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2024-04-04 12:54:38

Cornell University

Ivy League research university in New York.
Ivy League research university in New York.
Cornell University, founded in 1865, has over 26,000 students from diverse backgrounds. It consists of seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. The university has a main campus in Ithaca and three satellite campuses. Cornell is known for its notable alumni, including Nobel laureates and prominent scholars.
1769
Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing
Established in 1769, the Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing was one of the earliest nursing schools in the United States.
1862
Mission to Serve New York State
In 1862, Cornell University embarked on a mission to serve New York state by providing education and resources to the local community.
1864-01
Founding of Cornell University
Andrew Dickson White and Ezra Cornell met in the New York State Senate in January 1864 and together established Cornell University in Ithaca, New York in 1865.
1865-02-07
Introduction of act to establish Cornell University
Andrew D. White introduced an act to the State Senate to establish Cornell University, which appropriated the full income of the sale of lands given to New York under the Morrill Act to the university. The establishment faced fierce opposition from various institutions and groups.
1865-04-27
Founding of Cornell University
Cornell University was founded on April 27, 1865, by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. It was established as the state's land grant institution with Ezra Cornell offering his farm in Ithaca, New York as the preliminary site for the university.
1865-07-27
People's College loses claim to land grant funds
On July 27, 1865, the People's College lost its claim to the land grant funds, paving the way for the building of Cornell University to begin.
1866-11-21
Election of Andrew D. White as the first President of Cornell University
Andrew D. White was unanimously elected as the first President of Cornell University by the Board of Trustees on November 21, 1866. This marked a significant moment in the leadership of the university.
1867-04-24
Amendment of Cornell's Charter for Alumni Elected Trustees
The State Legislature amended Cornell's charter on April 24, 1867, to specify alumni elected trustees. However, that provision did not become operative until there were at least 100 alumni in 1872. Cornell was one of the first Universities to elect trustees by direct election.
1868-10-07
Cornell University Opens
Cornell University opens its doors with two divisions - the Division of the Special Sciences and Arts and the Division of Science, Literature and the Arts. The university is led by its first president, A.D. White, and welcomes 26 professors and 412 students, making it the largest entering class at any American university.
1871
Establishment of School of Architecture at Cornell University
In 1871, the Trustees of Cornell University approved the establishment of the School of Architecture, which was a significant milestone in the university's history.
1872-04
Cornell University Admits Women
Henry W. Sage, a local businessman and philanthropist, advocated for coeducation and donated $250,000 to Cornell on the condition that women be admitted on equal footing as men. The trustees formally voted to admit women in April 1872.
1873-05
Sage College for Women Established
The cornerstone was laid for Sage College for Women in May 1873, a residence specially built to accommodate 120 women students.
1873-06
First Female Graduate from Cornell University
In June 1873, Cornell University had its first female graduate, marking a significant milestone in the university's commitment to educating women.
1874
Establishment of the Professorship of Hebrew and Oriental Literature and History at Cornell University
In 1874, the first endowed chair at Cornell University was established by New York City financier Joseph Seligman. The Professorship of Hebrew and Oriental Literature and History was donated with the proviso that the chairholder would be nominated by Seligman.
1875
Coeducation at Cornell: the 'Great Experiment'
In 1875, Cornell University embarked on the 'Great Experiment' of coeducation, allowing both men and women to study together. This marked a significant milestone in the history of higher education and gender equality.
1876
Cornell confers the first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in the United States to Daniel Elmer Salmon
In 1876, Cornell University awarded the first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in the United States to Daniel Elmer Salmon. Salmon later became the first chief of the U.S. Bureau of Animal Industry and is renowned for his contributions to combating contagious diseases.
1878
Cornell offers pre-medical school curriculum
Starting in 1878, Cornell's Ithaca campus provided a pre-medical school curriculum. In 1898, Cornell's board of trustees voted to establish a medical school, which opened in 1898 in the Loomis Laboratory facilities.
1880
May Preston Slosson earns Ph.D. in philosophy
In 1880, May Preston Slosson became the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy. She also holds the distinction of being Cornell University's first female doctoral graduate.
1882
Opening of New York State Agricultural Experiment Station
In 1882, Cornell opened the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, which made significant advances in scientific agriculture and played an active role in agriculture law enforcement.
1883
First University Campus to Use Electricity
In 1883, Cornell University became one of the first university campuses to use electricity from a water-powered dynamo to light the campus grounds. This marked a significant technological advancement for the institution.
1884
Freshman Dorm Residency Requirement for Women
In 1884, Cornell implemented a requirement that women, at least freshman women, must live in dormitories, which constrained female student admissions until 1972 when the requirement was dropped.
1885
Charles Babcock appointed as Cornell's first professor of architecture
In 1885, Charles Babcock was appointed as the first professor of architecture at Cornell University. This appointment marked the establishment of the school of architecture and the beginning of a new era in architectural education in the United States.
1887
Foundation of Cornell Law School
Cornell Law School was established in 1887 and is one of the oldest law schools in the United States, known for its rigorous legal education and esteemed faculty.
1888
Formation of Cornell College of Agriculture
In 1888, the Department of Agriculture merged with other departments to establish the Cornell College of Agriculture. This marked the beginning of a new era in agricultural education at Cornell University.
