As autumn darkness descends on Cornell's campus, a 60-year-old tradition continues to shine bright. Diya Jale, the university's annual Diwali celebration, returns to Bailey Hall on November 2nd, promising to unite hundreds of students in what has become North America's longest-standing campus celebration of the Hindu festival of lights. What began in 1959 as a modest cultural showcase – complete with a mock wedding featuring future philanthropist Ratan Tata '59 as the groom – has evolved into a vibrant spectacle of South Asian culture, drawing nearly a thousand attendees to experience dance performances, comedy, and the warmth of shared tradition.

Cornell alumni, Danya Contreras '13 and Michelle Reiss '20, returned to campus to discuss their unconventional career journeys and the power of community building. Contreras pivoted from engineering to medicine, while Reiss transformed from a business graduate into a multifaceted performer and community organizer. At the "REALTALK: Thriving through Community" event, they emphasized how student organizations and peer connections helped them navigate both their Cornell years and post-graduation paths.

Discover how the Latino Living Center at Cornell University fosters community, cultural identity, and personal growth for its residents.

Cornell University celebrates the start of construction on the $68.7 million Meinig Fieldhouse project. This state-of-the-art facility promises to revolutionize campus recreation and athletics, enhancing student well-being and Cornell's competitive edge in sports. Named after a beloved former Board of Trustees chair, the fieldhouse represents a new era in Cornell's commitment to holistic student health and athletic excellence.

Discover how Akwe:kon, Cornell's Indigenous student residence, fosters community, preserves culture, and shapes the college experience for students like Charlie Hernandez '26.

The Ceriale Center for Cornell Health will be named in recognition of the major gift from Cornellian parents John and Melissa Ceriale.

Cornell University's LGBT Resource Center celebrates 30 years of support with a keynote address by Angelica Ross. Ross shared her journey of self-discovery and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of silencing self-doubt. The event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration, highlighting the center's crucial role in supporting LGBTQ+ students and fostering community on campus.

Cornell Dining's director, Paul Muscente, was asked to participate in a panel discussion at the MCURC annual meeting in Boston.

On September 22, 2024, Cornell University hosted its first-ever Community Field Day, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and Ithaca residents for a day of physical activities, health awareness, and community bonding. The event, held at Schoellkopf Field, featured diverse activities led by Cornell athletics staff and student-athletes, promoting both physical and mental well-being while fostering a sense of community spirit.

Cornell's campuswide career fair is back in person for the first time since 2019. Hosted by Cornell Career Services, the event will be held at Barton Hall on September 24-25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students can network with over 150 employers from various industries. The fair offers a unique opportunity for face-to-face interactions, allowing students to explore career options and make meaningful connections. Preparation resources are available, including workshops and coaching sessions. Students are encouraged to register through Handshake for this free event.

Cornell Votes, a nonpartisan student group, is intensifying efforts to boost student participation in the November 5th U.S. elections, aiming for 90% voter turnout among eligible students. The group offers registration assistance, absentee ballot help, and voter ambassador training, having already engaged over 1,500 students this semester. With increased student interest and faculty support, Cornell Votes emphasizes the importance of civic engagement regardless of political affiliations.

Students can practice preparing delicious dishes and then enjoy the results of their work.

Wednesday House Dinners are a longstanding and beloved part of our West Campus community.

On September 14, students from Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College gathered in downtown Ithaca for a day of exploration and engagement. The event featured performances by university groups, including the Big Red Marching Band and Cornell Lion Dance, showcasing the diverse talents of the student body. A treasure hunt through local businesses introduced newcomers to the vibrant downtown scene, while free TCAT bus services facilitated easy transportation between campuses and the city center. This collaborative effort, organized by the Tatkon Center for New Students and local partners, aimed to integrate students into the broader Ithaca community.

The newest crop of Cornellians will arrive on campus on Aug. 19 to kick off a week of welcome events for students and families.

Check Cornell Dining Now at now.dining.cornell.edu for what's open when near you!

Chef Chloe Greenhalgh is the senior retail chef for Cornell Dining and is responsible for managing many of the retail kitchens across campus, including Martha’s. As one of the minds behind the menus at these eateries, Martha’s Mediterranean cuisine is one that lies near and dear to her heart.

Balch Hall has been under renovation for two years, and the north wing is nearly ready to open for new student residents this fall.

Housing and Residential Life and Student and Campus Life Facilities have several improvements within Cornell’s residence halls underway to ensure students have the best residential experience possible.

As one of Cornell's smaller co-ops, Wait Terrace allows residents to form strong bonds with their housemates.

Summer's a terrific time for staff and faculty to enjoy the discounts and convenience of the MealChoice meal plan.

Cornell Health is one of just 384 facilities to receive a "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation out of 2,400 healthcare facilities the index assessed nationwide.

A team of contestants from Cornell Dining competed at the UMass Culinary Competition and headed home with Gold Medals!

Located in Mews Hall, Loving House provides a space for all students to explore their identities and connect with their peers to build community.

Julie Edwards, director of the Cornell Health’s Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, has been named assistant vice president of student and campus life for student health and wellbeing.