Political satire—long a staple of late-night TV—plays a critical role in democracy, cutting through partisanship and exposing hypocrisies that traditional news often can’t, says philosophy professor David Shoemaker.
Carol M. Highsmith
Columns on the Internal Revenue Service Building, part of the Federal Triangle in Washington, D.C
Prof. Landon Schnabel comments on the new IRS filing regarding political endorsements by religious institutions.
A party in the Temple of Zeus for retiring Zeus manager, Lydia Dutton. Left to right: A.R. Ammons, Cecil Giscombe, Dutton, David Burak, Phyllis Janowitz, James McConkey and Tony Caputi.
Professor of government Uriel Abulof: “In the aftermath of recent regional escalations, there’s a growing risk of repeating a familiar—and dangerous—pattern: ceasefire, self-congratulation, and strategic blindness
The deaths of Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, and funk and soul pioneer Sly Stone, of Sly and the Family Stone, mark the end of a pivotal era in music, says professor Judith Peraino.
History professor David Silbey points out restrictions on and risks of using active-duty military to respond to protests.
Diogo Lopes de Oliveira/Provided
PCST Network President Sook-kyoung Cho presents Bruce Lewenstein with the 2025 Award for the Advancement of Science Communication as a Professional Field (PCST Award).
The inaugural Award for the Advancement of Science Communication as a Professional Field from the International Network on Public Communication of Science & Technology recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of science communication as a field.
Kathy Hovis
From left, faculty members Alexandra Kleeman, Philip Milner and Talbot Andrews presented their work at the June 6 panel.
The panel, during Reunion 2025, was called "Beyond the Apocalypse: New Narratives and Innovations for Climate Action."
Jason Koski/Cornell University
Steven Strogatz, the Susan and Barton Winokur Distinguished Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Strogatz has been busy with outreach activities as the inaugural Susan and Barton Winokur Distinguished Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Mathematics.
A $2 million gift from the Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts will rename the Cornell Concert Series and allow it to continue its efforts to bring world-class musicians to campus.
The Centennial Medal recognizes alumni who have made fundamental and lasting contributions to knowledge, their disciplines, their colleagues and society
Simon Wheeler
Associate Professor Roger Moseley, left, is taking over as the new director of the Milstein Program, a job that Associate Professor Austin Bunn, right, has held for the past three years.
With brain mechanisms as a guide, Cornell researchers are designing low-energy robotic systems inspired by biology and useful for a wide range of potential applications.
Owen Wetherbee is a physics, mathematics & computer science major.
'I have learned to navigate academic spaces on my own terms'
"Her mentorship has reinforced my belief that academia is not just about producing knowledge but about transforming it — challenging existing paradigms and ensuring that scholarship remains accountable and accessible to the communities it represents."
'My majors allowed me to see the deep interconnections between language, culture, science and societal structures'
"I’ve explored topics ranging from healthcare disparities to the socio-political implications of biotechnology. This interdisciplinary lens has helped me understand how scientific advancements affect — and are affected by — cultural and societal values. Together, these majors have given me a well-balanced and holistic education."
Yi Kai Ong is a mathematics and computer science major.
'Pursue curiosity without constraint'
"The beauty of Cornell lies in its vastness in academics, extracurriculars, professional opportunities, social activities and more. You don’t have to choose between interests; in fact, much of my fulfillment in my college experience has come from embracing the full range of my passions and running with it, whatever direction it takes me."
"Not knowing something, being unsure and trying to find the answer is the best way to grow and learn. The process of seeking out the answer is just as important as the answer itself."
'I've been pushed to craft work that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply informed'
"My experience engaging with scholars across various disciplines has refined my ability to collaborate effectively within scholarship. I am grateful for the intellectual exchange and being exposed to diverse viewpoints from my peers."
'My mother's resilience taught me that challenges are not roadblocks'
"Problem-solving, adaptability and collaborative leadership are among the most valuable skills I gained from my Arts & Sciences education. Above all, I learned how to think critically and approach challenges from a holistic perspective."
'I started making connections between my classes that I never expected'
"One of the most valuable things I gained from my Arts & Sciences education is the ability to think through an intersectional lens. I honestly can’t overstate how important that’s been for me. The distribution requirements pushed me to take classes in areas I never would’ve explored otherwise, and that ended up being such a gift. It helped me realize how connected everything really is."
Gaveal Fan is a Robert S. Harrison College Scholar and also majored in sociology & information science.
'Cornell was the perfect place to keep asking “why” over and over again'
"I’ve learned that you must listen with utmost care to individuals you disagree with, and that understanding them is a privilege not a chore. I’ve learned that relying on my peers is not a fault, but a strength."
