Silveira of having sexual relations with a student while she “was in no state to be a consenting individual.”

Shortly after members were sworn into their positions, DeLorenzo introduced a motion expel Da Silveira. Kuehl was appointed to the position on May 18, 2023. In addition to that position, he won a seat on Ithaca’s Common Council in November, after leveraging support from fraternities. The Student Assembly under Kuehl’s leadership has not yet passed any resolutions pertaining to the Interfraternity Council.

Students Stage Pro-Palestine Encampment on Arts Quad

Approximately 50 students staged a pro-Palestine encampment on the Arts Quad on April 25.

Cornell followed demonstrators at several other institutions establishing “liberated zones,” which have prompted mass arrests and suspensions. Demonstrators stated they would continue the encampment until the University met their demands or removed them from campus.

The Coalition for Mutual Liberation, a pro-Palestine coalition of over 40 organizations, organized the encampment.

Approximately 17 tents were enclosed by a low-to-theground tarp fence in front of McGraw Hall. According to an email from CML to The Sun, the encampment was established at 4 a.m. and administrators told the demonstrators to move twice by 9 a.m.

Anyone was welcome to enter the “liberated zone,” so long as they completed an “arrest intake form” to help CML keep track of and support protestors should they be arrested and placed in jail.

The demonstration came a week after the majority of student voters approved of a ceasefire and divestment referendum, held from April 18 to April 19.

According to a CML press release, demonstrators urged the University to take action on eight demands including providing restitution to Indigenous communities, ensuring transparency in its current finances, divesting from “morally reprehensible activities” as per the 2016 Standard Guide to Divestment Consideration, dissolving partnerships with the Jacobs-Technion Cornell Institute and any other partnerships with the Technion Israel, establishing a Palestinian studies program, publicly acknowledging and protecting anti-Zionist perspectives, recognizing that anti-Zionism is not antisemitism and removing all police from campus including from student protests.

Demonstrators asked for police to be replaced with an emergency response team composed of healthcare workers and first responders trained in de-escalation. They also asked for total legal and academic amnesty for all individuals involved in the encampment and similar demonstrators.

On the first day, encampment participants were threatened with academic susepsions if they did not leave by 8 p.m.. Supporters surrounded participants as the encampment passed the 8 p.m. Police ultimately did not interfere with activity.

Encampment participants did not budge from the Arts Quad for the next two and a half weeks. As they held educational programming and rallies, Cornell maintained minimal police presence around the encampment. No students were arrested.

Cornell’s administration instead emphasized academic repercussions for demonstrators. Six encampment participants — including both undergraduates and graduate students — were suspended.

The original demands set at the beginning of the encampment were altered as the “Liberated Zone” adjusted to ongoing negotiations with the University, according to the CML representative.

CML notably dropped its original demands for the University to “remove all police from campus” and to “call for an unconditional, permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”

The Negotiations Team for the Coalition for Mutual Liberation’s “Liberated Zone” met with President Pollack at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 10.

President Martha Pollack told the Negotiations Team of the Coalition for Mutual Liberation’s “Liberated Zone” that divestment was not feasible, due to the endowment being indirectly managed, according to a CML Instagram post from Saturday,

May 11. The administration also did not support providing full amnesty for encampment participants and “questioned Cornell’s complicity in Indigenous genocide,” according to the post. CML voluntarily took down its pro-Palestine encampment on May 14.

Approximately 250 supporters circled the original “Liberated Zone” space — no longer surrounded by a black tarp — as the encampment held a final vigil for the lives lost in Rafah starting at 6 p.m. Monday.

Supporters held small candles as demonstrators discussed the significance of the encampment for themselves and the people of Palestine.

Maral Asik ’24, an encampment supporter, told The Sun that it felt “bittersweet” to watch the encampment come to a close.

“We created a community like no other on Cornell campus — the space for our peers and classmates to come and connect and feel safe and included and cared for,” Asak said.

camp | The encampment hangs a “ceasefire” banner on its tarp perimeter.

NINA DAVIS / SUN PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

The Corne¬ Daily Sun Independent Since 1880

ANGELA BUNAY ’24 Editor in Chief

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Opinion Editor

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Assistant Arts & Culture Editor

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Layout Editor

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Graphics Editor

VEE CIPPERMAN ’23 Senior Editor

ESTEE YI ’24

PAREESAY AFZAL ’24

ELI PALLRAND ’24

SOFIA RUBINSON ’24 Managing Editor

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Congratulations

Class of 2024 Columnists:

Beard | Agree to Disagree

From the Associate Editor

Obaseki | Beyond Discourse Halle Swasing | Goes Witbout Swasing

You Can Keep the Cornell Community Alive.

Dear Seniors,

You’ve been told time and time again — and you will be told, probably more than once at graduation — that your college experience came in unprecedented times. Between COVID-19, campus tensions and clock tower construction, it’s been a trying four years, and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves for getting through it. But the platitudes can only tell you so much. Contained within the undeniable muck of turmoil and tragedy were countless experiences that will rise to the top of your memories as you look back on your college years.

We can talk about COVID, but for many of you, that won’t be the thing you remember most. The demoralizing test scores and long nights writing essays might be top of mind after finals week, but that too won’t crack the reminiscences. In the end, it’ll be the nights spent at Level B with friends, sunsets on the slope and moments of inspiring political activism that will stick as the center of your time at Cornell. Making the most of your experience didn’t just mean finding the fun in a bad situation; it meant building the community and embracing the love necessary to brighten up an often demoralizing world — if only for four short years.

In the coming weeks, months and years, each of you will go out into the “real world,” suddenly unprotected by the safety blankets of Zeus, Mann or Libe. Friends, once concentrated in those few cafes and libraries, will be spread across the globe, expanding the Cornell community, but also leaving it a bit more isolated. As a junior, I can’t help but be scared about what will become of my graduating friends and acquaintances. But in my heart, I know that some part of the Cornell experience, some bit of the connections we’ve made, will extend beyond time and place — we will carry them with us forever.

And so I wish you all luck. It’s been an often dificult four years, but the ways in which you’ve all extracted the joy out of the darkness will never cease to astonish me. Don’t forget the incredible work you did at Cornell; don’t stop doing it once you’ve left Ithaca; and don’t let the distance or the time break friendships apart.

Oh, and keep reading The Sun. Write us a letter every once in a while.

What Reading Opinion Taught Me About Living

Iwas born in 2002, on a mountainside in Honduras that was eons away from any neighborhood, town or city. But I loved it. For most of my life in Honduras I didn’t have access to any form of technology, so I satiated my desire for fun through butterfly-catching and reading. Stories carried me beyond the dirt roads and green mountains that I was happily entrapped in.

Prose gave me an insight into worlds of possibility: the ability to create, like Victor frankenstein; to defy with compassion, like Hester Prynne; to remember meaningfully, like Marcel Proust. But I always yearned for writing that maintained a lived urgency. Stories, ideas, that were living and true.

It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. that I got a hold of a consistent newspaper. I used to steal The New York Times off of my neighbors’ front porches. I spent my days reading it before iPhones and Macbooks could let you access it with a quick Google search. It contained stories of a different kind, but in a meaningful, literary capacity that equally inspired me.

Above all, I read Opinion. But Opinion was not merely a form of argumentation. In nearly every piece I read, the language confronted readers, myself included, — in pure storytelling — with ideas that shocked us. With reflections that issued sympthy, ourage, or simply made us uncomfortable.

In Opinion, I found something beautiful amidst the ugly that at times envelopes discourse: novelty. It’s where you find the Russian advocating to end the war; the physician who advocates for better patient care; the young boy from Honduras whose family never cared to read, encouraging others to do so.

My time at Cornell has contoured me in more ways than one. Reading and writing for the Sun’s Opinion was perhaps the route that gave me the most momentum. It showed me the living stories on the hilltop that amounted to different ideas. But not just any ideas—ideas with courage. Literature had introduced me to the likes that have the courage to create, to defy, to remember. But Opinion introduced me to those who were using these acts to create their own stories, and deliver them with a lesson. Perhaps with the small likelihood of making you think, maybe they have a point.

It wasn’t a politician or policymaker that encouraged me to advocate for gay rights, or for protecting child migrants, or to find peace in moments of war, for example — all of which have been reported on extensively throughout the years. It was through the individual stories I found in Opinion that gave me the space to reckon with ideas I was unfamiliar with. In many ways, Opinion gave space and a voice to personal movements that would otherwise be cast aside. The courage of all

these stories — not merely the courage to tell them but to tell them with conviction — throughout my years reading Opinion has both inspired me and filled me with a drowning sense of responsibility. It taught me that a single story, with an idea or lesson, can move a people. And I must continue to strive to tell these stories no matter how scary they may be. And they’re usually scary. Opinion offered language and perspectives that riveted my attention, because the world these ideas lived in differed so remarkably from the world that is known: one that prevents conversation of any kind, for we fear change, or simply difference of ideas altogether.

Opinion told narratives outside the ones we find in the benevolent masses and those who argue that everything is ok They contrasted sharply with what we, as a nation, believe to be a people found in har-

I learned so much at Cornell. I learned just as much from Opinion. I was reading more than stories and ideas that challenge others. I was reading ideas that change a life.

mony. But it was precisely this contradiction that drove me to consider alternatives to the assumptions of the world around me and the lessons I had been taught since my youth. Literature has always hoped to achieve this reflection. And it has. But Opinion taught me that language and life can come together in a much more powerful totality.

When Drew Faust, former President of Harvard University, read To Kill A Mockingbird in her youth, she learned that literature granted us the ability to escape “the starched walls of a pink cotton penitentiary closing in on [us].” But it wasn’t until she read the lived stories of children marching for an end to segregation in the civil rights movements of the 1950’s that she took her lesson a step further: something must change.

I learned so much at Cornell. I learned just as much from Opinion. I was reading more than stories and ideas that challenge others. I was reading ideas that change a life.

Brenner

Rebecca Sparacio | The Space Between

Daniel

Hugo Amador

Hugo Amador is a graduating senior who served as the Opinion Editor on Te Sun’s 141st Masthead, a columnist on the 140th Masthead, and science staff writer on the 139th Masthead. He can be reached at haa45@cornell.edu

141st Masthead

Student Journalism Pushes Me Forward

Sofia Rubinson

the 140th Masthead. She can be reached at srubinson@cornellsun.com.

Being a student journalist is no easy feat. You are tasked with reporting on the community in which you are inherently intertwined, covering contentious issues that implicate your peers and professors. You are told a juicy secret, only for your friend to then panic and tell you it is to remain off-therecord. You receive texts from an acquaintance for months, lobbying for you to report on their project team’s achievement that you know has no significance to the greater Cornell community.

Perhaps you report on a controversial remark a professor made at a rally. For weeks after, your Jewish peers approach you and ask how you could platform someone who espoused hateful rhetoric. At the same time, you receive public condemnation from a BIPOC student publication, alleging that you took the professor’s words out of context. You then receive droves of anonymous direct messages threatening you and questioning your impartiality.

Maybe you decide to investigate how a student leader was able to oust a city council incumbent through a secretive write-in campaign, only to find that it appears fraternities were a major voting bloc. Those fraternities then close ranks and even call the police on you for knocking on their doors. And after managing to get multiple brothers to speak to you about how they were promised a change in the noise ordinance to allow for later parties in exchange for their vote, those same students blame you when the article is published for the blowback they received from their fraternities for speaking to the press.

I could go on, and so could most student journalists who make the conscious choice to pursue truth despite its potential personal repercussions. I’ve lost friends over being a Sun reporter. I’ve been called a racist, a Zionist, a Hamas supporter, a liberal, a conservative and heard just about every insult in the book. After my first article as a staff writer, I received an email calling me “a pathetic

We grin and regret. It’s the feeling that lies at the pit of every stomach, feeding on insecurities and stopping progress at any stage of life. However, it’s particularly unforgiving to those experiencing major milestones. As a graduating senior, it’s almost impossible to look back on my four years without regrets — it’s a rite of passage.

When my head finally rests onto my pillow before bed, I’ll begin to think of all the awkward or embarrassing interactions that I’ve had on campus and replay the moments over and over. I’ll wince and wish I had said something different to those people that I met in my first year of college and have never spoken to since.

Other times, I’m sitting comfortably on the grass at the top of the slope, wishing I had spent more time enjoying the view of Cayuga Lake reflecting the sky’s colors, surrounded by lush trees taller than I can fathom that blur into the

excuse of an alleged journalist,” and the messages have just gotten feistier since. So why be a student journalist? Why dedicate almost every waking moment to a school newspaper if it leaves you inundated with hate and questions of your character?

Some might think we are simply gossip-hungry, always on the lookout for our next big scoop to stir up controversy. I certainly got that allegation over articles I’ve written, including from members of Greek life over a story on a Student Assembly member’s plan to install a fraternity “machine” on the governing body, with the goals of blocking negative portrayals of the Greek system and women’s health-related legislation. Others have accused me of being sensational, as some did after I published the stories of multiple young women who accused a Student Assembly candidate in his mid-thirties of inappropriate behavior.

The real reason I, and many others around the country, have decided to pursue journalism is simple: to inform our community and hold those in power accountable.