1892-11-11
Jacob Gould Schurman's Inaugural Address
In his inaugural address as Cornell's third president on November 11, 1892, Jacob Gould Schurman announced his intention to enlist the financial support of the state, leading to a significant change in Cornell's relationship with New York State.
1893
Physical Review journal founded at Cornell University
The renowned Physical Review journal, a leading publication in physics, was founded at Cornell University in 1893, showcasing the institution's contribution to the field.
1894
Establishment of the College of Veterinary Medicine
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University was founded in 1894, providing education and research in veterinary science and animal health.
1895
Study on Coeducation at Cornell
In 1895, a study was conducted to review the first twenty years of coeducation at Cornell. It found that 990 women had attended the university, with 325 receiving degrees, including fifty-five graduate degrees.
1896
Opening of New York State Veterinary College at Cornell
The state legislature charters the New York State Veterinary College, the first state-supported college at Cornell. The college officially opens in 1896 at the current location of Uris Hall.
1898
Founding of Weill Cornell Medical College in NYC
Weill Cornell Medical College, established in 1898 in New York City, is a prestigious medical school affiliated with Cornell University, known for its innovative medical education and research.
1899-01-13
Cornell's First Varsity Competition
Captain R.F. Ludwig scores 30 points in Cornell’s first-ever varsity competition, defeating Waverly YMCA on the road 48-12.
1900
Addition of Home Economics Curriculum
In 1900, a home economics curriculum was added to Cornell's Agriculture college, which later expanded to a separate state-supported school in 1919.
1901-01-12
Cornell's First Official Game on Ithaca Campus
Cornell plays its first official game on the Ithaca campus, defeating the 34th Separate Company of Geneva by a 37-12 margin at the old Armory.
1902
Richmond Shreve designs the Empire State Building
Cornell alumnus Richmond Shreve, who graduated in 1902, is credited with designing the iconic Empire State Building in New York City.
1903
Arthur Garfield Dove, considered the first American abstract painter, graduates from Cornell
Arthur Garfield Dove, a Cornell alumnus from 1903, is often recognized as the first American abstract painter, making significant contributions to the art world.
1904
Construction of Hydroelectric Plant in Fall Creek Gorge
In 1904, a hydroelectric plant was built in the Fall Creek gorge at Cornell University. The plant utilized water from Beebe Lake to generate electricity, providing power to the campus. It remained operational until 1970.
1906
Founding of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity
Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for Black men, was founded at Cornell University. It has established around 900 chapters nationwide and has been a prominent advocate for civil rights. Notable figures who were members include Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. Du Bois, Duke Ellington, and Thurgood Marshall.
1907
Creation of Department of Home Economics
In 1907, Cornell University established the Department of Home Economics, marking a significant milestone in the academic offerings of the institution.
1908-01
Appointment of Walter Haggerty as First Head Coach of Cornell Basketball
Walter Haggerty, previously the assistant coach at Yale, was appointed as the first head coach of Cornell basketball, bringing his expertise to lead the team.
1909
Marvin Jack becomes Cornell's first Native American student to earn a bachelor's degree
In 1909, Marvin Jack, a Tuscarora Native American, achieved the milestone of becoming the first Native American student to earn a bachelor's degree at Cornell University.
1910-12-16
Cornell's Victory Over Tufts with Record Margin
Cornell dominated a visiting Tufts team with a 68-8 victory, achieving a 60-point margin that remained a school record for 33 years.
1911
Risley Residential College Construction
Philanthropist Olivia Sage donated $300,000 in 1911 for the construction of Risley Residential College, the second women's dormitory at Cornell, named after her late husband's mother.
1913-03-01
Cornell Wins First-Ever EIBL League Title
Cornell secured its first-ever league title in the EIBL after defeating Penn and Dartmouth in crucial matches. The victory against Penn and Dartmouth led to a successful season finale, finishing with a record of 11-4.
1914-01-05
Cornell Glee Club records Alma Mater
On January 5, 1914, the Cornell Daily Sun reports that the Cornell Glee Club had recorded the Alma Mater at the Columbia Phonograph Company in New York City. The records became available for purchase within two or three months.
1915
Cornell Lab of Ornithology established
In 1915, the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology was established. Today, the laboratory is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds with a goal to advance the understanding of nature and engage people of all ages in learning about birds and protecting the planet.
1919-02-05
Cornell's final game in the Old Armory
Cornell played their last game in the Old Armory, securing a victory against St. Lawrence with a score of 34-11.
1919-02-15
Cornell's first game at Barton Hall
Cornell started competing at Barton Hall, also known as the New Armory, with a triumphant 32-20 win over Columbia in the EIBL.
1921-02-12
Cornell's basketball team declines invitation to visit Havana
The Cuban Athletic Club invited Cornell's basketball team to Havana for a three-game series in support of Joaquin Molinet, the Big Red team captain. However, Cornell reported that they were unable to make the trip.
1921-03-04
Cornell defeats Penn in a close game
Cornell played against Penn, who had an undefeated 16-0 record, and won a close game with a score of 20-19. This victory handed Penn one of their two losses in the season.
