Yearlong celebration honors a century of Willard Straight Hall | Cornell Chronicle

"Opened Nov. 18, 1925, the Gothic-style building in the center of campus was designed as a place for students to gather outside the classroom. The building is named after Willard Dickerman Straight, Class of 1901, who was active in numerous campus organizations and is credited with helping start Cornell traditions such as Dragon Day and Slope Day."

"The event is titled "Where Friendship Can Emerge and Blossom," a phrase taken from the writings of Willard's widow, Dorothy Whitney Straight."

""Beyond being a hub for gatherings and meals, it serves as a symbolic anchor - having a consistent physical space allows students to attach core memories to it, making it a lasting part of the Cornell experience," said Zhao, a double major in statistical science and information science in the College of Arts and Sciences."

Willard Straight Hall opened on Nov. 18, 1925 as a Gothic-style student union at the center of campus designed for gatherings outside the classroom. The building commemorates Willard Dickerman Straight, Class of 1901, who helped start traditions including Dragon Day and Slope Day. After his 1918 death, his widow used estate funds to fulfill his wish to make Cornell a more human place. A yearlong centennial will feature ClubFest, a Halloween haunted house, Homecoming Spirit Week, the Lauren Pickard '90 Emerging Artist Series, themed activities for the whole community, and a Sept. 26 flower-themed crafting event titled "Where Friendship Can Emerge and Blossom."

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