Some may become student journalists in search of community, and The Sun certainly has a great one. I’ve met some of the most dedicated and inspiring people at Cornell on The Sun, and made memories and friends that will last a lifetime. But this is simply a plus, a great addition to the true reason my identity has centered around this paper for the last four years.

The real reason I, and many others around the country, have decided to pursue journalism is simple: to inform our community and hold those in power accountable. We do this despite facing gloomy career prospects post-graduation. We do this despite having to refrain from voicing our opinions on pressing issues. And we even do it despite the near-constant negativity surrounding the topics we cover and responses to that coverage.

And our reporting matters to the Cornell community. After my article on Professor Russell Rickford was published, the campus had an immediate reaction, with acts of protest both in opposition and support of the professor. After my investigation into Student Assembly leader Rocco DeLorenzo was released, the S.A. Office of Ethics conducted their own internal investigation, leading to a recall vote and DeLorenzo’s last-minute resignation.

As journalists, we help drive campus conversation. We uncover information that leaders try to suppress. We listen to criticism and become better reporters from it. And even though we are not activists, oftentimes our reporting can lead to real change in our community.

Being a student journalist can be a thankless job. But those who do it don’t do it for thanks. We do it on principle.

Regrets and All

curves of the mountains. Then I’ll feel that melancholic feeling surface and remember that come August, I will not be coming back to campus to catch the last sunsets before classes begin.

However, I wouldn’t change my undergraduate experience for anything, and despite its challenges, my Cornell experience is something I will never regret.

Cornell is not easy. It’s one of the most difficult yet rewarding places to learn and grow in. The person who I am now is not at all the person I had anticipated on becoming, but I would not have it any other way, and I owe it to all the students, faculty and staff that I met here and learned from. Cornell taught me how to love learning. The Sun taught me how to love people.

All I’ve ever wanted to do is tell stories — those of the people around me, the people closest to me and even people I have never met before. I knew that at Cornell, I would join The Sun. I knew there would be all kinds of stories to hear and tell here. I didn’t know just how much I would learn from the people behind them. These stories to this day have helped shape me into the person I am today.

When I first started as a writer, one of my favorite parts of writing for The Sun was interviewing. The pressure of missing information scared me, while the idea of hearing others’ stories excited me.

Whether I was discussing the first-year experience with peers during the height of the pandemic, hearing a former-student-now CEO’s new business ventures with Cornell Tech or recording passionate sentiments from students and faculty on the death and destruction in Gaza, my heart always fluttered with a combination of nerves and anticipation for the diverse perspectives that I would come to learn.

I always nitpicked my interviews wishing I had done so many things differently or better. But now, I can barely remember the questions that

I missed in my interviews or the pace at which I spoke. I can’t remember the order that I discussed the topics in or the days that I scheduled them. But I do remember how satisfying it felt to close a Zoom meeting, stop a recording or end a phone call knowing that I learned a little more about the people and communities around me, and that I would be helping others to do the same.

Cornell taught me how to love learning. The Sun taught me how to love people.

There is a period of time in which regret becomes remembering. Remembering turns to reminiscing, and then you can’t remember what you were disappointed in at all. For that moment, it will have been worth it.

When I graduated from high school, I sat in a rocking chair in front of my TV, adorned in my graduation cap and gown, legs crossed and fingers tapping the wooden armrests, waiting for my name to appear on the YoutubeLive video stream. My family clapped for me in our living room for the eight seconds my portrait appeared on the screen before it went to the next person. I quietly clapped my way to the end and didn’t know which side to turn my tassel to when the screen turned black. I tried to smile but it didn’t feel properly over.

This year, when I walk to Schoellkopf stadium, baking under the sun in my cap and gown, hearing the roaring claps from faculty, staff and families, I know I won’t be able to help but smile this time and feel like I did it right — regrets and all.

Sofia Rubinson is a graduating senior from the College of Arts and Sciences. She served as the Managing Editor on Te Sun’s 141st Masthead and News Editor on

Estee Yi

Estee Yi is a graduating senior from the College of Arts and Sciences. She served as a Senior Editor on Te Sun’s 141st Masthead and News Editor on the 140th Masthead. She can be reached at jyi@cornellsun.com.

Why I Don’t Drink in College

Aimée Eicher

Aimée Eicher is a graduating senior from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She served as the Assistant Managing Editor on Te Sun’s 141st Masthead and Assistant News Editor on the 140th Masthead. She can be reached at aeicher@cornellsun.com.

On the night of my 21st birthday, I stood in my living room with a circle of friends around me. As the clock struck midnight, they toasted their glasses of champagne. My glass was filled with water. While I was happy to begin another year of my life, my new age meant little to me.

At 22, it’s been more than two years since I’ve had a sip of alcohol. Being in college, this is often seen as an anomaly — many times, I am the only person in the room who isn’t drinking. I would like to preface that quitting drinking likely is not the best decision for everyone. As I’ve learned, the only person who can truly decide whether your habits surrounding alcohol are right for you is yourself. It’s important to understand the risks and the benefits associated with any choice you make

and to use your own judgment to make the choice that is best for you. I stopped drinking over the summer between my sophomore and junior years of college. Although I won’t divulge the personal reasoning I had for the decision, I considered many of the experiences I had surrounding alcohol and realized it was in my best interest to cut it out entirely.

At 22, it’s been more than two years since I’ve had a sip of alcohol. Being in college, this is often seen as an anomaly

For me, most nights that I began with a drink would devolve into binge drinking. The second the alcohol hit my tongue, a strong urge to share all the personal details of my life to anyone who would listen would overcome me. Countless times, I ended up sharing sensitive information that I later regretted. The more drinks I consumed, the more I wanted to continue drinking, and my nights would quickly turn hazy. I would quickly lose control of my motor skills and would often wake up the next morning with mysterious bruises on my body — and once, a twisted ankle. Often, I would not remember how I got home. My drinking frequently put me in dangerous situations, where I was

barely aware of what was going on around me. And, of course, I would experience excruciating hangovers the following day, wondering time and time again why I chose to make myself feel so sick.

Everyone who has had a drunk night can probably share in some of the experiences I’ve listed, and some of you may not see these as a big deal. There is no shame in accidentally drinking too much or having a chaotic night every once in a while. But for me, this chaos occurred far too often. It put strain on the relationships in my life and on my mental health. It often rendered me incapable of showing up for my commitments in the ways I intended to. I felt myself going down a dangerous path, and eventually, I knew I had to put a stop to it.

Quitting drinking was difficult for the first few weeks. But a month after my last drink, I already started to feel a change in my life. My mental health improved greatly, as I began to learn how to deal with the issues that arose in my life without turning to alcohol. My skin was glowing, and my eyes were full of life. I felt more positive about life in general. The longer I went without drinking, the better I felt, and I eventually reached a point where I no longer desired to return to drinking ever again.

The shift in my mindset that came from quitting drinking is the greatest gift this decision has given me. I have learned to make decisions for myself, despite what everyone around me is doing. I consistently reflect upon the choices I am making and whether they are helping me become the person I truly want to be. I am more mindful of the people

and experiences I invite into my life. I am fully present in every moment, and I have the gift of the memories I would have forgotten had I drank. I’ve learned to love every second of life, good and bad, and to push through the difficult situations that arise with a clear mind. And I’ve realized that no one else really cares if you’re drinking or not, so why let them influence your decision?

The shift in my mindset that came from quitting drinking is the greatest gift this decision has given me.

I pass no judgment on anyone who drinks, partly because I used to myself, but also because the decision to drink is an individual choice. Everyone should have the power to do what they want with their bodies. And if that power lies in a substance, you have the power to reclaim it. I gave much of the first two years of my college experience to alcohol, but over the past two years, I have gained so much back. I have gotten closer with the people I love and formed so many genuine connections with new people. I have formed memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have made mistakes, I have learned, and I have grown. I am more myself now than ever.

COURTESY OF BUENA PARK HIGH SCHOOL

We are so proud of you, Sofia!

This is just the beginning for you. Enjoy it to the max because you have earned it! We are BEYOND proud. Keep going mija; more successes are just around the corner!

Mom, Dad, Franchi & ALL the family!

Our hope Elana, Words cannot describe how proud we are of you. You have shown us what perfection is. You have brought us happiness and joy from the day you were born Your perseverance, persistence, determination, passion and mind, and most of all, your preparedness have brought you to this moment of glory God blessed us with a perfect daughter. We wish you success, happiness, togetherness, and joy moving forward. With your blessings there is nothing stopping you. Go and conquer the world.

We love you. Mom, Dad, Michael

Dear Max,

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’54 Dies

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’54 died Sept. 18, 2020, of complications from cancer. Serving on the Supreme Court since 1993, Ginsburg was one of Cornell’s most notable alumnae, recently transformed into a liberal cultural icon, commonly known as “Notorious RBG” to her following. She was 87 and passed away in her home in Washington, surrounded by family.

The second woman appointed to the country’s highest court, Ginsburg attributed many of her life’s influences to her experiences at Cornell when she returned to Ithaca in 2014, according to a 2014 University press release: Her writing was influenced by English professor Vladimir Nabokov, her respect for the first and fifth amendment was cultivated by her college research and even her husband, Marty Ginsburg ’53, was a Cornellian, too.

After graduating from Cornell, Ginsburg attended Harvard Law School as one of nine female attendees before transferring to Columbia Law School, according to her Oyez profile. In 1959, she graduated first in her class.

Aside from her demonstrated academic excellence, Ginsburg also worked as a law clerk, professor and worked for the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union before beginning her tenure after her appointment by President Clinton.

The “notorious RBG,” as she is known to her contemporary fans,

was respected across the aisle and was famously friends with late Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative judge. On campus, many groups still expressed ties to the esteemed Cornellian over the years. When the alumna fell and fractured her ribs in November 2018, students on campus created a cheeky “Point to the sky and yell ‘GET WELL SOON RBG” event in support, The Sun reported. Judicial collars worn by Ginsburg were on display in the “Women Empowered: Fashions From the Frontline” exhibit in December 2018, The Sun reported.

Much of her support stems from the progressive views that the Justice held, and the steady liberal stances she held. Some of her most notable court writings involved women’s rights for abortion and equal pay.

With her death at age 87, Ginsburg leaves the court with five conservative and three liberal justices remaining, and another seat open for another nomination by President Donald Trump. This nominee, if confirmed, will be Trump’s third pick for the bench.

According to the Chicago Sun Times, when asked when there would be enough female justices on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg — the second female supreme court justice and a feminist known for her calculated legal arguments and stepwise progressiveness — replied: “when there are nine.”

Congratulations on your graduation!

This is an outstanding achievement, and you fill our hearts with immense pride. We knew you were born to achieve great things in life. And today, you proved us right. While this may seem like an end, it is just the beginning. Let your dreams continue to take you to the most special places and always remain ambitious, generous, and kind.

With all our love, Mom, Dad, and Jordan

Sally—

Sally Y. Zhang

Congratulations on your accomplishment!

You deserve every success that comes your way. Take pictures, take your time celebrating! We can’t wait to see all that you will achieve in the future. Always know that we love you and are cheering you on every step of the way. Congratulations!

Love, Dad, Mom

from mom: The best gifts that I can give you are roots to ground you, wings to let you soar, and a BIG, BIG, BIG hug!

from grandma & grandpa: Se fuerte, se noble, se humilde. from dad: Cherish all your accomplishments & draw strength from them as you navigate the waters of life.

from john & zuzia: Congratulations, buddy, and always remember Hogarth Hughes— You are who you choose to be. from hunter: Woof woof and kudos to my favorite human.

Far above Cayuga’s waters, With its waves of blue, Stands our noble Leo Davies , Enjoying a cold brew!

We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Stella

LEO CHEN DAVIES

B.S. Electr ical and Computer Engineer ing with a minor in Computer Science

Cor nell Univer sity College of Engineer ing Class of 2024

RICKY—

Y ou made it look easy with your poise, charm, brains and grit. Y ou entered Cornell as a Covid grad and leave in these contentious times, but you were always supportive of your friends and built bridges wherever possible. Y ou excelled academically when you wanted to and you had your fun. Y ou breezed through it all like a pro!

REX—

Y ou are a brilliant leader and change maker, and ever ything you do, you do with clear intent and consideration. Y ou are talented musically, academically, but most of all, you have an immeasurable calm and confidence about you that will take you places. To say I am honored to be your brother is an understatement.

C.U. Adopts Ofcial Land Acknowledgement

For the first time in Cornell’s 156-year history, announcers presented an official land acknowledgment at the 2021 commencement ceremonies. The statement recognizes the University’s place on the traditional homeland of the Gayogohó:no' (pronounced Guyyo-KO-no), or Cayuga Nation.

Announcers delivered the acknowledgment after the procession at all four commencement ceremonies last month. The statement’s usage at a University-wide event follow years of development culminating in its official approval by traditional Gayogohó:no' leadership on April 9.

According to current director of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program Kurt Jordan ’88, anthropology, the acknowledgment should be featured at all major University events, on department websites and in official Cornell communications.

The land acknowledgment has been reviewed and approved by the traditional Gayogohó:no' leadership.