1922-03-04
Cornell's first overtime game against Penn
In a game against Penn, Cornell played its first overtime game and unfortunately lost with a score of 29-25. This marked a significant moment in the team's history.
1924-03-15
Cornell wins first-ever solo league title
Cornell achieved its first-ever solo league title by defeating Princeton with a score of 30-20 in the season finale. Carl Wedell '24 played a crucial role by scoring 15 points in the victory.
1925
John McMullen Estate Scholarship Endowment
After Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Dredging Company President John McMullen left his estate to Cornell to establish scholarships for engineering students, Cornell's trustees decided to invest those funds and eventually sold the dredging company. The resulting fund is Cornell's largest single scholarship endowment.
1927
Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic established
In 1927, William Payne Whitney's donation led to the creation of the Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic at Cornell, which became a significant psychiatric effort. The clinic became affiliated with New York Hospital in the same year.
1928
Formation of New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center
In 1928, New York Hospital and Cornell University signed an agreement that led to the establishment of the New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center.
1929
Ithaca Falls mystery thriller
Steve Thayer takes his readers to the Cornell campus in Ithaca Falls, a mystery thriller about a Cornell criminologist who travels back to 1929 in pursuit of a serial killer.
1931-05-01
Opening of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, which held the title of the world's tallest building from 1931 to 1970, officially opens in midtown Manhattan. It was designed by Richmond Harold Shreve, a Cornell graduate and co-founder of the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon.
1935
Development of Cornell Bread
In 1935, Clive McCay's nutrition research at Cornell University led to the creation of Cornell bread, a nutritionally-sound and cost-effective food option. This innovation provided an inexpensive alternative during WWII.
1937
Arthur Laurents graduates from Cornell
In 1937, Arthur Laurents graduated from Cornell University. He later became a renowned playwright, screenwriter, and director, known for his work on Broadway's iconic shows like Gypsy and West Side Story.
1938
Howard Hawks directs Bringing Up Baby
Howard Hawks, a legendary filmmaker and Cornell alumnus from the class of 1918, directed the classic film 'Bringing Up Baby' in 1938.
1940-01-01
Cornell University defeats Ohio State in basketball
On January 1, 1940, Cornell University's basketball team, known as The Big Red, started the new year with a victory by defeating the defending Big Ten champion and 1939 national runner-up Ohio State on the road with a score of 29-28.
1941-04-06
Cornell University basketball team wins series in Havana, Cuba
On April 6, 1941, Cornell University's basketball team embarked on a seven-day trip to Havana, Cuba, for a goodwill series against the local team from the Vedado Tennis Club. Cornell emerged victorious in all three games of the series, with scores of 40-35, 42-24, and 43-19, drawing a record crowd of 5,000 at the Palace of Sports on the opening night.
1946-01
Curtiss-Wright donates lab facility to Cornell University
Curtiss-Wright donated a lab facility to Cornell University as part of its tax planning after World War II. The facility operated under the name Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory from 1946 until 1972.
1948
State University of New York (SUNY) established
In 1948, the New York State Legislature placed all state-funded higher education institutions into the new State University of New York (SUNY). Cornell University's four statutory colleges have been affiliated with SUNY since then, with employees legally considered Cornell employees.
1949
Vladimir Nabokov begins his professorship at Cornell University
In 1949, Vladimir Nabokov and his family arrived in Ithaca, where he started his role as a professor of Russian literature at Cornell University. Over the course of more than 10 years at Cornell, Nabokov gained fame as the author of iconic works like 'Lolita' and 'Pnin', establishing himself as a captivating lecturer on campus.
1950
Toni Morrison, Nobel laureate, graduates from Cornell
Toni Morrison, who graduated from Cornell in 1950, is a renowned author and Nobel laureate known for her novel Beloved.
1952
Frances Perkins joins Cornell faculty
Frances Perkins, the first female member of the United States Cabinet and advocate for labor rights, joined the Cornell faculty in 1952.
1953
America's First Accredited Wine Course at Cornell University
In 1953, Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration offered America's first accredited wine course. This course marked a significant milestone in the history of wine education in the United States.
1954-03-09
Hillary Chollet sets school and national collegiate records
Hillary Chollet scored 37 points and made 19 foul shots in a game against Syracuse, setting a school record and a national collegiate record. Despite her impressive performance, the team lost 70-58 at the State Fair Coliseum.
1954-03-12
Henry Bumcom hits game-winning shot for Cornell
Henry Bumcom made a 12-footer as time expired, leading Cornell to a 46-44 victory over Princeton in a one-game playoff at the Palestra. This win avenged a previous defeat by Princeton and secured the 1953-54 EIBL title for Cornell, earning them their first-ever bid to the NCAA Tournament.
1957
Relocation of New York State Veterinary College
The New York State Veterinary College moves to east campus when Shurman Hall is completed in 1957.
1958
First Accredited Wine Appreciation Course in American Collegiate History
The School of Hotel Administration (SHA) at Cornell University offers the first accredited wine appreciation course in American collegiate history to juniors and seniors. The course includes guest lectures from seven leading New York and California vintners.
1959-06
Cornell's First Ivy League Win
Cornell earns its first Ivy League win by defeating Brown at home with a score of 82-50.
