Hilltop hot sheet – summer 2023
A compendium of what’s hot on campus right now.
Extra special piano
Cornell piano students are enjoying the college’s latest piano acquisition, a Bösendorfer Imperial Grand once played by Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, and other artists at the Ravinia Music Festival. The piano—which has nine extra keys in the bass—was built in Vienna in 1978 and served the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois, for 23 years.
In 2001 it was purchased by Henry “Harry” Carson ’83, a forensic pathologist whose love of music permeated his life. He bequeathed the instrument to Cornell before his death in 2022.
Disc golf expansion on the Hilltop
Five holes have been added to the original nine-hole course, including a hole next to Allee Chapel that cuts right through the Tri-Hall lawn. This central hole is a favorite of Maxwell Lundt ’24, who upgraded the course, because “every time a disc makes it into the basket all three halls can hear it.” Instead of going across the front of campus, and then cutting to behind Tarr Hall, the course now wraps around the back of Russell Science Center and West Science Hall to connect to the holes at Ink Pond.
Quiet down
Inside Armstrong Hall you’ll find the Black Box and Ringer Recital Studio. There’s an acoustics sound study going on in there to make it more soundproof, thus keeping the peace and quiet for the surrounding squirrels outside Armstrong Hall during their nap time.
One sensory hour at a time
A new Sensory Room in Cole Library is a quiet, beautiful space with soft seating and sensory items for neurodiverse students or students who just need time away. An Americorps member painted a mural in the room for students who appreciate visual stimulation. Students are able to reserve the room in one hour blocks.
Garners love Mount Vernon
President Emeritus Les Garner and Katrina Garner established two funds at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation—one to benefit Cornell, and one to benefit Mount Vernon nonprofits. The Garners moved to a house near campus a few years ago and can often be seen walking their dog Schatzie on the Hilltop. Les retired this year after 10 years as president of the foundation.
B.S.S. hits 50
Cornell’s Bachelor of Special Studies degree was first awarded in 1973, when 22% of the class embraced the opportunity to design a liberal arts degree program that met their individual educational goals. All birthday wishes can be sent to the Registrar, who will pass on your regards to the B.S.S.