The AIISP collaborated with traditional Gayogohó:no' leadership on the land acknowledgment for several years before its approval. Previous AIISP director, Prof. Jolene Rickard, history of art and visual studies, initiated the project when she began her directorial role over a decade ago.

According to Rickard, she aimed to build on a movement of land acknowledgments beginning in Canada and other Commonwealth countries. She thought that Cornell, as a land grant institution, had a responsibility to recognize and address its history.

According to Rickard, it took several years to mobilize Cornell’s own land acknowledgment initiative, but AIISP finally drafted a statement, made several rounds of revisions and shared it with traditional Gayogohó:no' leadership before the spring of 2020.

AIISP students and faculty jumpstarted the movement in the summer of 2020, Rickard stated, inspired by the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement and its emphasis on racial equality. Jordan expressed that Cornell administration moved forward with adopting a provisional land acknowledgment during this time, as well.

The Cornell websites for several schools, including the College of Human ecology and the College of Architecture, Art and Planning, featured the provisional land acknowledgment in spring 2020. In June 2020, AIISP formed the Cornell University and Indigenous Dispossession Committee to assess the impacts Cornell has on Indigenous communities.

Congratulations on your graduation from Cornell! You have inspired me in so many ways as my big cousin, watching you overcome challenges, so determined to succeed has me looking up to you even more. I have no doubt that you will achieve beautiful things in your life. I’m sure that your kindness, intelligence and empathy will carry you so far. You should know that we are all really proud of you, and don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate this awesome accomplishment!!! I couldn’t be happier for you, Karim!! Congrats again! Lots of

CONGRATULATIONS, Lucas

Antonio Santiago-Kermani!!! Cornell Class of 2024!

Wishing you love, health and happiness, YOUR VERY BIG FAMILY

We cannot express how proud we are upon your graduation from Cornell University Wow! What an accomplishment! It is an absolute joy to watch you live your life and achieve your dreams to the fullest. You have so many adventures and such a bright future ahead. We will ALWAYS be here by your side, cheering and supporting you— no matter what.

ADELE KATHERINE WILLIAMS

We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished!!! You have so much enthusiasm and want to make a meaningful difference in the world. We know you will accomplish your goals and dreams!!

Love, Mom and Zach

James D Connolly College of Engineering Class of 2024

Congratulations james and the class of 2024!

We are so proud of you and everything that you have accomplished.

Best of luck next year as you pursue your masters in engineering… and then look out world!

Lots of love, Mom, Dad, Luke, Finn, Kate and Kodi

CONGRATS RAE! Cornell University Class of 2024

WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD OF YOU AND LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Mom & Dad

Congratulations Kayla!

You are forever our Supergir l, never taking the easy path and always achieving your goals . We’re so proud of you and all you have accomplished.

Love, Mom, Dad & Mitchell

AMIREH LEILA MIRDAMADI

Congratulations to our dearest Leila, Cornell Class of 2024!

Your hard work and perseverance are key to achieving your dreams. Follow your passion, discover your purpose, and continue to nurture deep meaningful relationships. Remember to take risks and embrace challenges with poise and confidence. Success is about creating a positive impact in the world, so follow your heart and stay true to your values. We are so proud of you, Leila, and so very excited for your future. Your star is shining bright for all to see!

With much love and admiration, Mom, Dad, and Anahita

Big Red Ambition:161 Things Every Cornellian Should Do

HOW MANY DID YOU DO?

o 1. Make the library into your bedroom and have sex in the stacks

o 2. Finally meet the dazzling Denice Cassaro

o 3. Go to the Cornell-Harvard men’s hockey game and throw fish on the ice

o 4. Sing along to the Alma Mater with the marching band at a hockey game

o 5. Sled down Libe Slope during a snow storm

o 6. Take Hotel Administration 4300: Introduction to Wines

o 7. Streak across the Arts Quad

o 8. Take Psychology 1101: Intro to Psychology

o 9. Test out Olin Library’s musically calibrated steps by throwing stones on them

o 10. Attempt sake bombing at Plum Tree in Collegetown

o 11. Order ice cream at the Dairy Bar

o 12. Climb the Lindseth climbing wall in Bartels Hall

o 13. Listen to a full chimes concert from the clock tower and guess the songs played

o 14. Order the same thing off the Collegetown Bagels menu all four years

o 15. Register for classes during Freshman Orientation, then switch out of every single one by the time Add/Drop ends

o 16. Wear flip-flops to class in January

o 17. Go to the Fuertes Observatory on North Campus and gaze at meteor showers

o 18. Have a snowball fight in May

o 19. Milk a cow

o 20. Skip class to play frisbee on the Arts Quad

o 21. Bury a bottle of Bacardi on the Slope. Dig it up on Slope Day.

o 22. Observe the golden hour from the Newman Overlook in the Cornell Plantations

o 23. Attend the Apple Festival on the Commons

o 24. Flirt with your professor

o 25. Bomb a prelim

o 26. Ace the next one to save your grade

o 27. Attend Hotelie prom

o 28. Meet Happy Dave from Okenshields

o 29. Turn your face blue from screaming at midnight before the first finals

o 30. Get heartburn at the Chili Cook-off on the Commons

o 31. Enjoy Ithaca’s two months of warm weather — spend a summer here!

o 32. Go to a Shabbat dinner at 104 West

o 33. Watch the AAP students parade down East Avenue on Dragon Day

o 34. Drive an hour and a half just to visit the closest drive-in movie theater

o 35. Build a snow penis or count how many you see around campus

o 36. Dress up and view The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Risley

o 37. Take a class you think is impossible just for fun

o 38. Go on a wine tour

o 39. Kiss on the suspension bridge at midnight

o 40. Sleep through your alarm for a 1:25 p.m. class

o 41. Shop at the Friends of the Library Book Sale

o 42. Get out of a University parking ticket

o 43. Buy an Ithaca Is Gorges t-shirt, then get sick of wearing it and buy a variation (Ithaca Is Gangsta, Vaginas Are Gorges, Ithaca Is Long Island...)

o 44. Learn the “Alma Mater,” “Evening Song” and “Give My Regards to Davy”

o 45. Attend an opening at the Johnson Museum of Art

o 46. Smuggle food from the dining hall and run for your life as they try to get back your stolen cookies

o 47. Do the Walk of Shame

o 48. Have dinner at a professor’s house

o 49. Get wasted at a professor’s house

o 50. Take a #selfie with a Cornell president

o 51. Play a game of tag in the Kroch Library stacks

o 52. See a play in the Schwartz Center

o 53. Rush the field at the last home football game of the season

o 54. Start your freshman year pre-med. Graduate as a Hotelie.

o 55. Gamble at Turning Stone (try not to lose money)

o 56. Watch dancers fly through the air at a Bhangra show

o 57. Have a midnight picnic in the Cornell Botanical Gardens

o 58. Wait in line for half an hour for a salad at the Terrace

o 59. Ignore “No Winter Maintenance” signs … slip and fall on the icy stairs

o 60. Sit in Libe Café when you have no work to do and watch the worried studiers down gallons of coffee

o 61. Write an angry letter to the editor of The Sun

o 62. Go to Wegmans on a Friday or Saturday night

o 63. Explore the secret underground tunnel between Uris and Olin libraries

o 64. See the library’s Rare Book Collection

o 65. Pretend you are Harry Potter and study in the A.D. White library (looks like Hogwarts)

o 66. See the brain collection in Uris Hall

o 67. Eat at Taverna Banfi and charge it to CornellCard

o 68. Buy beer at Jason’s in Collegetown and charge it to CityBucks

o 69. Take Plant Pathology 2010: Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds

o 70. Take part in a psychology experiment

o 71. Take an unplanned nap in a library

o 72. Take over a building

o 73. Following the legend, watch a virgin cross the Arts Quad and then witness A.D. White and Ezra Cornell shake hands

o 74. Live through an Ithaca blizzard and tell your friends how you survived frostbite

o 75. Throw a flaming pumpkin into the gorge

o 76. Play co-ed intramural innertube water polo

o 77. Spend all your lectures figuring out the day’s crossword. While sitting for the final, wish you had taken notes instead.

o 80. Play trivia at Rulloff’s on Sunday nights

o 81. Make the trek down the hill: Go to a townie bar

o 78. Hook up with your T.A.

o 79. Order a PMP at Shortstop Deli

o 82. Make a fool of yourself at karaoke at Loco on Tuesday

o 83. Buy a drink at every on-campus establishment that serves alcohol

o 84. Go bowling at Helen Newman Lanes

o 85. Hand out quartercards on Ho Plaza

o 86. Drive your car up and down Libe Slope or Ho Plaza

o 87. Have a friend’s parents take you out to eat at John Thomas Steakhouse or Boatyard Grill

o 88. Eat a chicken parm sandwich from Louie’s Lunch

o 89. Order at Wings Over Ithaca at 3:59 a.m.

o 90. Get thrown out of Balch Hall

o 91. Hook up with a freshman

o 92. Go skinny dipping in a gorge

o 93. Walk to the Commons and back

o 94. Go to an a cappella concert

o 95. Go ice skating at Lynah Rink

o 96. Instagram the cherry blossoms in the spring

o 97. Sell back your books; use money to buy alcohol

o 98. Drink bubble tea

o 99. Eat a Pinesburger

o 100. Walk to a fraternity party with your entire freshman floor

o 101. Go to a fraternity party as a senior; convince yourself you were never one of them

o 102. Get lost in Collegetown during Orientation Week

o 103. Get negged at a bar because the bouncer is actually friends with the person whose I.D. you are using

o 104. See a foreign film at Cinemapolis

o 105. Eat mongo at RPCC

o 106. See a concert at Barton Hall

o 107. Gain the freshman 15. Pay $145 for a gym membership and don’t go

o 108. Eat brunch on North Campus

o 109. Go to Buttermilk Falls for a hike and to take pictures to put on Instagram to prove you did something outdoorsy

o 110. Fail your swim test, just for kicks

o 111. Tailgate for homecoming

o 112. Model for the Cornell Fashion Collective’s annual fashion show

o 113. Host a prefrosh

o 114. Request a song to be played on the clock tower

o 115. Get guilt-tripped into giving blood

o 116. Get asked if you are pregnant at Cornell Health (regardless of your gender)

o 117. Drink with your R.A.

o 118. Make a chalking; weep when it rains that night

o 119. Sing drunk on the drunk bus

o 120. Meet Bill Nye ’77, “The Science Guy,” and give him a hug

o 121. See how long you can go without doing laundry

o 122. Go on a road trip to Canada, flirt with the border patrol, smuggle booze back

o 123. Try to order pizza from a Blue Light phone

o 124. Go to the sex shop on the Commons

o 125. Get drunk on Slope Day, run into a vice president

o 126. Complain about the Slope Day headliners

o 127. Get tapped for a secret society

o 128. Go to The Shops at Ithaca Mall, realize it is severely lacking, then drive to Destiny USA in Syracuse

o 129. Lose a friend over signing a lease in Collegetown

o 130. Run out of BRBs in March; live off campus events’ free food for the rest of the year

o 131. Walk holding hands around Beebe Lake

o 132. Visit the Sciencenter

o 133. See Yamatai bang it out at Pulse

o 134. Get J.A.’d for urinating on the Law School

o 135. Hook up with someone randomly and then see them every day afterward

o 136. Go to a coffee house in JAM

o 137. See how many people you can cram into your dorm room

o 138. Claim a big table near an outlet in Temple of Zeus and occupy it all day

o 139. Write dirty messages with rocks in the gorge

o 140. Ride a horse at Oxley Equestrian Center

o 141. Ring the giant bell in the Botanic Gardens

o 142. Crash a political rally on Ho Plaza

o 143. Do the COE ropes course

o 144. Attend a show at the State Theatre

o 145. Prank call the CIT HelpDesk

o 146. Wake up at 7 a.m. for pre-enroll; realize that your choice classes are full anyway

o 147. Ski at Greek Peak

o 148. Take a night prelim near the vet school, walk back in the dark

o 149. Trespass on Alumni Fields

o 150. Find your way onto the roof of a Cornell building

o 151. Take the BASICS program

o 152. Walk to class in the snow, uphill both ways

o 153. Buy a Cornell-grown apple from a vending machine

o 154. Furnish an apartment entirely with items from the Dump & Run

o 155. Eat at each dining hall at least once

o 156. Ask for an extension on a term paper

o 157. Take part in Holi and get colorful

o 158. Pull an all-nighter in the Uris Library Cocktail Lounge

o 159. Tell a professor what you really think of his/her class

o 160. Attend a Sun organizational meeting

o 161. Climb all 161 steps to the top of McGraw Tower

4.25.24 >>>

Protestors stage a multi-week encampment on the Arts Quad calling for divestment from weapons manufacturers engaged in arming Israel, among other demands. Six student protestors were suspended during the course of the encampment, but no students were arrested.

<<< 3.26.22

During the Cornell Fashion Collective’s “Twilight Exhibition” preview show, a model on Milstein Hall’s concrete staircase transforms a dirty and stained yellow Vulcan Classic motorcycle strap into an avant garde fashion statement.

