Centennial Celebration: 100 Years of Willard Straight Hall

Join us as we honor a century of history, community, and student life at the heart of Cornell University. Since its opening in 1925, Willard Straight Hall has stood as a symbol of student voice, belonging, and engagement—serving as Cornell’s original student union and a gathering place for generations.

The Centennial Celebration will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to reflect on Willard Straight Hall's storied past, celebrate its enduring role on campus, and look ahead to the future of student life at Cornell. The evening will feature historical displays, student performances, story-sharing opportunities, and opportunities to connect across generations who have all found a home within “The Straight.”

Event Highlights:

• Giveaways! Lots of WSH 100 swag and iconic food for every attendee!
• Historical displays and archival materials showcasing 100 years of student life
• Music and student performances
• Activities including:
  • Willard Straight Hall trivia
  • Make and take activities include magic oil paintings, bookmarks, buttons and more!
  • Write a "love letter" to Willard Straight Hall
  • Art and history installations
• FREE SNACKS
• Culinary history of Willard Straight Hall at a special dinner in Okenshields
• A tour through the building's history

Be part of this milestone moment as we celebrate the legacy of Willard Straight Hall and the people who have shaped it for the past century.

Contribute to the WSH100 Time Capsule!

As WSH turns 100, we’ve created an opportunity for you to be part of the building! Bring a souvenir from your time at Cornell to the WSH100 Centennial on Nov 21 to add to our time capsule.

When will it be opened?

The time capsule will be opened in 50 years, at WSH’s 150th birthday, in 2075.

Who can contribute?

Anyone who loves WSH can add something to the time capsule!

What should be contributed?

Items that represent or connect with Cornell, and especially Willard Straight Hall. This includes items related to events, memories or activities in the building. 

We love small things like photos, newspaper clippings, stickers/keychains that represent an event or club, Slope Day bracelets, letters, bracelet, matchbook, bookmark, old ID cards, toys, etc. We cannot accept items that are perishable or contain liquids or batteries 

Participants should consider how their contributions represent their personal experiences at Cornell and what their items will communicate about 2025 to future Cornellians.

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