1960-03-05
Cornell's Comeback Victory Against Bucknell
Cornell stages a remarkable comeback from a 16-point halftime deficit to defeat Bucknell 52-50, with John Petry playing a crucial role by scoring 14 of his 19 points in the second half.
1960-12-07
Sam MacNeil Becomes Head Coach of Cornell
Sam MacNeil, a former letter winner and freshman coach at Cornell, takes over as head coach after Royner Greene resigns in March.
1961-12-23
Jerry Szachara leads Cornell to victory over Illinois
On December 23, 1961, Jerry Szachara scored 31 points to help Cornell defeat unbeaten Illinois with a score of 72-60. This victory ended Illinois' 34-game non-conference home win streak that had lasted for eight years.
1962
Publication of 'A History of Cornell' by Morris Bishop
In 1962, Morris Bishop published 'A History of Cornell', providing a comprehensive account of the university's past and development.
1963
Launch of Committee on Special Educational Projects (COSEP) at Cornell University
In 1963, the Committee on Special Educational Projects (COSEP) was officially launched at Cornell University by Dr. James Perkins, the seventh president. This initiative, the first of its kind at a major American university, aimed to increase the number of Black students enrolled, which rose from eight to over 250 during Perkins' presidency.
1965-12-04
Cornell defeats Princeton with last-second shot
With a Barton Hall record 9,000 fans in attendance, reserve Blaine Aston made a 17-foot jumper with three seconds left to secure a 70-69 victory over Princeton. This win marked a significant moment for the Big Red as they overcame a 40-point performance by Bill Bradley.
1966-12-28
Cornell sets scoring records in victory over Colgate
Cornell broke school and Barton Hall scoring records in a dominant 116-69 win against Colgate. The Big Red also showcased their dominance by outrebounding the Raiders 79-39. This victory was part of a successful season where Cornell reached the century mark in scoring multiple times.
1967-12-20
Cornell defeats Niagara in basketball game
Cornell secured a victory against Niagara with a score of 84-78, despite Calvin Murphy's impressive 42 points. The team's strong performance on the backboards played a crucial role in the outcome.
1968-01-29
Cornell wins against Ohio State in basketball
Hank South's 25-point contribution helped Cornell achieve a 76-64 victory over Ohio State. The team displayed a strong performance to secure the win.
1969-04-19
Students occupy the Straight
On April 19, members of the Afro-American Society occupy Willard Straight Hall for 36 hours, protesting against racism and Cornell's judicial system, as well as the university's slow progress establishing a Black studies program. The takeover receives national attention as thousands of Black and white students become involved, sparking broad discussions about race relations and educational matters.
1970-04-01
Fire at Africana Studies center at Cornell
On April 1, 1970, the building housing the Africana Studies center at Cornell burned down during a period of heightened racial tension.
1971
Big Red Wins First NCAA Lacrosse Title
In 1971, the Cornell University men's lacrosse team, known as the Big Red, won its first NCAA championship by defeating Maryland with a score of 12-6 in the inaugural NCAA lacrosse tournament.
1972-03-31
Founding of Women's Studies Program at Cornell University
The Women's Studies Program was established at Cornell University on March 31, 1972, making it one of the earliest programs of its kind in the United States.
1973
Herbert F. Johnson Art Museum opens
The Herbert F. Johnson Art Museum, designed by I.M. Pei & Partners, was opened in 1973. It is named after its benefactor and Cornell University graduate of the class of 1922. The museum houses a collection of 35,000 works from various cultures spanning six millennia.
1974-02-07
Tony Coma resigns as head basketball coach at Cornell
Tony Coma steps down from his position as the head basketball coach at Cornell on February 7, 1974. Assistant coach Tom Allen takes over on an interim basis for the remaining nine games of the season.
1974-04-23
Ben Bluitt appointed as Cornell's first black head coach
Ben Bluitt is named as the head coach of the Big Red, marking a historic moment as the first black head coach in any sport at Cornell University after more than 100 years of athletics.
1975
Phillips House becomes all women
In 1975, Phillips House on North Campus at Cornell University became an all-women residence.
1976
Cook Becomes Cornell University's First Female Vice President
In 1976, Cook made history by becoming the first female vice president at Cornell University. Her appointment marked a significant milestone for gender equality in academic leadership.
1979-02-24
Cornell vs Princeton Five Overtime Battle
Cornell and Princeton had the longest game in school history, battling for five overtimes at Barton Hall. The Tigers managed to win 66-61 after a tough fight.
1980-11-10
Tom Miller's Debut as Head Coach
Head coach Tom Miller made his debut on the Big Red sidelines with an 83-63 victory over the national team from Portugal, playing under international rules.
1981
Renovation of Cornell University's Abandoned Hydroelectric Plant
The abandoned hydroelectric plant at Cornell University, vandalized in 1972, was renovated and placed back into service in 1981. This renovation restored the plant's functionality in providing electricity to the campus.
1984-03-03
Princeton Wins Ivy League Title
Cornell entered the final day of the regular season tied with Princeton for the Ivy League lead. However, the Big Red dropped an 82-66 contest at Dartmouth while Princeton won, allowing Princeton to earn the title.
1986-02-01
Big Red's Victory over Penn
On February 1, 1986, Len Palmer scored a 14-foot jumper with four seconds left, leading the Big Red to a narrow 45-44 victory over Penn.