3 17 20 >>>

In front of Teagle Hall, the statue of Touchdown, Cornell’s mascot bear, wears an N95 respirator and a bright red scarf four days after classes had been cancelled until April 6 and students had been urged to leave campus as soon as possible.

<<<4.8.24

Students watch the Solar Eclipse of 2024 from Cornell Campus. Though Ithaca was not in the path of totality, the town still experienced a deep partial eclipse, with nearly 99% of the sun covered.

<<< 3 9.21

As spring arrives, students look longingly out at the Arts Quad from upper windows of Goldwin Smith Hall. At this point in the pandemic, all Cornell students who were New York State residents or lived in campus housing or University owned coops were eligible for vaccination.

The spring blossoms of cherry trees between Sage Chapel and Olin Library frame McGraw Tower and offer a beautiful beacon of hope after an extremely stressful “virtual” semester with masks, with Zoom but without any real breaks.

In March 2023, the University announced a snow day due to inclement weather meaning all classes were cancelled. Students took their day off as an opportunity to sled down the slope and have some fun in the snow. <<< 11.13.21

Hockey games and other sports matches resumed in the Fall 2021 semester with attendance caps and all antendees masking up to view the games. Here audience members are watching a game against RPI.

Two students joyously wave a Biden-Harris banner from the open roof hatch of their car — one of many rolling through Collegetown and Ithaca with loudly honking horns and cheering passengers to celebrate the Democratic ticket’s victory over Donald Trump.

Centerfold Design: Rob Lieberfarb

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Risley Theater April 22, 2023

as Vonnegut ’44 gazes down...

The Battle of the Bands March 23, 2024

“Until the Bliss of All This Hurts” Tjaden Hall August 31, 2021

JOSEPHREYES/SUNSTAFFPHOTOGRAPHER

ABoogie Headlines SlopeDay May8,2024

Flo Milli Takes Over Barton Hall April 23, 2022

Big Thief performs at State Theater Tuesday, April 12, 2022

“Midnight Zone” Johnson Museum March 17, 2021

HANNAH ROSENBERG / SUN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

ANTHONY CORRALES / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

JOSEPH REYES / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Sun

Standardized Testing Requirement Waived

The undergraduate admissions office announced on Sept. 22, 2021, that the University will waive SAT and ACT requirements for Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 first-year applicants — a decision that was made following ongoing COVID-19 risks.

Cornell is also entering a two-year “deliberate experimental review” period to guide future admissions testing policy requirements.

Under this policy, three colleges –– the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the S.C. Johnson College of Business and the College of Architecture, Art and Planning –– will not accept standardized test scores. The Colleges of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and the College of Human Ecology, along with the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, maintains a test-optional policy for SAT and ACT scores. Requirements for SAT subject tests, in addition to the essay section of the SAT and ACT, were also waived and will be discon-

tinued in 2021, according to Cornell’s standardized testing website.

Adjustments follow ongoing conversations about testing equity, an issue that has only been amplified by COVID-19’s disproportionate effect on low-income students.

The announcement also stated that Cornell will follow Ivy League testing policies for student-athlete applicants. For the 2021-2022 academic year, applicants who plan to participate in a varsity sport did not need to submit test scores. The Ivy League has not yet announced its plans for future years.

The University encourages applicants to consider their health and safety above testing.

“Please do not feel you need to take exams unless you are able to take the exam locally near your home and you feel safe in doing so,” Cornell’s current standardized test policy site reads. “As a reminder, we will evaluate your application without standardized testing.”

AMessage From Us To Shira BenAmi

From Shani:Dear Shira,I cangoonand on aboutall of the good andamazingthingsabout you like your looks (personality as well-)but anyway, thatwould take more than apageso instead let'sreminisce on our shared memories.The times when we sharedbedrooms, playing and singing punk and rockmusic aroundthe house, being your little makeup dummy,going outto placesalbeitsometimes forced akabig sister/little sister things butwe enjoyedit(well Idid anyways~). Althoughwehad ourdifferences (personality being#1) We still hadeach other’s backsinour ownways. We showed our love in ourown ways. ShiraI am so so proudofyou,you whoconquered so much in life and continue to do so,I am honoredtocallyou my bigsister

From Abba:Dear Shiramyspecial daughter, Iwantedtotake this momenttoexpress how truly exceptionalyou are to me and our family.Your kind andcaringnature, paired with your unwavering determination, truly sets youapart Youare ashining exampleofsomeone whodreamsbig andachieveseven bigger.Yourheart of gold servesasan inspirationtousall,andIamso proud of thepersonyou have become. Idonot doubtthat you will make a significantimpactnot only on ourfamily butalsoonthe world at large. With allmy love andadmiration,Your father,Amit Ben Ami

From Ema:Dear Shira,my preciousdaughter, Iremember it like it wasyesterday, theday of your birth. Right away allof the hospital nurses gathered andmentioned howbeautiful youwereaswellashow cute your dimpleswere My preciousdaughter, awhole book will notbeenoughtodescribemy love to you, andhow proudI am of you. Raising youand watching you growwas so much fun I’m willing to repeat it alloveragain.Sinceyou were littleI knew youwere magical at the age of twowhenyou would seemereadyou would graba book or anewspaper cross-legged tryingtoread just like me.Inthose moments IrealizedIwas raisingachild whowould succeed in anything you desired. You’re afighter, full of purpose,and ambition, youhavethe world in thepalmofyourhands Iwish you success in your future endeavors,and mayHashem always accompanyyou wherever yougo. With allmy love,Ema

From Ayelet:Dear Shira,I love yousosomuchand Iamsohappy for you. Youare amazing andI seeall thehard work andeffort youput into everythingand ImeanEVERYTHING. I’m so gladtohaveyou as my sister andwish youall thebest. From your little sister,Ayelet

From Ortal:Dear Shira,asthe yearshavepassed, I've seen us gettingalong andcloser with each other, andI've learned somethings from youaswell, like notcaringwhatpeoplesay aboutme, andtoalwaysdefend myself You've been sucha good sister to me throughoutthe years, andI miss it when we used to talk alot at home. I remember theday youand Iwould take snap chat pictures andwould usefiltersoneachotherat night, Youand Iare so differentinmanywaysbut we arethe same by blood<3I love youu Shira from yours truly, ortalii.

From Evyatar:Dear Shira,even though we always argueatleast onceduring everyconversation aboutanything andeverything (which I’m always in theright)Istill appreciate having youasmy sister andjustknowevenifI don’tshowitattimes thatI love you. From your brother,Evyatar.

Our pride in you knows no bounds! Your remarkable achievements are just the beginning of an incredible journey We eagerly anticipate all the wonderful things you’ll accomplish in the future The Marathon continues!!! Keep shining, son.

Lov e, Mom & Dad

Anthony Chideme-Alfaro Class of 2024

SC Johnson College of Business Cornell University

Class of 2024

Aaron Ye

Aaron—

You did it!

Congratulations on ear ning both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Cornell. We are so proud of you!

Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off, marking not only the culmination of your academic jour ney but also the exciting beginning of a future filled with brightness and success. May God continue to bless your path, and remember, we will always be here to support you.

Love, Dad, Mom, & April

Dear S of a, Congratulations on all you have accomplished, from managing editor of The Cornell Daily Sun to reporter covering

Love, Mom and Dad

CONGRATULATIONS THOMAS GAMBRA

We are so proud of you! We know you will be “The Man in the Arena.”

Love, Mom and Dad

From your birth we knew that you were destined for greatness

Watching you grow has been with overwhelming pride and joy.

Your passion for lear ning has been truly inspiring We are proud of the person you are—kind, compassionate and full of integrity.

Congratulations, Alexander!

Cornell’s biggest stories. Your standards are high and the goals you achieved higher. We could not be prouder of you.

Cong ratulations, Henr y!

We are so proud of you. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors.

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Charles, Barley, Loki & Ivar!

Cassidy Cheesman

From a global pandemic to a change of major to injury and mental blocks, you have stood up wiser, straighter, and with a bigger heart and more generous spirit. Go shine your bright light!

Congratulations! We love you and are so proud~

Mom, Nick, Sydney

Congrats, Adam!!

We are so incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see where life takes you. Explore the world—be happy, be humble, be kind, be you.

Love you more than words can say, Mom & Dad

Congratulations Ella!

Watching you grow has filled us with an immense sense of pride. We are proud of all your accomplishments at Cor nell; from graduating Cum Laude in Animal Science, representing Cornell on the women’s rowing team and your adventures with Cornell Outdoor Education.

We look forward to hearing about your adventures when you attend the University of Copenhagen for graduate school. Feeling proud to have raised a future world-changer.

We love you so much, Mum, Dad, and Lily

STACIE DRESSEL

BS Biological & Environmental Engineering Class of 2024

From the day you started quarantine in Risley to your last final, we have loved hearing your adventures and seeing you grow into the person you were meant to be. You did amazing things with your time at Cornell.

Congratulations on your graduation! We are so very proud of you

We love you tons, Mom & Dad

Congratulations Emma Sofía Smrstik!

We are so proud of everything you have accomplished in your time at Cor nell.

There are big things in store for you and we can’t wait to see where your dreams take you.

Love you— Mami, Dad, Isa, Tuyche, and Wrigley

Congrats Kaiden!!!!

These 4 years flew by and you hung in and made us so proud!!! So much is still ahead—

Love, Mom, Dad, Mark and all your family (abroad) Congratulations Tyler!

We are so very proud of you and wish you the best as you continue on your journey!

With all our love and aloha, Mom, Dad, Michele, Taylor, Kaipo, Lily, Kalae and your Ohana

Mayor Svante Myrick ’09 Resigns

In a Jan. 5, 2022, Common Council meeting, Svante Myrick ’09 publicly announced his resignation as the 44th Mayor of Ithaca after accepting an offer from People for the American Way, where he will serve as executive director.

At 24 years old, Myrick became the youngest person in City history to be sworn into mayoral office and Ithaca’s first mayor of color.

Throughout his 10-year, three-term career, Myrick’s agenda primarily focused on expanding affordable housing options, working toward resolving Ithaca’s substantial $3 million budget deficit and improving city-wide infrastructure.

Under his leadership, the City has seen a $37 million plan to rebuild Ithaca water treatment, the development of housing units like Magnolia House and West End Heights, renovations made to famed city attractions like the Ithaca Farmers Market and more.

“I have spent my entire adult life serving the City of Ithaca – and I’ve given all of my effort to the largest challenges we face,” Myrick wrote in a Facebook post earlier this month.

However, citing growing concerns for the “state of our democracy,” Myrick will step down from the mayorship and work at People for the American Way alongside organization President Ben Jealous.

People for the American Way was founded as a progressive advocacy organization in 1981 to fight “right-wing extremism and build a democratic society,” according to the group’s website.

Myrick’s affiliation with the organization dates back to 2017, when he was appointed as Director of Youth Leadership Programs after a nine-year membership with the Young Elected Officials Network. Myrick will be joining People For the American Way in a full time role at the beginning of next month.

In Myrick’s place, Acting Mayor Laura Lewis will assume office on Feb. 7. Lewis, an alderperson for Ithaca’s fifth ward, was elected to the Common Council in 2017 and has predominantly lobbied for affordable housing, volunteering on the board of directors of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services prior to her term.

Upon her swearing in, Lewis will need to pick up where Myrick left off, including working on Ithaca’s Green New Deal and the Reimagining Public Safety Plan.

“I have the utmost confidence that she will do an outstanding job,” Myrick wrote. “I believe in many ways her empathetic, earnest and tactful leadership is exactly [what] our community needs right now.”

Natalie Brennan

DEAR GUDDU,

It was just yesterday when we first carried you in our arms and now you’re taking a leap into the world.

We all are so incredibly proud of you! I hope you realize how much you are loved. You are our princess and you are the sunshine in our lives! We have every reason to be proud of you!

Nani Mama is watching, right here, super proud, and couldn’t be happier for you.

Guddu, as you embark on your new journey, remember that success is happiness in your heart, it’s about lifting others up along the way, to stay humble, to be an inspiration in someone’s life, and to be always grateful.

You are receiving all the goodness and abundance that the universe has to offer

Just always remember that if you ever feel lost or uncertain, you will always find your mamma, papa, and nannu standing there for you, with you. No matter where life takes you, your home is always waiting for you.

Home is home because of you!

Congratulations Tatum!!

We are so proud of you and so excited for your next chapter!

We celebrate you! We love you!

Mom, Dad, Matt, Jason, Ziggy, Tio & Abuela!!!

Nicole Chen, Congratulations!

We are so pr oud of you!

Congratulations Berenika!

We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. We love you. Mama, Papa & Fizunia

We are so proud that you are a Nolan Hotel School Grad! Your finest moments at Cornell are in your memory and will pave the way for finer moments in the future

Your success in academia, while also being involved in Big Red Ambassadors, HEC, being a TA, volunteering, and so many other pursuits have contributed to who you are as a Cornellian.

James, you will always succeed in your endeavors! We love you!

Mom, Dad and Elizabeth

James Stephen Mooney III

Congratulations Jonathan Kim!

“From my purpose in life...”

“One day more, one day more, ONE DAY MORE!” (one more day)

“And then...”

