The university community came together on Sunday, Sept. 22 for Cornell’s first Community Field Day at Schoellkopf Field.

Open to students, faculty, staff and family members of all ages, the event brought the Cornell and greater Ithaca community together to celebrate the benefits of physical and mental health.

Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff, who conceived of the event, and Nicki Moore, the Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education, spoke about celebrating the spirit and energy present on campus and the importance of bringing the community together through fun and activity.

Attendees visited energy stations run by Cornell athletics staff and student-athletes, which featured activities such as Zumba, soccer skills, traditional yard games, strength and conditioning, box hockey and rappelling. Also on site were themed arts and crafts projects for children and fueling stations with nutritious snacks and drinks from Cornell Dining and Catering, and Cornell Health.  

Participants received branded giveaways to help show off their Big Red spirit, while members of the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams greeted attendees and signed autographs as they prepare for the final season of legendary men’s head coach Mike Schafer ’86, before his retirement at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.   

Ben Badua is creative content manager for Student and Campus Life.