1986-02-14
Big Red's Comeback Win against Brown
On February 14, 1986, the Big Red staged a remarkable comeback, defeating Brown 61-58 in regulation. John Bajusz's crucial free throws secured the victory after a tense final few seconds.
1986-03-31
Mike Dement Hired as Head Coach
On March 31, 1986, 31-year-old Mike Dement was appointed as the head coach of the Big Red, bringing new leadership to the team.
1987
Asian American Studies program founded
The Asian American Studies program is established at Cornell University in 1987.
1989
Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas Kristof Win Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting
Sheryl WuDunn, a history major from Cornell University, and her husband Nicholas Kristof won the Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. WuDunn made history as the first Asian-American journalist to receive this prestigious award.
1990-01-06
The Big Red's First Game in Alberding Hall
The Big Red basketball team played its inaugural game in Alberding Hall, now known as Newman Arena, defeating Army 96-70.
1990-01-20
Ceremonial Opening of Alberding Fieldhouse
Cornell officially opened Alberding Fieldhouse with a thrilling game where Steve Johnson hit a buzzer beater to secure a 71-68 victory over Columbia, in front of 4,500 fans.
1991-05-06
Jan van Breda Kolff Becomes Cornell Basketball Head Coach
Princeton assistant Jan van Breda Kolff was appointed as the 16th head coach of Cornell basketball in May 1991.
1992-09-12
Mae Jemison becomes the first African American woman in space
Mae Jemison, a Cornell alumna, serves as a mission specialist on STS-47 Spacelab-J, becoming the first African American woman to travel in space aboard the space shuttle Endeavour.
1994
Cornell’s Lake Source Cooling program begins operation
In 1994, Cornell's Lake Source Cooling program started operating by utilizing cold water from the depths of Cayuga Lake to cool buildings on campus with minimal electrical energy consumption.
1995
National Research Council Rankings
In 1995, the National Research Council ranked Cornell University's Ph.D. programs among the top in the nation, with several programs recognized for their academic quality. This acknowledgment highlighted the university's strong research and academic offerings.
1996-06-14
Scott Thompson introduced as new head basketball coach at Cornell
Scott Thompson, previously head coach at Rice and Wichita State, is unveiled as the new head basketball coach at Cornell, succeeding Al Walker.
1997-10-08
Pumpkin atop McGraw Tower
On the morning of October 8, Cornellians discovered a large pumpkin impaled on the spire of McGraw Tower. The mysterious placement and purpose of the pumpkin, which remained on the tower for 158 days, garnered widespread attention and media coverage from outlets like the Associated Press, CNN, and MTV.
1998
Cornell's first credit online classes
In 1998, Cornell University introduced its first credit online classes, marking a significant milestone in the institution's educational offerings. This development allowed students to access courses remotely and demonstrated Cornell's commitment to embracing digital learning technologies.
1999
Cornell Prison Education Program Initiated
In 1999, the Cornell Prison Education Program was established, aiming to provide educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals. This initiative was a significant step towards promoting access to education for all.
2000-02-11
Cornell's comeback win over Yale
Cornell stages an impressive comeback from a 19-point first half deficit to secure a 65-57 victory against Yale in a basketball game.
2000-02-20
Ray Mercedes surpasses 1,000 career points for Cornell
Ray Mercedes scores 10 points in a game against Princeton, becoming the 16th player in Cornell's history to exceed 1,000 career points and the first since 1996.
2002-01-12
Wallace Prather breaks Cornell's career steals record
Wallace Prather surpassed DeShawn Standard's steals record at Cornell by achieving four steals in a game against Lehigh, ultimately reaching a total of 156 steals.
2002-10-23
At What Cost? opposes graduate student unionization at Cornell
In October 2002, the graduate student group At What Cost? was formed at Cornell University to challenge a unionization drive by CASE/UAW. The group played a significant role in the rejection of the unionization proposal, marking a unique event in American graduate student unionization history.
2002-11-02
Wallace Prather becomes Cornell's 17th 1,000-point scorer
Wallace Prather reached the milestone of becoming the 17th player in Cornell's history to score 1,000 points during a game against Yale where he scored 15 points.
2002-11-22
Cornell upsets Buffalo with Eric Taylor's outstanding performance
Eric Taylor led Cornell to a surprising victory over Buffalo by scoring 30 points, doubling his previous career high, and making 14 out of 16 shots in the season opener.
2003-01-05
Ka’Ron Barnes sets school record with 13 assists
On January 5, 2003, Ka’Ron Barnes achieved a milestone by setting a school record with 13 assists during an 80-73 victory over Lafayette at Newman Arena.
2003-03-12
Lenny Collins named Ivy League Rookie of the Year
Lenny Collins made history on March 12, 2003, becoming the first Cornell freshman in 10 seasons to be awarded the Ivy League Rookie of the Year title. Additionally, Ka’Ron Barnes was selected for the second team.
2003-05-20
Cornell Big Red's trip to Australia
On May 20, 2003, the Cornell Big Red embarked on an 11-day trip to Australia, where they played four exhibition games and explored Sydney and Cairns. The team performed well, finishing with a 3-1 record and averaging 115.3 points per game.
