Usually the spring brings about planning to welcome the newest class of Cornellians to the family! By late June, our clubs and associations have planned various ways to introduce these students to each other and to their local Cornell family, and then send them off to Ithaca with a Big Red hug and a glimpse of what is it to be a Cornell University alumnus.
However, in a summer where everything was sure to be different, conversations started in April on how to create those same connections in a social distant climate. How could we create a sense of community among the newest class and welcome students from around the world, even if they were staying in their part of the world? How could we celebrate the hard work of these high school seniors, soon to become Cornell University students, if we weren’t able to physically get together?
It became clear that creating online general and first generation welcome sessions was the way to go! This was something the Class of 2024 could share in together, no matter where they were. Events highlighting the incredible program areas, staff, faculty, and students, were shaped to share a little Big Red Spirit, as well as showing the incoming class that even though it would be a different experience, it was still their time to conquer the hill.
Highlights of the sessions included panel conversations with alumni moderators, students, and staff. Participants in these conversations all shared experiences and resources available to each incoming student, departments to whom student students should reach out, and genuine words of encouragement from those who have been there. Additional event highlights included amazing videos of the campus and recorded welcome messages from President Martha Pollack, Vice President Ryan Lombardi, and alumni, coaches, and faculty members, all cheering on this class.
To complement the staff driven programming, local clubs and associations hosted smaller events with their local and constituent communities. Although quite different from ice cream socials, picnics, and parties, these online events allowed the incoming class to meet their local alumni volunteer leaders and classmates and ask questions about what to expect for the coming year. For the events in warmer climates, there was a lot of talk about where to purchase the best boots, jackets, and gloves. Some questions never change!
The common theme throughout all events was the enthusiastic welcome to Cornell University. A hope by alumni, faculty, and staff to ensure the incoming class felt the congratulations from around the world and the shared excitement about taking the first steps as a part of their new Cornell family. We are in a different world than the one we are used to, but one thing remains consistent and clear: Cornell University students are amazing and they go on to graduate as incredible Cornell University alumni!