Traditions

Founded in 1865, Cornell is the only Ivy League institution to be designated a land grant university. And it is full of traditions, some just plain fun and some a little quirky. Check out our students’ “unofficial” running list of Cornell traditions, 161 Things to Do Before Graduation, or a few of our favorites below that continue to create lifetime memories for Cornelians, both past and present.  

Dragon Day

Every year around St. Patrick's Day, an enormous dragon created by first-year architecture students parades across the campus. Accompanied by architecture students in outrageous costumes and heckled by rival engineering students, the dragon lumbers to the Arts Quad to, historically, be consumed by a huge bonfire. This 100-year rite of spring is one of Cornell's best-known traditions.

Ice Hockey

Big Red ice hockey is one of Cornell’s most treasured spectator sports. Learn the Lynah Rink cheers and you’re good to go. Wait until you see the costumes of “Dave the Zamboni Guy” as he preps the ice for every home game!

Slope Day

This annual celebration of the last day of classes includes music, entertainment, camaraderie, and lots of fun.

Cornelliana

Cornell has a language all its own. Navigating the campus and all its activities becomes a lot easier once you know the lingo.