We are so proud of you! With love, From your American Mom and Dad Polly and Duke

Dear Arushi,

CONGRATULATIONS!

We are so proud of you.

Love: Didi, Aaee & Baba

Congratulations on your sp ecial day. We are all so proud of you. GO BIG RED.

Mom and Dad

Will Kully , M. Eng. 2024

Congratulations on your huge accomplishment! The sky is no limit, and neither is space!

Love, Mom, Dad, Ash, & Jessi

We are overjoyed and so proud of your graduation from Cornell. Your hard work and dedication have paid off We know great things lie ahead for you

Moore First Woman Named Athletics Director

Nicki Webber Moore is set to become Cornell’s first female Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education when she begins the position in January 2023.

With Moore’s appointment, Cornell joins four other Ivy league universities with female athletic directors. Brown University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and Yale University currently have female athletic directors.

“I am very proud to be named as Cornell’s first woman A.D. [athletic director] during this 50th anniversary year of Title IX [a 1972 law that prohibits sex-based discrimination at federally funded schools],” Moore said. “It’s a step that is aligned closely with the founders’ original ‘any person, any study’ vision for the University.”

Moore’s appointment comes after the retirement of previous athletic director Andy Noel, who served at Cornell for 40 years and as A.D. for 23 years. Noel announced his plans to retire in March, and said he would continue to serve in the role until the University would announce a successor.

The search for a new athletic director began over the summer, and now Moore will begin her duties on Jan. 17, 2023.

Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi announced the appointment on Nov. 30, 2022, to the Department of Athletics and Physical Education, voicing his excitement for bringing Moore on board.

“[Moore] is a seasoned, collaborative and strategic leader who is deeply committed to the success of student-athletes both within and outside of the competitive arena,” Lombardi said. “I look forward to seeing all she does to build upon Cornell’s rich tradition of intercollegiate athletic excellence and to amplify the tremendous impact that a robust recreational

and physical education program has on the academic and personal growth of all students.”

Moore has 18 years of experience in athletic administrative roles at numerous universities including the University of Oklahoma, the University of North Carolina and Colgate University. She said she is honored to be appointed for the role.

Moore was previously recognized by Women Leaders in College Sports as the 2022 Football Championship Subdivision Executive of the Year, and recently served as the president of the FCS Athletics Directors Association.

Moore holds a bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri, where she was a four-time captain on the track and cross-country teams. She is also an Academic All-American and the inaugural president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Additionally, Moore has earned postgraduate scholarships from both the NCAA and the Big 12 Conference.

“I can’t wait to get to work,” Moore said. “Cornell is such an exciting opportunity, as a place committed to true excellence in both academics and athletics where student-athletes can pursue all of their aspirations at the very highest level.”

In taking the new position, Moore will leave her role as vice president and director of athletics at Colgate University, where she leads an athletics program that includes 25 NCAA Division I varsity athletics programs, as well as club sports, intramural and recreational programs.

Moore noted that her two highest priorities as athletics director at Cornell will be to promote diversity, equity and inclusion and promote the mental health and well-being of student-athletes and the campus community.

BRADLEY

We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments! It has been such a joy to watch you grow into the great man you are today You are a wonderful son, brother, and friend. We love you. Mom, Dad, Andrew, and

To Our Lovely, Talented and Totally Amazing Baby Girl, Bridget— XO, Mom, Dad, Mary, George, Anna, Thomas, Jack, Patrick, James & Michael

Cornell Ranked Top University in New York State

Columbia tumbles to No. 18 amid U.S. News and World Report scandal

Cornell has been named the best university in all of New York state, according to the 2023 Best National Universities rankings published by U.S. News and World Report.

While still remaining the 17th best university in the nation, Cornell has now surpassed Columbia University, which saw a significant drop this year in rank, falling from No. 2 to No. 18.

Columbia’s downfall came after Columbia University Prof. Michael Thaddeus, mathematics, started questioning the program’s soaring ranking, which in 2021 tied in second along Harvard and MIT.

In February, Thaddeus published a detailed, analytical report, exploring explanations for Columbia’s abnormally soaring ranking.

“A few other top-tier universities have also improved their standings, but none has matched Columbia’s extraordinary rise,” Thaddeus wrote. “It is natural to wonder what the reason might be.”

Thaddeus’ findings suggested clear signs of number manipulation by Columbia to produce favorable but misleading data sets.

“Key figures supporting Columbia’s high ranking are inaccurate, dubious, or highly misleading,” Thaddeus wrote.

“[We found] discrepancies,

sometimes quite large, and always in Columbia’s favor.”

On Sept. 9, 2021, upon a thorough internal review and investigation, Columbia released a statement, admitting that the data it provided had signs of inaccuracy. In the statement, Columbia followed up with detailed plans to improve its data accuracy.

“We determined we had previously relied on outdated and/or incorrect methodologies,” the statement said. “We have changed those methodologies for current and future data submissions, as reflected in the newly posted Common Data Sets.”

According to the U.S. News and World Report, the Best Colleges ranking provides an assessment of 1,500 national bachelor’s degree programs on 17 measures of academic quality. This year marks the 38th year of releasing these rankings.

Cornell received an overall score of 86 out of 100, scoring a point lower in comparison to last year. The University scored high in multiple categories, ranking fifth in best colleges for veterans, ninth in undergraduate engineering programs, eighth in business programs and fifth in computer science. However, Cornell lagged behind in several areas, ranking 270 in social mobility, showing much room for improvement.

We love you so much and are so very proud of you on your graduation from Cornell! Congratulations on this most incredible achievement!

Dead and Company Rocks Barton Hall

One Final Time

Dead and Company — which is a band comprising John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti as well as former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart — performed on May 8 at Barton Hall as part of their summer 2023 farewell tour. The concert took place 46 years to the day after the Grateful Dead’s performance at Barton Hall on May 8, 1977.

The original performance, known simply as “Cornell ’77,” has become legendary amongst “Deadheads” — the nickname for the Grateful Dead’s fans — as one of the band’s greatest performances in a storied 30-year career.

“It was an amazing show,” Bill Sherman ’78, who attended the 1977 show, said. “The memory I think all of us have is, it was 60 degrees and sunny before we went into the show. Everybody was playing Frisbee in shorts and T-shirts. We came out four hours later, six inches of snow. You never saw so many people going, ‘Woah, how long were we in there?’”

The recording, which was captured from longtime sound engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson’s soundboard, is noted for its high quality and popularity even amongst Grateful Dead tapes, which were considered a forerunner of viral marketing. Due to its iconic reputation among Deadheads, CantorJackson’s recording was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2012.

Even Deadheads who did not attend the 1977 show held the show in high regard. Leona Kassoff ’83 — who did attend the 1980 and 1981 shows, along with her friend Sherry Sussman ’83 — said both the recording and performance quality of the show were extremely high-quality, among the best of the bootlegged tapes that she was able to acquire at the time.

“It’s iconic,” Kassoff said. “I remember it was one of the best bootlegs that I got to that point, because it was such a fine tape. The bootlegs we had back then were garbly and not that great. And [Cornell ’77] was just a pristine, beautiful show.”

For some longtime Deadheads, the 2023 show was an opportunity to share an experience with their family, who are often also deadheads.

“My sister lured me into it,” said Kathy Holub, who attended Monday’s show with her husband and her sister, Maureen Lynch M.B.A. ’93. “It’s been a wonderful thing that we share. We still go to shows across the country — Boulder, and we’re going to San Francisco — and have been for 40 years. It’s been a great thing to share as sisters, and now I have my daughter and my husband with me as well as my sister. So it’s a great family thing.”

Some, like Todd Wolleman ’88, even brought their children, raising them as Deadheads and attending the show together as well. Mr. Wolleman, who attended the 1977 show, expressed excitement for being able to share the experience with his daughter, Lauren Wolleman ’18.

“I’m looking forward to it as a combination of the Grateful Dead and Cornell,” Mr. Wolleman said. “I’m looking forward to just being in that same room [as the 1977 show] sitting with my daughter. It closes the loop, if you will — it’s the circle of life.”

However, not all was sunshine and roses.

Tickets were allocated via separate lotteries to students and alumni. Those who did not win the lottery faced an expensive secondary retail market. For a comparison, general admission tickets for the 1977 show were $7.50 — or about $37.36 in today’s money — while the cheapest tickets for Monday’s show were only available to students and sold for $77 apiece.

Students who did not attend the concert but won the lottery sold their tickets for over $300 in some cases. To procure a ticket, some students, like Max Horowitz ’23, even resorted to measures such as building bots to track social media and other digital spaces to find tickets being sold for the lowest possible price.

“I set a [price] range that I was willing to consider a deal, and whenever it would hit that range, it made an instant purchase,” Horowitz said.

Cornell Graduate Students United Wins Unionization Election

Grads described struggles with funding guarantees, healthcare coverage and worker protections

Cornell graduate students won their unionization election by a vote of 1,873 to 80, and will federate as Cornell Graduate Students United — an organization fighting for the rights of graduate workers — under the national United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America union. 128 ballots were challenged, but not counted because they would not have determined the outcome of the election.

Voting occurred on the Ithaca campus between Nov. 6 and Nov. 8, as well as on Nov. 6 at the Geneva campus and at New York City’s Cornell Tech campus. Of the 3,175 eligible voters, 1,953 voted in the election.

The unionization effort kicked off on Sept. 6 with a card drive. Issues that graduate students have claimed to face include issues with funding guarantees, healthcare coverage and worker protections, according to the CGSU website.

Over the course of the month, over 2,500 graduate workers signed unionization cards, which CGSU claimed was a supermajority of graduate workers at Cornell.

Prior to the election, over 1,600 eligible voters pledged to vote yes in support of the unionization election.

This overwhelming yes vote follows CGSU’s previous attempt to unionize in 2017 under affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers, which failed 941 to 867.

Cornell was found to have violated federal labor laws in 2018, resulting from an email from former Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School Barbara Knuth 24 hours before the March 2017 unionization election began. The email could have been seen as a threat to students voting for unionization, according to the arbitrator’s award document.

Prior to the election, President Pollack, in an address to the Student Assembly on Sept. 28, addressed the issue of graduate unionization.

“[Unionization] is a choice for every individual. We do encourage everyone to consider the question of unionization thoughtfully and carefully and [to] ask questions,” Pollack said.

“The University is committed to engaging in a process that is respectful of the rights of all involved and is consistent with the requirements of the National Labor Relations Act.”

Christine Lovely, vice president and chief human resources officer, and Kathryn Boor, dean of the graduate school and vice provost for graduate education, on Nov. 2, sent out a statement to Cornell students that while the administration respects the role of labor unions, they cannot take a stance on the issue.

“The University is not taking a formal position during this process and believes that all graduate students should decide for themselves as to whether they wish to be represented by the union,” the statement read. “Regardless of whether or not graduate students join a union, Cornell remains deeply committed to supporting students in their academic pursuits and assistantship roles.”

CGSU celebrated its victory in a series of posts on the social media site X — formerly known as Twitter — expressing its gratitude towards its members and saying they “looked forward” to negotiating with the University.

“This victory belongs to all of us: the thousands of workers who cast their votes, the hundreds of organizers throughout the University who organized a lightning-fast campaign,” the union said. “Most of all, we owe this victory to the enduring relationships we have built over the last few years in every department through one-on-one conversations, office visits and over social media.”

Joel Malina, vice president for university relations said in an email to The Sun that the University’s priority is ensuring graduate students are able to speak their minds and that Cornell “looked forward” to forthcoming negotiations with the union.

“Throughout this process, our priority was ensuring that graduate assistants had a voice through voting. Cornell has long-standing relationships with several other bargaining units on campus, and we now welcome the opportunity to build a relationship with UE,” Malina said in the statement. “We look forward to negotiating a collective bargaining agreement that reflects Cornell’s values and addresses the needs of our students.”

Cornell Commits $4 Million Annually to Ithaca through MOU

Cornell will pay the City of Ithaca $4 million annually, adjusted yearly for inflation, as the Cornell Board of Trustees approved the revised memorandum of understanding in an executive committee on Friday, Oct. 13. On Wednesday, Oct. 11 the Common Council passed the MOU after amending the term length to 15 years, a five year decrease from a prior proposal.

The University last negotiated the MOU in 2003, which stipulated that Cornell provide voluntary payments in lieu of taxes of $1 million annually until June 2024, adjusted yearly for inflation. Cornell is exempt from paying property taxes as a higher education institution, but instead offers the city voluntary PILOT contributions.

The agreement comes after months of negotiations over Cornell’s yearly contribution. In September, Mayor Laura Lewis announced that negotiations halted on Aug. 11, as the City of Ithaca proposed an $8 million contribution while Cornell gave their offer for $3.15 million. Seven days after Lewis’s office released the statement, President Martha Pollack signed a joint statement with Lewis that committed Cornell to pay $4 million annually.

Following the informal agreement, the Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America held a rally on Sept. 18 at Ho Plaza to demand an increased contribution from the University. Common Council members Jorge DeFendini ’22 (D-Fourth Ward) and Tiffany Kumar ’24 (D-Fourth Ward) joined in support of the increased contributions.