2003-11-23
Cornell vs. Georgia Tech Exhibition Game
Cornell played an exhibition game against Georgia Tech at Newman Arena, marking the first major conference opponent to visit in 13 years. Despite an early lead by Cornell, Georgia Tech emerged victorious with a 90-69 win.
2003-12-29
The Big Red defeats Army in Western New York doubleheader
The Big Red basketball team participated in a doubleheader in Rochester, defeating Army with a score of 79-66 at the Blue Cross Arena.
2004-02-06
Ka’Ron Barnes becomes 1,000-point scorer in school history
Ka’Ron Barnes achieved the milestone of becoming the 18th 1,000-point scorer in Cornell University's basketball history during a game against St. Francis (NY) where he scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and provided seven assists in a close 78-75 overtime loss.
2004-03-09
Cornell and Stanford lay cornerstone for Bridging the Rift Center
In March 2004, Cornell and Stanford University initiated the construction of a joint educational center called the 'Bridging the Rift Center' on the Israel-Jordan border. The center aimed to promote education and collaboration in the region.
2004-12-01
Ka’Ron Barnes earns first-team All-Ivy honors
Ka’Ron Barnes becomes the first Big Red player in seven seasons to receive first-team All-Ivy honors with a unanimous selection.
2004-12-04
Cody Toppert joins the 1,000-point club
Cody Toppert becomes the 20th member of the 1,000-point club by scoring 15 points in an 83-76 loss at Quinnipiac.
2004-12-20
Big Red defeats St. Bonaventure
Ryan Rourke's three-point play secures a 58-54 victory for the Big Red against St. Bonaventure, marking their first win over an Atlantic 10 opponent since the 1998-99 season.
2005-01-30
Cornell's 100th Win at Newman Arena
Cornell's basketball team achieved its 100th win at Newman Arena with a 63-58 victory over Dartmouth.
2005-02-04
Cody Toppert's Game-Winning Free Throws
Cody Toppert's two free throws in the final seconds secured a 76-75 victory for Cornell over Brown, despite a strong performance by Brown's Jason Forte.
2005-03-05
Cornell's Victory over Princeton
Cornell defeated Princeton for the first time in 20 years after rallying from a nine-point deficit in a close 52-49 win at Newman Arena on Senior Day, which was broadcasted nationally on the YES Network.
2005-03-10
Eric Taylor's 1,000-Point Milestone
Eric Taylor reached the 1,000-point scoring milestone in his final collegiate game as Cornell secured a 77-61 victory against Brown, finishing in second place in the Ivy League.
2005-11-09
Lenny Collins and Eric Taylor's Ivy League Honors
Lenny Collins received first-team All-Ivy League honors, while Eric Taylor earned honorable mention accolades for leading the league in field goal percentage during his three-year captaincy.
2006-03-01
Cornell Basketball Victory at Columbia
Cornell basketball team wearing Khaliq Gant’s No. 21 jersey on their left shoulders, secured an emotional 81-59 win at Columbia’s Levien Gymnasium with Adam Gore scoring 28 points. They visited Gant in the hospital on their way back to Ithaca.
2006-03-09
Adam Gore Named Ivy League Rookie of the Year
Adam Gore from Cornell University was honored as the Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2006. Lenny Collins ‘06 also made it to the All-Ivy second team.
2006-12-01
Cornell wins against VMI in William & Mary Tip-Off Classic
Cornell defeated VMI with a score of 99-94 in the first round of the William & Mary Tip-Off Classic, with seven players reaching double figures.
2007-01-13
Cornell defeats Princeton with low scoring output
Cornell held Princeton to its lowest scoring output in an Ivy League game during the shot clock era, winning with a score of 55-35 at Newman Arena.
2007-02-28
Graham Dow named to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America first team
Graham Dow, a Rhodes Scholar finalist from Cornell University, was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America first team, becoming the 12th Ivy Leaguer and the first Cornellian to achieve this honor.
2007-05-23
Cornell's 10-day foreign trip to France
On May 23, 2007, Cornell University commenced a 10-day foreign trip to France, where they visited various cities including Paris, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice. During the trip, the Big Red team played 4 games against international opponents and explored famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the French Riviera.
2008-01-10
Cornell vs. No. 8 Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium
Cornell played against No. 8 Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium, putting up a strong fight but ultimately losing 81-67. The Big Red led in the first half and managed to keep the deficit close in the second half.
2008-02-15
Cornell's Last Loss Before NCAA Tournament
Cornell faced a defeat in a game before the NCAA Tournament, maintaining a strong performance until then. This loss marked the end of a successful streak for the Big Red.
2008-03-01
Cornell Wins Ivy League Championship
On March 1, 2008, Cornell's basketball team clinched its first Ivy League championship in 20 years by defeating Harvard 86-53 at Newman Arena. This victory marked the end of a 19-year reign of Penn or Princeton claiming the Ancient Eight title.
2008-03-12
Cornell's Unbeaten Ivy Season
Cornell becomes the first school other than Penn or Princeton to post an unbeaten Ivy season, ending the year 14-0 with a victory over the Tigers. This win also marked the 16th straight win for Cornell overall and the fourth team since the formation of the Ivy League to sweep the Penn-Princeton weekend.
