Memories of the Straight

Willard Straight Hall has been at the heart of student life at Cornell for generations—a place where friendships were formed, ideas took shape, and community thrived. In honor of its enduring legacy, we’ve gathered stories, reflections, and memories from alumni who experienced its halls, lounges, and events firsthand. Explore their quotes and videos below to see how Willard Straight Hall continues to leave a lasting mark on the Cornell experience.

Join in the celebration and share your memories, stories, or photos of Willard Straight Hall and help us celebrate 100 years of connection and community.

Share Your Memory →

A special thank you to the Cornell Class of 1966 for inviting the Cornell Sixties classes to share their memories for the forthcoming “Straight Talk” memory book in honor of their 60th Reunion and the 100th anniversary of Willard Straight Hall.

"THE place to meet."
- Jerry Bilinsky 1966

"An oasis, an amusement park, a place to stretch, kick back, and live like a human again."
- Lewis Taishoff 1966

"Sitting on the floor with many other students listening to the magical Pete Seeger play guitar and sing to and with us. I think it was 1956, and I will never forget it!"
- Toni Halton Stechler 1960

"The place where I first encountered billiards, not pool (pocket billiards)."
- Stephen Goldberger 1969

"Standing on the patio on a warm evening looking out over Ithaca"
- Bruce Rich 1965

"Nothing more delicious and comforting than a Boburger and shake during exams!"
- Patricia Seaver 1964

"Where I watched the JFK assassination on TV."
- Judith Russell Davidson 1965

"The place to start tray sliding down the slope to University Halls... after they put the hay bales in front of the trees."
- Rich Stuebing 1966

"My two favorite places were the Music Room where classical music was played by request , still on LPs at the time, and where we could study alone and quietly, and the studios of WVBR-FM, the student owned and operated radio station, where I served as Studio Engineering Director."
- S. Michael Plaut 1963