The Common Council approved the $4 million annual contribution MOU 9-1 at a meeting on Wednesday, after tense discussion about the position the city was under. On Oct. 4, the Common Council passed a budget that relied on the University’s $4 million PILOT payment contributions.

“We are in a hostage situation with Cornell University,” DeFendini said. “The fact of the matter is, we don’t have the ability right now as a city to take on Cornell University with their tax exempt status and their army of lawyers.”

The agreement took effect immediately until the year 2039, as the Common Council decreased the term length from 20 to 15 years.

Eighty percent of the funding is unrestricted, allowing the city to use the funds with broad discretion. The remainder will support city infrastructure and other priority projects of mutual interest, according to a University press release.

The University will provide an additional $100,000 annual grant for a Cornell faculty member to collaborate with the city on issues such as sustainability, according to the press release.

“I’m extremely grateful to the Common Council for approving this agreement and appreciate all who were involved in the negotiations that enabled us to reach this historic moment,”

Vice President of University Relations Joel Malina said in the statement. “This hard work and dedication strengthens the relationship between the city and Cornell, and these growing resources will benefit Ithaca residents for years to come.”

Stay sunny with Te Cornell Daily Sun!

It seems like only just yesterday our little ray of sunshine came into this world. Before we knew it, she blossomed into a beautiful, smart young woman!

Congratulations, Taruni Tangirala, on yet another major milestone! Can’t wait to see you reach newer heights. Continue with the same intellect, creativity, and resolve that you have been blessed with all along!

We wish you all the happiness and success!!

Mom, Dad and Sivateja

Dear Kiley,

Congratulations—you did it & we are so proud of you. We know this is the beginning of an extraordinary jour ney and we will be cheering you on and supporting you as you continue to pursue your dreams.

The world has only begun to see the brilliant, loving, hardworking, young woman you have become. Adventure and success await you.

To our Cor nell Graduate—Carpe Diem!

We love you to the moon and back, Mom, Dad, VI & Zak

President Pollack to Retire After Seven Years of Leadership

President Martha Pollack announced that she will retire from her position on June 30, in an email sent to the Cornell community on Thursday, May 9.

Provost Michael Kotlikoff will serve as interim president for a two-year term beginning on July 1, 2024, according to a follow-up email sent by Kraig Kayser MBA ’84, chair of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will establish a committee to select the University’s 15th president six to nine months before Kotlikoff’s term ends.

Pollack acknowledged that there “will be lots of speculation about [her] decision” and emphasized that she independently decided to retire from her role after “extensive reflection.”

Pollack’s retirement follows a year of campus controversies spurred from the IsraelHamas war, including Prof. Russell Rickford, history, saying that he was “exhilarated” by Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Patrick Dai ’24 posting antisemitic threats.

We are so proud to celebrate incredible you and all you’ve done during your four years at Cornell; embracing every opportunity with integrity, earning a double major, and creating so many wonderful memories with great friends. We wish you all the success and happiness the world has to offer!! We love you very much! Dad, Mom, Mathew, Bailey & Brady

Throughout the year, the Coalition for Mutual Liberation — a pro-Palestine coalition of over 40 on and off-campus organizations — occupied Day Hall, held dieins in libraries and other campus buildings and established an encampment on the Arts Quad. Demonstrators urged the University to divest from weapons manufacturers, advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, acknowledge Islamophobia on campus and cease educational ties with Israeli institutions.

The administration has condemned the disruptive nature of demonstrations, labeled some of the organization’s language as antisemitic and arrested and suspended demonstrators.

Pollack acknowledged the “enormous pain” felt by community members due to world turmoil and local tensions, including for Jewish and Israeli students and Arab, Palestinian and Muslim students. She acknowledged that the next Cornell administration will have to continue to address antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry, while protecting free expression, but asserted that the next leaders will work from a “solid foundation.”

“We have been vigilant in working to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our community from all backgrounds, work I’ve been dedicated to long before the events of the past year,” Pollack wrote.

However, Muslim students have previously expressed to The Sun concerns about a lack of an administrative response to concerns about online threats and intimidation on campus. This includes how several derogatory messages toward Muslim students were posted on Greekrank on Oct. 29, in addition to antisemitic threats, but the University addressed only the antisemitic posts in an Oct. 29 press release.

The academic year has seen some university presidents, including Claudine Gay of Harvard University and Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania, step down amid backlash for their response to antisemitism on campus.

In January, former trustee Jon Lindseth ’56 published an open letter urging Pollack and Kotlikoff’s resignation, citing the University’s failure to appropriately address antisemitism on campus amid a “misguided commitment” to diversity, equity and inclusion. However, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted in support of Pollack’s leadership in response to the letter.

This approval for Pollack has sustained into the announcement of her retirement. As of Thursday morning, the Board of Trustees appointed Pollack as president emerita, an honorary title given to a retired leader, effective July 1, 2024.

“On a personal level, all my fellow trustees and I have enjoyed working with President Pollack and have valued her intelligence, integrity, candor and warmth,” Kayser wrote.

Pollack also emphasized her success with furthering her initial goals for her leadership — “enhancing Cornell’s academic distinction, our educational verve and the fulfillment of our civic responsibility.”

Pollack oversaw the creation of the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, the establishment of COVID-19 pandemic policies and the allocation of increased financial aid, among many other accomplishments.

Pollack considered retiring over the past academic year but chose not to announce the decision earlier due to unforeseen circumstances, according to her email.

“Indeed, I began deliberating about this last fall, and made the decision over the December break; but three times, as I was ready to act on it, I had to pause because of events on our and/or on other campuses,” Pollack wrote.

Priscilla (Priska) Lambert

Congratulations to our beautiful and talented girl on your Cor nell graduation!! We are very proud of you and your accomplishments.

Love you Always! Dad and Mom

Now is the time for you to soar to your next chapter. Remember you are extraordinary, kind, and wise and will conquer anything in your path.

Abby, this is a landmark

moment,

graduating from Cornell, an esteemed Ivy League university!!

We are so incredibly proud of you and all that you have accomplished and who you have become. You have made a commitment to your education at Cornell, have put in the time and work, persevered and prevailed, and have amazing results to show for it!!

Congrats on being chosen to represent your school as a College Name Banner Bearer at the commencement ceremony!!

Congrats on also earning Summa Cum Laude, straight A’s and Dean’s

List all four years, all while studying abroad in Florence, volunteering for Best Buddies, HEC, BOCES, and other organizations, being an active member in Alpha Chi sorority and still managing to find time for fun with friends and family

You are a leader, courageous and kind, resilient, ALWAYS thinking of others and are true to yourself. You should be very, very proud!!

We know you will love your next adventure as an analyst at Royal Caribbean Cruise line, and will be successful at anything you attempt.

We love and admire you so very much and are extremely blessed to be able to call you our daughter and sister!

Love, Cheryl, Kirk, Sami & Jake Stuart

Ann Coulter ’84 Appearance Leads to Faculty Arrest

Ann Coulter ’84, a controversial conservative media personality, made her return to campus on Tuesday, April 16 with a talk entitled “Immigration: The Conspiracy To End America.”

Audiences largely did not disrupt Coulter. However, Prof. Monica Cornejo was arrested during the question and answer section due to disorderly behavior.

At Coulter’s last speaking appearance at Cornell in November 2022, numerous attendees protested, resulting in the removal of eight audience members and an early end to the event.

In March, The Sun broke news of Coulter’s invitation to campus, which was spearheaded by Provost Michael Kotlikoff as an effort to allow diverse perspectives on campus during the current freedom of expression theme year. At the start of the event, Kotlikoff expressed it was important to allow Coulter to speak again — this time without interruption.

“We’re here really to correct something that happened a year and a half ago when [Coulter] who was invited by Cornell students was prevented from speaking at Cornell, something that I did not attend,” Kotlikoff said.

Kotlikoff made it clear to attendees that Coulter had the right to speak without intimidation and that individuals who chose to interrupt the event would face consequences.

“Actions that prevent a speaker’s ability to be heard or the right of others to listen and see are a violation of University policy [and violators will] be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or other appropriate officials, which may lead to a notation on the conduct record or transcript,” Kotlikoff said.

Despite Kotlikoff’s insistence that the Cornell community values freedom of expression, all attendees — including Sun reporters — were told via multiple signs outside the venue that they would not be permitted to take any audio or video recordings of the event, even for journalistic purposes.

In addition to the strict recording rules, participants had to go through multiple security checks for identification and tickets by security personnel and event staff. Participants were also required to walk through a metal detector screening to enter the venue.

Throughout the event, six Cornell University Police Department officers spread out inside the event room and additional officers guarded the hallway. Private security stood next to Coulter throughout her talk.

Throughout her speech, Coulter expressed discontentment about the United States’ immigration policies. Coulter’s initial criticism of the immigration system centered around how she perceives America as starting to resemble other countries with its influx of immigrants.

“Never in human history has a country just decided to turn itself into another country like this,” Coulter said. “No offense to Mexico — love the food — but Japan doesn’t say, ‘Hey, let’s be Australia,’ or Australia say, ‘Let’s be Sweden.’ … We’re not doing them a favor by turning ourselves into the countries [immigrants] fled.”

Coulter particularly expressed her dissatisfaction with Afghan refugees immigrating to the U.S.

“Why does every sad sack in the world have to come to this country?” Coulter questioned. “What’s the trade-off with bringing millions of people from incredibly backward cultures who do not speak the language?”

Coulter also criticized the implications of family reunification preference tracks in immigration policies.

“Because of our family reunification policies, that blocks out other countries where we might be able to get the ones who are smarter, taller, more athletic,” Coulter said. “The pushcart operator from Pakistan who doesn’t speak his own language — nevermind ours — he gets precedence over a surgeon from Denmark.”

Sporting a shirt that read “Keep Migrants, Deport The Racists,” Prof. Monica Cornejo, communication, an undocumented immigrant, criticized the event during the questions portion.

“I’m an assistant professor of communication here, and one of those illegals that you mentioned,” Cornejo said. “I really appreciate you coming in and talking about these issues, that way I get to know how many racist people belong to this University.”

Coulter then interjected, cutting her off for not posing a question. When Cornejo responded by saying that she did have a question, Coulter retorted: “You got your chance. We’re moving on to the next question.”

Cornejo continued to shout remarks throughout the

questions portion, such as “Racist,” and put up middle fingers in response to many of Coulter’s comments.

Eventually, Coulter called for Cornejo’s removal, and she was arrested by members of the CUPD on the charge of disorderly conduct. Upon her removal, Coulter called her “a child.”

When asked about her thoughts regarding her arrest, Cornejo declined to comment.

In a post-event interview with The Sun, Kotlikoff expressed that while he disagreed with many of the claims made by Coulter, he still respects her right to freedom of speech.

“I don’t agree with Ann Coulter’s thesis about immigration, about the value of immigration to the U.S.,” Kotlikoff said. “There’s lots that I don’t agree with, but fundamentally I believe that it’s important for Cornell to be able to support diverse views — that’s what a University does.”

When asked if the University would allow a white nationalist or neo-Nazi to speak if invited to campus by members of the Cornell community, Kotlikoff reiterated the importance of respecting free speech on campus.

“I would support their right to speak at Cornell — I think free speech is that important,” Kotlikoff explained. “I think there are clear areas of speech that are not supported by the First Amendment [such as] incitement of violence. … Those we would shut down.”

NINA DAVIS / SUN PHOTOGRAPHY

Academic arrested | Prof. Monica Cornejo, communication, was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Bene Factum, Grace Ryan!

’24 B.A.—Department of classics, college of arts & sciences

Te amamus! Mater, Pater, Soror, Frater et tota Familia

Congratulations to our Class of 2024 College Graduate Keziah A. Wilson

We are so proud of you! It seems like yesterday when we watched you take steps toward becoming the accomplished beautiful woman that you are today. Whether per for ming in a high school play, volunteering at a women’s shelter, or serving as a Cor nell Teaching Assistant, you’ve always given the best of you for the better ment of others. You are a gift from God!

An inspiration to our entire family that continues to shower this world with compassion and love through every subtle interaction is who you are. You are a gift from God!

Our love is with you during this special occasion and always. Greatness is in, around and before you along the jour ney - we are so proud of your steps.

May this day bring joy and happiness to our loving “Keziah”— a true gift from God!

“Jeremiah 29:11”

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Forté, DJ, Gabby, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins

Students and Starbucks Employees Occupy Day Hall

In response to the announcement that all Ithaca-based Starbucks locations will be permanently closed by May 26, student organizers and Starbucks employees occupied Day Hall on Thursday, May 11 to urge Cornell to end its relationship with Starbucks.

On both North and Central Campuses, most Cornell dining halls and cafés serve Starbucks brand beverages.

Rally organizers primarily demand that the University publicize its contract with Starbucks and sever its relationship with the corporation, switching providers for all on-campus dining establishments that serve Starbucks products.

According to Nick Wilson ’26, a former Starbucks barista in his hometown of Wilmette, Illinois who now is a student activist with the People’s Organizing Collective, organizers require a campus-wide switch to an “ethical” brand that is approved by the student activists occupying Day Hall and Starbucks Workers United before the fall semester.