2009-12-29
Ryan Wittman sets Cornell career scoring record
On December 29, 2009, Ryan Wittman '10 scored 34 points in a game against La Salle, surpassing John Bajusz's career scoring record at Cornell. Wittman ended the night with 1,667 points and his career with 2,028.
2010-01-06
Cornell challenges No. 1 Kansas
On January 6, 2010, Cornell's basketball team held a lead against No. 1 Kansas in the final 30 seconds, threatening the Jayhawks' 50-game win streak at Phog Allen Arena. Although Kansas won 71-66, the game gained national attention with ESPN simulcasting the final minutes and featuring it on SportsCenter.
2010-03-05
Cornell Sets 3-Point Record
Cornell basketball team ties an Ivy League record and sets a new school mark by making 20 3-pointers in a 95-76 victory against Brown. This win also secures their third consecutive conference title.
2010-03-10
Ryan Wittman Voted Ivy League Player of the Year
Ryan Wittman, a player from Cornell University's basketball team, is unanimously chosen as the Ivy League Player of the Year. He is accompanied by his teammates Louis Dale and Jeff Foote on the All-Ivy first team, marking the seventh time in history that three teammates received this honor in the same season.
2010-03-21
Cornell advances to NCAA Tournament's second weekend
Cornell made history by becoming the first Ivy League team in 31 years to advance to the NCAA Tournament's second weekend after defeating No. 4 seed Wisconsin 87-69 in Jacksonville, Fla. The team also set an Ivy League record for wins in a season with 29.
2010-04-17
Steve Donahue resigns as head coach for Boston College
Steve Donahue steps down as head coach of an unspecified team to take on the role of head coach for the men's basketball program at Boston College.
2010-04-23
City of Ithaca proclaims Big Red Day
The City of Ithaca declares a special day, known as Big Red Day, to honor the achievements of Cornell University's men's basketball team, ECAC Hockey tournament champion, and women's NCAA finalist hockey teams.
2010-11-12
Bill Courtney wins first game as head coach
Bill Courtney achieves his first victory as a collegiate head coach with a 65-61 win against Albany, after trailing by 12 points in the first half.
2010-12-30
Cornell's Impressive Shooting Performance in Tournament Game
Cornell made 18 straight shots at one point, hit 15 3-pointers on 21 attempts, and shot 64 percent overall to defeat defending Southern Conference champ Wofford 86-80 in the consolation game of the Richmond Marriott Holidays on the Hardwood Tournament.
2011-02-22
Chris Wroblewski Earns Spot on Academic All-America Team
Chris Wroblewski, a student at Cornell University, earned a spot on the Capital One Academic All-America third team in 2011.
2011-12-19
Winning bid for Cornell Tech campus in New York City
On December 19, 2011, Cornell and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology won a competition to claim free city land and subsidies to build an engineering campus in New York City, leading to the establishment of Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island.
2012-02-03
Chris Wroblewski scores 1,000th point in a game against Maryland
Chris Wroblewski scored his 1,000th point in a game against Maryland, becoming the 24th player in school history to achieve this milestone.
2012-03-02
Chris Wroblewski named to Capital One Academic All-America third team
Chris Wroblewski was named to the Capital One Academic All-America third team, making him the first Big Red basketball player to receive this national honor twice.
2012-03-08
Jeff Foote signs 10-day contract with New Orleans Hornets
Jeff Foote, a Cornellian, made history by becoming the first Cornell University player in over 50 years to join an NBA team when he signed a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Hornets.
2012-11-24
Cornell wins 2012 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational
Cornell's team, the Big Red, emerged victorious in the 2012 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational lower bracket by defeating Longwood with a score of 84-76.
2013
Human Ecology Building earns LEED Platinum rating
In 2013, the Human Ecology Building at Cornell University received a LEED Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, marking it as the first building on the campus to achieve this highest level of sustainability certification.
2014-11-18
Chris Wroblewski earns first-team All-Ivy honors
Chris Wroblewski concluded his career at Cornell University by achieving first-team All-Ivy honors, marking a significant milestone in his collegiate basketball journey.
2015-01-10
Cornell's Record-Breaking Victory over Alfred State
Cornell achieved its largest scoring margin in school history and allowed the fewest points in almost 70 years in a dominant 107-29 win against Alfred State.
2015-02-07
Cornell's Comeback Win against Princeton
Cornell staged an impressive comeback from a 12-point deficit with eight minutes remaining, going on a 22-0 run to defeat Princeton 68-60 at Newman Arena.
2015-03-11
Shonn Miller chosen to All-Ivy first team
Shonn Miller is unanimously selected to the All-Ivy first team after excelling in scoring, rebounding, free-throw percentage, blocks, and steals in the conference. He later receives further accolades and recognition for his performance.
2016-03-06
Death of Elizabeth Garrett
Elizabeth Garrett, the first woman to serve as president of Cornell University, passed away on March 6, 2016, due to complications from colon cancer, cutting short her tenure as the university's 13th president.
2016-04-18
Brian Earl named head coach at Cornell
On April 18, 2016, Brian Earl, former Ivy League Player of the Year and longtime assistant at Cornell, was named the 22nd head coach in program history, replacing Bill Courtney.
