Willard Straight Hall

Willard Straight Hall. It is the student union building at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, serving as a central hub for campus life and activities since its opening in 1925. The building was a gift from Leonard K. Elmhirst and Dorothy Payne Whitney in memory of her first husband, Willard Dickerman Straight, a Cornell alumnus, diplomat, and co-founder of The New Republic. Designed by the noted architectural firm Delano & Aldrich, the structure is a prominent example of Collegiate Gothic architecture and has been the site of significant historical events, including the Willard Straight Hall takeover in 1969.

History

The hall's construction was funded by a major donation from Dorothy Payne Whitney and her second husband, Leonard K. Elmhirst, to honor the legacy of Willard Dickerman Straight. Straight, a member of the Class of 1901, was a noted figure in international finance and diplomacy, having served with the American Legation in Beijing and as a vice president at J.P. Morgan & Co.. The building's cornerstone was laid in 1922, and it was formally dedicated in a ceremony in 1925, becoming one of the first student unions at a major American university. Its creation was influenced by the broader student union movement in the United States and the vision of providing a "living room" for the Cornell University campus.

Architecture

Designed by the prestigious firm Delano & Aldrich, the building is a masterwork of Collegiate Gothic style, constructed primarily from Ithaca stone and featuring intricate limestone trim. Its design includes characteristic elements such as pointed arches, crenellations, and a commanding clock tower that overlooks the Arts Quad. The interior originally featured grand spaces like the Memorial Room, with a vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows depicting scenes from Cornell University history, and a large Great Hall for gatherings. The architecture deliberately evokes the traditions of Oxford University and Cambridge University, aligning with the Ivy League's architectural ethos of the era.

Student Union and Programming

As the primary student union, it houses numerous essential student services and organizations, including the offices of the Cornell University Student Assembly and the Student Activities Funding Commission. The building contains dining facilities, study lounges, a post office, a Cornell Campus Store outlet, and the Cornell Cinema, one of the nation's oldest campus film societies. It is the headquarters for Cornell University Program Board (CUPB), which organizes major campus events, concerts, and lectures, fostering a vibrant social and cultural life for the entire Cornell University community.

Role in Student Activism

The building gained national prominence in April 1969 when it was occupied by approximately 80 members of the Cornell University Afro-American Society (AAS) and other supporters during the Willard Straight Hall takeover. This event, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement on campus, was sparked by tensions over racial justice and the perceived slow response from the Cornell University administration following a cross-burning at the Wari House cooperative. The standoff ended with the students exiting armed, leading to significant reforms, including the creation of the Africana Studies and Research Center and influencing discussions at other institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and Columbia University.

Renovations and Modern Use

The hall has undergone several major renovations to update its facilities and preserve its historic character. A significant renovation in the late 1990s and early 2000s, led by architects Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, modernized infrastructure, improved accessibility, and expanded food service areas while carefully restoring original details. It remains a bustling center for daily student life, hosting everything from academic club meetings and career fairs in the Art Gallery to performances in the Straight Theatre. Its enduring role was recognized with listing on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its status as both a functional student center and a monument to Cornell University's complex history.

Category:Cornell University buildings Category:Student union buildings in the United States Category:National Register of Historic Places in Tompkins County, New York