Organizers discussed expanding the number of locations offering Gimme! Coffee — which is currently sold at Bill and Melinda Gates Hall and in three other Ithaca locations. According to Wilson, Gimme! Coffee is ideal due to being a local, unionized worker-run co-op. On Tuesday, organizers offered free Gimme! Coffee in front of Starbucks stores and campus dining establishments selling Starbucks products while discussing their cause and asking for optional donations, which ultimately raised over $700 in support of the strike.

To Wilson, specifically targeting Cornell’s relationship with Starbucks — rather than Starbucks as a whole — is a way to leverage the organizers’ authority as students of the University.

“You can’t negotiate with Starbucks — that’s a boardroom full of multinational executives who won’t listen to us,” Wilson said. “Where power is, is we have this affiliation with the University [as students], and we have the ability to democratically rise up and say, ‘This is what we demand.’”

Wilson noted that organizers believe Starbucks is making a profit of millions of dollars through its relationship with Cornell, but this contract is not currently public. In turn, disrupting the agreement between Cornell and Starbucks is a way for organizers to demonstrate to the corporation that there are economic consequences to what they consider to be a national union-busting campaign.

The Occupation

Prior to the occupation of Day Hall, organizers urged Cornell students to send over 900 emails to the University demanding that they sever all University ties to Cornell, although Ryan Lombardi, vice president of student and campus life, denied receiving an email until 30 minutes prior to his and Dean of Students Marla Love’s initial arrival in the lobby of Day Hall shortly before 5 p.m., where students had already been gathered for hours.

“The President wants to engage with you in good faith and talk

about this,” Lombardi said. “[We] can’t make a commitment today to honor the demands that you’ve brought forward — we just haven’t had time to look at all the ramifications and implications of that. We know that some emails were sent this week. I got my first 30 minutes ago.”

Lombardi then called into question the veracity of some of the emails, saying they were generic and did not appear to come from Cornellians, but Wilson refuted the accusation, saying students had endorsed the sending of each message.

Following this exchange, Lombardi and Wilson began discussing the policy demands made by the demonstrators. Lombardi said President Pollack was out of town and accused the demonstrators of negotiating in bad faith with the administration.

“I’m willing to make that commitment to have this dialogue and try to figure something out — see what we can come up with,” Lombardi said. “But I cannot make this commitment today that you’re asking us to make. And I think it’s unreasonable to ask us to make that on the spot. That’s not giving us a fair chance to really look at all the implications.”

Wilson questioned the unreasonability of the demands, saying Starbucks’ departure of Ithaca caused an emergency due to what the demonstrators deemed as violations of federal labor law.

“What do you think is unreasonable about the demands? Because for us, it seems pretty clear. You have this contract — or there’s someone that you could get in contact with given the emergency circumstances of Starbucks’ illegal union busting who could obtain that contract — and you could give it to us,” Wilson said. “All we’re asking you to do is commit to not Starbucks next fall, and commit to working with us… as to what that next vendor will be.”

After an extensive back-andforth, Lombardi and Love returned to their offices.

Love then came back to the lobby at 5:40 p.m. to inform the demonstrators that the building would officially close at 6 p.m., and offered to allow them back into the building at 8 a.m. on Friday when the building reopens. The demonstrators countered with an agreement to leave the building if Love and Lombardi agreed to a definitive meeting between the demonstrators and President Pollack, as well as all “relevant” decision-makers.

According to both the University and the demonstrators, relevant decision-makers include the University cabinet as well as attorneys representing the University.

Organizers affirmed that they intended to stay in the building until the requested demands were reached or until they received more details affirming legitimate reasons for the University’s inability to meet their demands at the time — such as an explanation of the legal provision that states Cornell cannot be released from its contract with Starbucks or information on why essential individuals cannot be reached.

The Corne¬ Daily Sun

Congratulates its 2024 Graduating Seniors:

Sasha Abayeva

Ruth Abraham

Malak Abuhashim

Pareesay Afzal

Hugo Amador

Emma Arboleda

Meher Bhatia

Brenner Beard

Angela Bunay

Ayesha Chari

Anthony Corrales

Noah Do

Aimée Eicher

Ava Fasciano

Devan Flores

Sadie Groberg

Serena Huang

Nihar Negde

Joanne Hu

Grace Kim

Kate Kim

SPRING 2024

Ally Knapp

Claire Li

Anna Liang

Brian Lu

Julia Nagel

Daniel Obaseki

Gabriella Pacitto

Eli Pallrand

Sofia Rubinson

Grayson Ruhl

Tom Sanford

Rebecca Sparacio

David Sugarmann

Halle Swasing

Aidan Uckun

Katrien de Waard

Jacqueline Woo

Jason Wu

Skylar Xu

Estee Yi

Sarah Young

S.A. Addresses Bias Issues

Te outgoing Assembly introduced measures to improve transparency

Responding to months of controversy in the Student Assembly and ongoing tension on campus, the Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in its final meeting Thursday to amend the S.A. bylaws to improve transparency and decrease bias, among other initiatives.

The resolution, sponsored by outgoing S.A. President Patrick Kuehl ’24, mandates anti-bias and transparency training for all members of the Assembly, focusing on steps to recognize implicit bias, increase relationships with individuals and groups in the Cornell community and educate about the proper methods to report bias and harassment.

The resolution also calls for funds to be allocated toward implementing date-rape-drug test kits in and around Cornell’s campus during the Fall 2024 semester.

This resolution comes after a Sun investigation into the conduct of a then-highranking Assembly member revealed that he demonstrated a pattern of attempting to block women’s health-related resolutions, including a proposal to implement date-rape-drug test kits at fraternities and Cornell Health.

Proposed by presidential candidate Pedro Da Silveira ’25 in April 2023 to then the Interfraternity Council president and vice presidential candidate George Rocco DeLorenzo ’24, Da Silveira asked if he could campaign on providing free date-rape-drug test kits to fraternities to “maintain an ‘extra safe fun environment’ (you know to really sell myself to the women vote),” an April 21, 2023, message read. The two had an apparent agreement to bar discussion of Greek life from the Student Assembly.

In response, DeLorenzo — who went on to become the vice president of finance of the S.A. before resigning last month due to the findings of an internal ethics investigation — said campus focus was no longer on date rape at fraternities, as it had been in November 2022 after a series of drugging incidents and a sexual assault were reported at Cornell fraternities. “Bringing it back out now does not seem like the best idea,” DeLorenzo wrote, adding that he was not confident test strips work effectively.

When further pressed if Da Silveira could simply campaign on providing funds for Cornell Health to distribute date-rape-drug test kits without mentioning fraternities, DeLorenzo wrote to “pls stay away from this type of stuff.” He added: “There are other ways to get the female vote and this method is

thinly veiled at best.” Da Silveira went on to win the presidency, but was ousted when it was publicly revealed he had a Title IX allegation against him. He was later found not responsible for sexual assault by the Title IX Office.

An investigation by the S.A. Office of Ethics found that DeLorenzo, as chair of the Appropriations Committee, acted in a manner that led to a hostile working environment for committee members and various student organizations that receive funding from the committee.

Members from the Gender Justice Advocacy Coalition testified that they “felt uncomfortable during Appropriations Committee meetings, due at least in part to DeLorenzo’s alleged belittling comments toward female presenters and occasionally aggressive demeanor.” In November, DeLorenzo recommended a decrease in funding for GJAC due to a lack of clear financial records, though the ethics investigation did not find evidence of bias in DeLorenzo’s allocation of funds.

Kuehl told The Sun that while this resolution was not created in direct response to the action of DeLorenzo, there is “some correlation,” and it also broadly responses to “vast inequities” that have been brought to light in the last year.

With the passing of Thursday’s resolution, all student organizations that receive funding from the Appropriations Committee will also be granted an ex-officio seat on the Assembly, which Kuehl said is an attempt to facilitate direct communication between organizations and the S.A. outside of advocating for funding.

The resolution further establishes a Campus Pulse Committee, supported by an endowed account with $400,000, to increase the availability of resources to address “pressing needs” on campus. The committee will implement anti-bias programming and work to facilitate community conversations designed to increase “empathy and cross-cultural dialogue between individuals and groups on the Cornell campus.” Included on the committee will be the president of GJAC, or their designee, among other equity-based group leaders.

“The challenges we have seen this year, both inside the Assembly and in the campus community, while unique to this year, certainly won’t be the last challenge that we face as a community,” Kuehl said. “There will be a need for people to have the resources to work through issues together.”

Congratulations, Carlos Andrés You have been, from birth to present, the greatest gift of all! We are so very proud of all of your accomplishments! Now, go... And set the world on fire!!! We love you!

Papi, Mami, Adriana and Lucy!

Remembering Four Years in Cornell Sports

FOUR YEARS

Continued from page 56

Feb. 26: Women’s hockey’s season ends in the ECAC quarterfinals as the Red falls to Colgate in two games.

March 2: After spending 23 years as Cornell’s Director of Athletics, Andy Noel announces his plan to retire this year. Noel, whose contract expires in June, will finish the academic year and serve into the 2022-23 year until his successor is named.

March 6: With six individual competitors earning NCAA Tournament berths, wrestling captures its 26th EIWA in program history and its first since 2017.

March 6: Squash’s Siva Subramaniam defeats Harvard’s Hana Moataz and wins the national individual championship, putting the bow on her perfect individual record of 19-0.

March 12: Making its first appearance in Ivy Madness in three years, men’s basketball’s promising season ends in a narrow 77-73 loss to Princeton.

March 13: Men’s hockey’s season concludes in the ECAC Quarterfinals as the Red drops the third game of the series, 2-1, to Colgate.

March 19: Freshman gymnast Sydney Beers posts a 9.850 score on the vault, a career-high mark that wins her

April 24: Legendary men’s lacrosse coach Richie Moran passes away at the

age of 85. Moran coached the Red for 29 seasons, leading the team to three national championships and 15 Ivy League titles, cementing Cornell as a premiere men’s lacrosse program.

April 30: Women’s lacrosse shows out for Senior Day, beating Dartmouth, 1613, in the regular season finale to clinch the No. 3 seed in the Ivy League Tournament.

April 30: With an Ivy League title on the line, men’s lacrosse defeats Princeton, 18-15, to claim a share of the Ancient Eight crown, its 30th title.

May 15: After bowing out of the Ivy League Tournament with a loss to Yale, men’s lacrosse earns the No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where it comes back from a 4-0 deficit to defeat No. 12 Ohio State in the first round, 15-8.

Junior Year (2022-23)

Aug. 19: Cornell Athletics makes a return to fall sports for another year since their return from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sept. 5: Men's soccer sweeps California road trip games. The Red won against UCSB 2-1, and bested U.C. Irvine with a 1-0 victory.

Sept. 12: Cornell Women's Volleyball closes out the Cornell Invitational without a win, losing 2-4 in the annual event.

Oct. 1: Cornell Football dominates

against Colgate, winning 34-31 against the Raiders.

Nov. 2: Women's Soccer defeats Princeton for the first time since 1995, winning 2-1.

Dec. 2: Men's hockey falls to rival Harvard in overtime. Crimson beat the Red 2-1.

Jan. 21: Men's hockey takes down top-ranked Quinnipiac with a save shutout by Ian Shane '21.

Feb. 25: Men's Hockey defeats Yale 5-1 securing its 25th Ivy League title. The commanding win sent Cornell into a bye week on a high note.

March 20: Wrestling's Arujau and Diakomihalis are crowned national champions ater winning championship matches in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is Diakomihalis's fourth national championship win.

April 29: Men's Lacrosse clinches 31st Ivy Title with Aiden Blake scoring the final two goals leading the Red to victory past the Princeton Tigers.

May 9: Gavin Adler was selected first overall in the Premier Lacrosse League Draft meaning his lacrosse career will not end at Cornell as he joins the Atlas Lacrosse Club.

Senior Year (2023-24)

Sep. 3: Football upsets Yale, the reigning Ivy League champions, on the road. The Red won 23-21.

Oct. 4: Women’s soccer ties Columbia at Berman Field, 1-1, securing a program-record 11-match home unbeaten streak.

Oct. 15: Field hockey upsets thenNo. 13 Syracuse in double-overtime at Marsha Dodson Field.

Nov. 11: Women’s swimming and diving beats Harvard for the first time since 1983.

Nov. 25: Men’s hockey beats rival B.U. at Madison Square Garden, aided by a 35-save shutout by Ian Shane ’25.

Jan. 28: Wrestling upsets then-No. 2 Missouri in front of a ruckus crowd at Newman Arena.

Feb. 17: With a 2-1 victory over Yale, women’s hockey clinches the Ivy League title for the 16th time.

Mar. 19: Men’s basketball falls to Ohio State, 88-83, in the Red’s first ever appearance in the NIT. A very promising season ends for a large group of seniors.

Mar. 23: Men’s hockey defeats St. Lawrence in the ECAC Tournament Championship, breaking a 14-year title drought and securing an automatic NCAA tournament bid.

Apr. 2: Men’s lacrosse beats Syracuse in double-overtime, 18-17. The Red overcame a 7-0 deficit to win a game-ofthe-year candidate.