2017-03-04
Big Red qualifies for Ivy League Men’s Basketball Tournament
Cornell's basketball team secures a spot in the Ivy League Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time after defeating Dartmouth and with the help of losses by Princeton and Columbia. Matt Morgan sets a new single-season scoring record for the school.
2017-08-25
Inauguration of Martha E. Pollack as Cornell University's fourteenth president
Martha E. Pollack became the fourteenth president of Cornell University on August 25, 2017, succeeding Elizabeth Garrett. She took over the role after Garrett's tenure from July 2015 to March 2016.
2018-02-16
Cornell's Comeback Victory Against Princeton
Cornell staged an impressive comeback from a 22-point deficit in the game against defending Ivy League champion Princeton, ultimately winning 107-101 in triple overtime at Newman Arena.
2018-03-10
Cornell plays in first-ever Ivy League Tournament game
Cornell participates in its inaugural Ivy League Tournament game but suffers a 74-55 loss to top-seeded Harvard at the Palestra in Philadelphia. Matt Morgan's performance earns him all-tournament honors with 19 points.
2019-03-17
Cornell's Win Over Dartmouth
Cornell closed out the regular season with a win over Dartmouth, despite Matt Morgan scoring only eight points on his Senior Day, ending his 80-game double-figure scoring streak which was a Cornell and Ivy League record and the 12th-longest in NCAA Division I history.
2019-03-19
Cornell's Overtime Loss to Robert Morris
Jimmy Boeheim scored 31 points and Matt Morgan had 24 in his final collegiate game as the Big Red lost 98-89 in overtime to Robert Morris in the first round of the CIT Postseason Tournament. Matt Morgan finished his career with 2,333 points, ranking No. 2 all-time in Ivy League history.
2020-03-07
Cornell defeats Princeton with a 19-game road losing streak
Cornell snaps a 19-game road losing streak with an 85-82 win at Princeton, completing its first season sweep of the Tigers since the 2009-10 season.
2020-03-10
Transition to Virtual Instruction due to COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 10, 2020, Cornell University announced the transition to virtual instruction for the rest of the spring semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with subsequent changes in research facilities reopening and class formats for Fall 2020.
2020-11-12
Jimmy Boeheim named to CoSIDA Academic All-America second team
Jimmy Boeheim is recognized for his academic achievements by being named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America second team.
2021-11-19
Cornell defeats Division III Wells to start 4-0
Cornell achieves a perfect start of 4-0 by defeating Division III Wells, marking its first such start in 60 years.
2021-12-15
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate at Cornell University
Following the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, Cornell University mandated all students to be fully vaccinated by December 15, 2021, and extended the deadline for faculty and staff to January 18, 2022.
2022-03-08
Brian Earl named Ivy League Coach of the Year
Brian Earl becomes the first Cornell head coach to be awarded the Ivy League Coach of the Year title in 2022.
2022-03-12
Cornell's near comeback against Princeton in Ivy League Tournament
Cornell almost overcame a 17-point deficit against Princeton in the Ivy League Tournament, taking a late lead but ultimately losing 77-73 at Harvard's Lavietes Pavilion in 2022.
2022-12-07
Cornell vs. Miami (Fla.) Basketball Game
In a thrilling match, Cornell faces Miami (Fla.) in a close game where Miami outscored Cornell 107-105. Despite a 21-point deficit in the second half, Cornell almost made a comeback but missed a game-winning shot in the final moments.
2022-12-20
Cornell vs. Lehigh Basketball Game
Cornell achieves their 1,300th all-time win by defeating Lehigh with a score of 96-64 at Newman Arena.
2023-01-13
Big Red's Victory over Yale
Big Red scores 37 points in the final 9:30 to rally past Yale 94-82 in a game televised on ESPNU.
2023-03-04
Big Red's Senior Day Win and Ivy League Tournament Qualification
Big Red earns a Senior Day win over Columbia at home and later qualifies for the Ivy League Tournament as the fourth seed when Yale defeats Brown.
2023-11-20
Cornell's Victory in the Jacksonville Classic
Cornell tops Utah Valley 74-61 to win the Bay Bracket of the Jacksonville Classic at Flagler University. Chris Manon is named Tournament MVP.
2024-01-29
Cornell Basketball Defeats Princeton
Cornell's Big Red team receives votes in the Associated Press Top 25 poll after defeating Princeton with a score of 83-68.
2024-03-01
Cornell Basketball Victory Against Penn
Cornell makes a remarkable comeback by erasing a 14-point deficit in the second half to end a nine-game losing streak against Penn, winning with a score of 87-81.
2024-03-17
Cornell's First NIT Bid
Cornell secures its inaugural National Invitation Tournament (NIT) bid in the history of the basketball program.
2024-03-19
Cornell vs. Ohio State NIT Match
Cornell puts up a strong fight against Ohio State, leading into the final minute but ultimately losing with a score of 88-83 in the first round of the NIT.
2030
2030 Project takes on climate change
The 2030 Project at Cornell University focuses on addressing climate change issues through innovative solutions. It is a significant initiative that aims to combat the effects of global warming and promote sustainability.
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Cornell University

Ivy League research university in New York.
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