Cornell celebrates community and life: 'Unity, love, happiness - that's what it's all about'
By Joseph Mansky
On the beautiful early spring afternoon, March 17, under a clear blue sky, the Arts Quad was packed with students chatting and carrying balloons, Frisbees, lemonade and cotton candy. Tables lined the walkways: Gannett was offering poetry magnets and stress management cards; Cornell Minds Matter was giving out free apples, thank you cards and even free hugs. At one table "Express Yourself" was written on a colorful poster, and members of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) asked students to write "simple notes of appreciation to a friend," said NRHH member Serene Li '10, a city and regional planning major.
The student-organized event "Lift Your Spirits" was intended to bring the Cornell community together in the wake of several recent deaths on campus, to both reflect on the tragedies, remind each other of the importance of life and "to celebrate ourselves, our school and, most important, members of our community," according to the event's Facebook page, where more than 2,350 students confirmed they planned to attend.
"We live in a time of unrivaled, unrelenting connectivity," President David Skorton said to the group, but "despite, or because of all this connectivity, it is easy to stop connecting in real life and in real time with the people who are really important to us."
He emphasized the importance of "reaching out to each other" and "learning to ask for help."
According to student trustee Asa Craig '11, a government and Africana studies major, the idea for the event came out of a meeting of student leaders with Vice President for Student and Academic Services Susan Murphy and Dean of Students Kent Hubbell. It "was a good middle ground in bringing the entire community together," Craig said.
After a performance by a cappella group The CallbaXX, Hubbell stressed from the podium "the very important role all of us play, that is, faculty, staff and students, in preserving and promoting the health of our community."
In between songs by a cappella groups The Hangovers and the Key Elements, Murphy added that "we as a student and faculty and administrative community need to come together at a time like this," referring to the recent tragedies; "the smartest thing we can do is to seek help when we need it."
Barbara Fallon '11, a chemistry major, was offering free chalk at her table for "Inspirational Graffiti," to chalk positive messages around campus. She came up with the idea "as a way to reach out to people and to encourage people to reach out to each other," she said.
Ian Goldin '10, a music major and member of The Hangovers, agreed, noting, "It's healthy to remember you can reach out to your community whenever you want, even if it's just talking to a stranger."
At other stations around the quad, students practiced yoga and meditation; materials to write poetry and reflections were available; counselors from Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services offered brochures; and Empathy, Assistance and Referral Service (EARS) gave out balloons and information. The Cornell Asian Pacific Islander Student Union asked students to help fold 1,000 paper cranes and make a wish. On a poster drawn at the "Paint Your Feelings" table was written: "Unity, Love, Happiness: That's what it's all about."
The event concluded just before 6 p.m. with the Cornell Glee Club and Chorus singing "Evening Song" and the alma mater.
The event was organized by the student trustees, Student Assembly, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Letter Council and NRHH.
Joseph Mansky '12 is a writer intern for the Cornell Chronicle.
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