May 5: Baseball clinches its first Ivy League Tournament berth in 12 years with a 9-4 victory over Brown.

LEILANI BURKE / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Triple crown | Daniel’s Patty Kaz completes the postseason accolade trifecta, as she previously received both the Ivy League and ECAC Player of the Year awards and first team All-America honors.

Kings of the ECAC | Cornell clinched the conference championship after finishing the regular season as the No. 2 seed. The Red receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

ANTHONY CORRALES / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Ice Hockey’s Izzy Daniels Makes History for the Red and White

By

There is no better embodiment of Cornell Hockey than senior forward Izzy Daniel, the first Cornellian to win the Patty Kazmaier Award. Daniel is not just a product of the program, but also a builder who led the team out of the COVID-19 pandemic and back to NCAA title contention.

Along the way, she endeared herself to her teammates both on and off the ice through her personality, confidence and humility. Five years removed from her arrival in Ithaca, Daniel departs as one of the best women’s hockey players to ever don the Carnelian and White.

Daniel came to East Hill from The Blake School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she won two state championships and earned all-state honors two years in a row across four years of varsity hockey.

Her reasoning for coming to Cornell was ultimately the people.

“It was a tough decision, but it really came down to my visit at Cornell and the people I met here,” Daniel said. “Obviously, the campus was beautiful, but it was more so the people and the culture.”

Daniel’s initial attraction to the people that make up the women’s hockey program would be proven right time and time again over her four years on campus.

“I knew that she was going to do amazing things at Cornell from the second that she got there,” said Jaime Bourbonnais ’20, a former teammate of Daniel’s turned Olympian and Professional Women’s Hockey League player.

When Daniel arrived on campus in the fall of 2019, she joined a team that had made the Frozen Four the previous spring for the first time since 2012. She had an immediate impact. Daniel finished the season with 17 points and was seventh on the team in assists with 14. She was a key presence on an impressive power play, often playing with future PWHLers such as Kristin O’Neill ’20, Micah Zandee-Hart ’20 and Bourbonnais.

“She really just fit in so well with the speed of the game right from the first time she put on the jersey, which is pretty remarkable,” Bourbonnais said.

But Daniel’s impact reached far behind the sheet of ice.

“Between Micah, Jamie Bourbonnais and I, I think we kind of all took Izzy under our wings in a sense,” O’Neill said. “In our senior year, she really looked up to all three of us and I think that relationship was super

special,” O’Neill said.

The feelings were mutual.

“I was really lucky to have such great leadership my first year, and everyone on that team kind of showed me the way of what it means to be a part of this program,” Daniel said.

Daniel learned well, and she learned fast.

“She had an impact on our team on and off the ice, as soon as she stepped foot on campus,” Bourbonnais said. “Obviously she’s such an incredible player, but she’s such a great person and she brought the team really close together.”

Daniel’s freshman season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cornell, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation and the top overall seed for the NCAA tournament, was robbed of a chance to win its first national championship.

The pandemic and the ensuing cancellation of the 2020-21 season, Daniel’s sophomore year, would mark a personal turning point for Daniel.

“When we learned we weren’t playing, I chose to go back home to Minnesota instead of staying enrolled at Cornell,” Daniel said.

Daniel said she took the time away from Cornell to improve her strength and off-ice mechanics, citing it as a “huge difference maker.”

“I got a lot stronger, I got a lot faster and that really translated to the ice,” Daniel said.

The stats tell a similar story. In Daniel’s 2021-22 campaign, she finished second on the team in points (32) and assists (24), and third in goals (32). As a sophomore, she was named All-ECAC Hockey third team and earned All-Ivy League Honorable Mention, but her team was ultimately swept in the ECAC quarterfinals by Colgate.

Daniel’s junior year told a similar story. Daniel tied Gillis Frechette ’23 for the team lead in goals, assists and points, earning AllECAC second team honors and a nomination for the Patty Kazmaier award. The team improved to 16-14-2, but still was not able to make it out of the ECAC quarterfinals.

“I feel like [it has] been a rebuilding process of our culture with COVID,” Daniel said.

To continue reading this article, please visit www.cornellsun.com.

efastif@cornellsun.com.

Wrestling’s Vito Arujau Won Gold for the USA

By HAMNA WASEEM Assistant Sports Editor

Following in the footsteps of Yianni Diakomihalis ’23 — one of the greatest wrestlers Cornell has ever seen — is a tall task, but senior Vito Arujau not only rose to the challenge but fully embraced it. As a four-time All-American, two-time NCAA champion and a world champion, Arujau stands as one of the most decorated Cornell athletes ever.

Vito’s dad, Vougar Arujau, wrestled for the Soviet Union and was a two-time world champion. Vito’s older brother, Nick Arujau ’15, followed their father’s legacy by wrestling for the Red from 2011-13.

Hailing from Syosset, New York, Arujau said wrestling was “in the family business.” He grew up around his father’s wrestling gym in Long Island.

“[As] I grew up, we didn’t have a babysitter, so my dad would just bring me to wrestling practice and sit me on the side,” Arujau said.

While he spent his days around the gym, Arujau did not dabble in wrestling himself until fifth grade.

“When I first started out, I was terrible,” Arujau said. “It’s not uncommon for you to start your kid in wrestling at the age of four, so by the time I started in fifth grade … [other] kids have had six years of experience.”

However, with the support and guidance of his father — who emphasized perfecting fundamentals — Arujau was able to improve quickly.

“And then I kind of turned it into my own style and focused on the things I was good at,” Arujau said. “A lot of it was just getting my ass kicked until I figured it out.”

And “figure it out” he did, clinching four state titles while wrestling at Syosset High School and concluding his high school career with 173 consecutive wins. He won the United World Wrestling Cadet National freestyle title in 2017, earning a silver medal at the Cadet World Games, and also earned a spot on the Junior World Team in the spring of 2018. While Arujau saw offers pour in from several renowned wrestling programs, his decision to join Cornell was a “no-brainer,” due to its mix of athletic and educational opportunities. He was also inspired by his brother competing for the Red.

“Cornell has the best networking and would do the most for me in the long run,” Arujau said. “You get one of the best wrestling programs in the world, but also one of the best educations.”

Arujau finished his freshman year

by taking fourth at the 2019 NCAA Championships, earning first All-America honor and securing Ivy League Rookie of the Year and a spot in the All-Ivy first-team. These accolades are nothing to balk at, but Arujau said his performance was “a little bumpy freshman year.” He wouldn’t be completely satisfied with anything but that National Champion title.

But Arujau’s ambitions were put on stand-still when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the 2020-21 season was canceled.

Taking two years off from college wrestling, Arujau said the pandemic “threw [him] for a loop.”

When he returned for the 2021-22 season, he finished third at the NCAA Championships to claim his second AllAmerican citation.

“It’s unfathomable at times how good he is.”

Mike Grey ’11

“I thought I had made a lot of improvements but took third at the tournament,” Arujau said. “It didn’t turn out to be the improvement I thought it was.”

Arujau’s junior year was a different story, as he claimed his first NCAA title with a 10-4 victory in the finals over two-time champion Roman Bravo-Young of Penn State and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the championships.

“In all the things that make you a champion, he progressed from year to year,” said head coach Mike Grey ’11. “His confidence, his maturity, his leadership skills all grew.”

Arujau then focused his ambitions on international accolades, not just representing the Red but the red, white and blue.

At the start of the 2023-24 season, Arujau attended the 2023 World Wrestling Championship and brought home gold for the United States in the 61kg category.

Despite emerging victorious, Arujau admitted he was “very nervous” about competing at the world championship.

“[The win] was not guaranteed, whatsoever,” Arujau said.”I just had to constantly fight back and, ultimately, do the thing I do, which is wrestle.”

To continue reading this article, please visit www.cornellsun.com.

Unfathomably good | Arujau won the 2023 World Wrestling Championship as a senior.

Accolades seized | Daniels is the first Cornellian to earn the Patty Kazmaier memorial Award, which is given to the top female college ice hockey player in the United States.

COURTESY OF CORNELL ATHLETICS

Eli Fastif can be reached at

Hamna Waseem can be reached at hwaseem@cornellsun.com.

ELI FASTIFF Sun Staff Writer

COURTESY OF CORNELL ATHLETICS

A Journey Through Four Years in Cornell Athletics

Freshman Year (2020-21)

June 30: Cornell confirms that an incoming freshman who planned to compete on the football team “will not be a Cornell student” after he was found to have used a racial slur in a video. He had previously lost his spot on the team.

July 8: The Ivy League announces that due to the pandemic it will not hold athletic competition during the fall semester.

Nov. 9: Cornell women’s hockey, after surging to the top spot in the nation before the pandemic ended the 2019-20 season, earns the No. 2 spot in the preseason national poll. The men’s team was ranked No. 6.

Nov. 12: The Ivy League cancels its winter sports season, extending a hiatus that began in March.

Nov. 17: Eddie Marinaro, the son of legendary running back Ed Marinaro ’71, commits to play football at Cornell.

Nov. 17: Four seniors on Cornell’s men’s basketball team enter the transfer portal, opting to play out their remaining eligibility elsewhere after their senior season was canceled.

Feb. 14: The Ivy League grants a onetime waiver for student-athletes whose seasons were canceled to compete during the 2021-22 season.

Feb. 18: The Ivy League cancels the spring athletic seasons. “As campus and community leaders, we believe that our public health responsibilities and educational principles preclude us from sponsoring Ivy League athletics competition this spring,” the university presidents wrote.

April 3: Kyle Dake ’13 qualifies for the United States Olympic Wrestling Team. Dake becomes the fifth Cornellian to compete on the Olympic wrestling team, and the first to do so in 57 years. After defeating four-time world champion Jordan Burroughs, Dake will compete in Tokyo at the rescheduled 2020 Olympic Games, which

will kick off on July 23.

May 1: Morgan Barron ’21, a former Cornell men’s hockey captain, makes his NHL debut with The New York Rangers. He scored his first NHL goal against the Washington Capitals on May 5.

May 8: Men’s heavyweight rowing beats Hobart and Marist in the team’s return to action. The regatta was the first Cornell sporting event since the pandemic shut down competition in March 2020.

Sophomore Year (2021-22)

Aug. 6: Five Cornellians compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games with Kyle Dake ’13 taking the bronze medal in the men’s wrestling freestyle 74kg event and Taylor Knibb ’20 earning silver in the Olympic Triathlon Mixed Relay.

Aug. 28: Men’s lacrosse’s Jonathan Donville ’21 is selected by the Panther City Lacrosse Club with the No. 1 overall pick of the National Lacrosse League Entry Draft, joining Jeff Teat ’21 as the second Cornell player to be drafted No. 1 in as many years.

Sept. 25: Women’s soccer defeats Columbia, 1-0, to win its first Ivy League game since Nov. 5, 2016.

Oct. 23: Following a 28-2-3 season that was cut short due to COVID, women’s hockey returns to the ice by splitting a weekend series with Mercyhurst, dropping a 3-2 decision before rebounding with a 4-0 shutout.

Oct. 29: Sprint football grinds out a 6-0 victory — its second of the season — in a mud- and rain-filled contest at Chestnut Hill College.

Nov. 6: Searching for its first Trustee’s Cup in eight years, Cornell claims the trophy as well as its first Ivy League win of the season in a 15-12 victory over Penn.

Nov. 6: In its final home match of the season during Senior Day, Volleyball sends its upperclassmen off with a straight-set win against Harvard.

Nov. 8: Men’s hockey junior Ben Berard earns Ivy League Player of the Week honors after notching his second career hat trick in a chaotic 5-4 win against Dartmouth.

Nov. 10: Women’s basketball returns to Newman Arena with a 53-34 smothering of Colgate in the season opener.

Nov. 13: In an 11-3 smackdown of RPI, men’s hockey scores 11 goals, the team’s highest scoring output in 42 years.

Nov. 27: Men’s hockey stays hot in its Red Hot Hockey showdown against Boston University at Madison Garden, racing past the Terriers, 6-4, to preserve a six-game winning streak and improve to 8-1 on the year.

Dec. 4: Men’s hockey keeps its streak alive with a 4-1 victory over St. Lawrence, which featured a third-period hat trick by junior Matt Stienburg. But the team collapses the next day against Clarkson as Cornell squanders a four-goal lead in the final five minutes of regulation and loses in the subsequent shootout.

Jan. 22: Ben Berard powers men’s hockey to a 2-1 upset against No. 1 Quinnipiac, scoring both of the Red’s goals, including the game-winner in overtime.

Feb 2: Men’s heavyweight rowing coxswain, captain and beloved teammate Jack Robinson passes away after an 11-year battle with osteosarcoma.

Feb. 6: Handing Penn its first Ivy loss of the season, wrestling claims its 41st Ancient Eight title and its 18th in 19 seasons.

Feb. 7: Placing fourth in the individual free skate during the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, Karen Chen helps the U.S. figure skating team take home the silver medal in the team competition.

Feb. 19: After enduring mid-season struggles with head coach Mike Schafer ’86 absent due to a bout with COVID-19 as well as a cardiac stent surgery, men’s hockey scores a resounding 6-2 win over No. 15 Clarkson on Senior Night.