Cornell Class of 2026 Graduates Aim to Advance Democracy
ITHACA, N.Y. — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Cornell’s Class of 2026 has the tenacity, talent and determination to advance the unfinished work of American democracy, President Michael I. Kotlikoff told graduates and their guests at Commencement ceremonies held May 23.
“Today we graduate our 158th graduating class with the most ambitious of goals and the most democratic of aspirations: to build a country and a world that is better for everyone who lives in it,” Kotlikoff said.
Degrees were conferred on more than 8,000 new graduates at two lively but rainy ceremonies held in Schoellkopf Field. Wearing rain ponchos and carrying umbrellas, graduates cheered, danced and posed for photos as they processed into the field behind the banners of their colleges; a few intrepid graduates sported sunglasses.
“Nothing dampens the spirit of the mighty Class of 2026,” University Marshal Kathryn Boor said.
Read more: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/05/kotlikoff-grads-you-have-tools-build-better-world
| May 23, 2026 at 7:46 PM | College |
Cornell ROTC Produces First Mustang Officers.
ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell seniors were commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Space Force during May ceremonies, including the college’s first two “mustangs,” Sidney Anop and Juan Rodriguez, who began their service as enlisted personnel.
| May 28, 2026 at 3:11 PM | College |
Ithaca Sets Rules for The Commons During Fest
The City of Ithaca released guidelines for The Commons in downtown Ithaca to keep the space safe, clean and welcoming, including no smoking or vaping, no biking, skating or riding scooters, no amplified music outside approved events, alcohol only at specially permitted events, and pets leashed with cleanup, with a reminder to be kind and respectful as Ithaca Fest begins.
| May 28, 2026 at 12:26 PM | Gov |
Cornell honors Class of 2026 doctoral recipients
Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., congratulated the Class of 2026 doctoral recipients in a post praising their dedication and welcoming them into the scholarly community.
| May 28, 2026 at 8:30 AM | College |
Cornell Reunion set for June 4-7 in Ithaca.
Cornell University in Ithaca says Reunion weekend is June 4-7, with events for everyone and the schedule available online for alumni.
| May 27, 2026 at 8:30 AM | College |
Geneva Third-Graders Tour Ithaca Sciencenter
Geneva City Schools said third graders visited the Ithaca Sciencenter for hands-on science exploration and collaboration, a day highlighted in a district post that included hashtags such as #GenevaCSD and #STEMEducation.
| May 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM | Schools |
Jane Lynch urges Cornell seniors to shed fear, be kind
Ithaca, N.Y. — Jane Lynch, MFA ’84, delivered the Senior Convocation address at Barton Hall on May 21, urging Cornell’s Class of 2026 to overcome fear, reject cultural memes and be kind and generous.
| May 22, 2026 at 4:15 PM | College |
Ithaca offices closed for Memorial Day; trash pickup delayed
Ithaca city offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026, for Memorial Day and reopen Tuesday, May 26, with trash collection delayed by one day for the rest of the week, meaning Monday’s pickup moves to Tuesday and Tuesday’s to Wednesday.
| May 21, 2026 at 4:34 PM | Gov |
Cornell's McGraw Hall rebuild yields classroom reuse
Cornell University's McGraw Hall is being rebuilt from the inside out as workers uncover discoveries and faculty reuse and study building materials in the classroom.
| May 15, 2026 at 8:30 AM | College |
Cornell invites well-wishes for finals
ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University invites the public to wish Cornellians luck on their final exams.
| May 9, 2026 at 8:30 AM | College |