Typically around this time of year, I start to feel nostalgic about my alma mater, Cornell University. The fall is the most splendid time of year in Ithaca and I truly miss seeing the leaves change color in the rolling hills and breathing in the cool, crisp autumn air of upstate New York.
Cornell has quite an impressive history. It is the only Ivy League University whose official motto is in English: "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." -Ezra Cornell. This motto was quite groundbreaking back in 1865 when Cornell was founded as it was one of the only universities that admitted qualified students regardless of nationality, race, social circumstance, gender or religion.
Cornell is the home to the nation's first colleges devoted to hotel administration, industrial and labor relations and veterinary medicine and is the most educationally diverse member of the Ivy League. Famous alumni include Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, former U.S. Attorney General, Janet Reno, Bill Maher, Jimmy Smits, Christoper Reeve, Keith Olbermann and the fictional character, Andy Bernard from The Office.
Cornell sits on top of Ithaca's East Hill and overlooks the town of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. There is definitely a reason the t-shirts say, "Ithaca is Gorges."
Cornell's lacrosse and hockey teams have always been very strong but this past year, the men's basketball team was the big newsmaker. Last season, the team won its third straight Ivy League championship, set a record for the most wins in a season by an Ivy League team, recorded not only the program's first NCAA win but made it to the Sweet 16 and finished an impressive No. 17 in the national rankings.
I can almost hear hear the chimes:
Far above Cayuga's waters with its waves of blue,
Stands our noble Alma Mater, glorious to view.
Lift the chorus, speed it onward, loud her praises tell;
Hail to thee our Alma Mater! Hail, all hail, Cornell!
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