On November 21, 2023, Cornell University marked the centennial of Willard Straight Hall, a cornerstone of student life that has fostered connections among students for a century. The celebration brought together alumni, current students, faculty, and staff, all eager to honor the hall’s enduring role as a gathering space.
The event featured historical displays, a trivia game, and traditional treats such as Straight Cookies and popcorn, echoing the hall’s rich past. A special time capsule was created, intended to be opened during the hall’s 150th anniversary in 2075. Attendees contributed memories on postcards and added personal items to the capsule, encapsulating the essence of their experiences at Cornell.
Recalling his time at the hall, Daniel Kaufman, a graduate from the Class of 1989, emphasized its significance. “Pre-internet, pre-cell phone, if you were looking for Daniel or Sari, nine out of ten times, you could find us at the Straight,” he said, referring to his days as a student employee. Kaufman and his friend Sari Locker, a graduate from the Class of 1990, shared fond memories of overseeing the hall’s operations, which ran twelve hours daily.
As a student manager, Kaufman was responsible for the service desk, a vibrant hub where students purchased snacks, borrowed keys, and sought information about campus resources. Locker managed the Browsing Library, a space where students could access books, VHS tapes, and various publications. Kaufman, who now serves as a partner at Baker Hostetler and has held significant roles in federal consumer protection, reflected on how his experiences at the hall shaped his professional ethos.
Current students are continuing the tradition of community at Willard Straight. Adelaine Fincham, a sophomore majoring in chemistry, frequently visits the hall for meetings and study sessions. “Willard Straight is where you run into people that you met from all different organizations and classes,” she noted, highlighting its role in fostering connections across the university.
Willard Straight Hall is named after Willard Dickerman Straight, a member of the Class of 1901 who was instrumental in establishing traditions like Dragon Day and Slope Day. Following Straight’s passing in 1918, his widow, Dorothy Straight, honored his vision by funding the hall, which has since become a central gathering place for Cornellians.
Both Kaufman and Locker received training that instilled the hall’s history and mission in them as student employees. “We knew that Dorothy had a passion for community and friendship,” Locker said, who now teaches at Columbia University. “I love connecting the past with the present and thinking about how we are who we are today, because of what was here before us. History informs today.”
The centennial celebration featured music performances, student artwork, and activities like button-making and painting. Attendees also enjoyed a special meal at Okenshields, including the iconic “Bo Burgers” named after Irvin “Bo” Roberson, a celebrated Cornell football player from the Class of 1958.
Looking ahead, additional events will commemorate the centennial throughout the spring semester. These include screenings of the documentary “Agents of Change,” which chronicles the 1969 takeover of the hall, and the Perkins Prize award ceremony.
For more information on upcoming events and the history of Willard Straight Hall, visit the Cornell University website.
