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. 

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 where it is slain. This rite of spring is one of Cornell's best-known traditions and has been for over a century.

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 Zamboni driver's costumes as he preps the ice for home games!

Slope Day

This annual celebration of the last day of classes takes over beautiful Libe Slope and 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.