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, telling #Cornell2026 to overcome their fears, avoid subscribing to cultural memes, and to be kind and generous.
“I have found, as an adult standing here before you,” she said, “that if you can get fear off your back, if you can just get out from underneath it, you unleash some awesome power, and you can live such a satisfying life.”
Lynch’s speech was the main event in a high-energy Convocation program that featured several student performance groups, including Taiko drum ensemble Yamatai and a cappella group The Hangovers; remarks from class members and Cornell administrators; a video featuring seniors looking back on their four years; and a rousing rendition of the alma mater to close.
Read more: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/05/jane-lynch-mfa-84-class-2026-shed-your-fear
| May 22, 2026 at 4:15 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 |
Cornell Class of 2026 Graduates Aim to Advance Democracy
Ithaca, N.Y.—Cornell University conferred more than 8,000 degrees to its Class of 2026 during two rainy commencement ceremonies at Schoellkopf Field, as President Michael I. Kotlikoff urged graduates to advance the unfinished work of American democracy.
| May 23, 2026 at 7:46 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 |