Aerin Mok is majoring in psychology and anthropology.
'I've worked on research projects in both organic and inorganic synthesis'
"Dream about what you hope to accomplish and recognize that there aren’t ceilings when it comes to ambition. Notice and pursue the beneficial feelings associated with triumph, reaching for them even if fear surrounds you."
Osama Awadalla is majoring in statistical science.
'I’ve realized that activism takes many forms'
"Meeting different people from the Cornell campus and beyond has helped me to recognize the merit of simply being present — people appreciate someone who is willing to put themselves out there. Plus, the old adage is true. When you are constantly meeting new people, you really do learn something new every day."
"This sense of confidence in your culture will make you more comfortable in rooms where you are underrepresented, more ready to stand up for yourself, and more ready to show the world all the unique skills and talents you have to offer."
Davis Ouriel is majoring in performing and media arts & feminist, gender and sexuality studies
'My path is not predetermined and I am always in flux'
"Being immersed within such a rich student body, I have found that my ideas are constantly in conversation with those of my peers, and I feel as though I am always in a process of learning more about myself and those around me."
'I feel equipped to handle whatever uncertainties lie ahead'
"Cornell provides opportunities for experiences that you truly may never get again, and the best thing to do is take advantage of them as frequently as possible. And when a moment feels too big, don’t hesitate to ask for help (or at least watch the sunset on the slope). It’ll all work out – trust in your abilities!"
'I used machine learning to analyze factors that impact voter turnout'
"As I have explored my interests through my courses, I have learned to appreciate learning for the sake of it, and working for the sake of producing knowledge. When I think about how I want to spend my time after I leave Cornell, I think about it through the lens of the meaning of my work, both to me and to the world."
'When my friends and I put on a show, it is everything to us.'
"I have learned the most about myself in these settings, when, in the midst of all of the big and significant business of the world at large, we are all fully invested in creating something with our imaginations, together."
'Every single course was mind-bending and life-changing'
"At every juncture of my journey, there were bright people — professors, graduate students, fellow independent scholars — beacons on my path, whose encouragement, inspiration, wisdom helped me go forward. The program brought my other majors and academic interests together into a coherent whole and connected me with researchers at the forefront of their fields."
The Class of 2025 leaves campus at a time of global uncertainty, but they say they feel prepared for the challenges that will come their way. In this feature, we celebrate their Cornell journeys.
Jason Koski/Cornell University
Spring flowers blossom outside Goldwin Smith Hall.
Among those being recognized for exceptional teaching and mentorship this year are faculty members Begüm Adalet, Claudia Verhoeven, and Marcelo Aguiar.
The highly competitive Berlin Prize is awarded annually to U.S.-based scholars, writers, composers and artists who represent the highest standards of excellence in their fields.
Creative Commons license 4.0
Pope Leo XIV waves at the people gathered in St. Peter's Square in his first public appearance as pope.
The historic selection of Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born U.S. citizen and naturalized Peruvian, reflects Catholicism's evolving global identity.
Cornell University File Photo
Kaushik Basu at a 2016 Chats in the Stacks talk about his book “An Economist in the Real World.”
"Students across the country are going to miss out on innovative improvements to their science education – innovations that would have critically prepared them for the competitive 21st century technological workforce."
The nomination of Dr. Casey Means is the latest example of the administration’s disregard for scientific expertise and evidence-based policy, says a Cornell University expert.
Doug Nealy/Unsplash
The Peace Arch, situated near the westernmost point of the Canada–United States border in the contiguous United States, between Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia.
Tuesday's meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the White House yielded “mixed outcomes” that fell short of a substantial reset of relations between the U.S. and Canada, says scholar Jon Parmenter.
Matthew Velasco, assistant professor of anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Anna Whittemore, doctoral candidate in anthropology, received awards from the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) at the SAA annual meeting on April 25.
Alison Rittershaus/Provided
An Amazonian headdress is displayed with two cases of artifacts in the Anthropology and CIAMS Collections
The new Anthropology Collaboratory gathers many of the university’s anthropology collections and laboratories together in one place in Olin Library.
Chris Kitchen
Manipulating the properties of atomic material helps Paul Malinowski understand the fundamental physics of how different quantum phases develop and are related to each other.
The idea of supplementing or replacing heavy equipment with unmanned systems isn’t new, says Sarah Kreps, professor of government and law, and founding director of the Tech Policy Institute.
Cornell experts Bryn Rosenfeld and David Silbey comment on a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine starting May 8, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.
John Wisniewski/Creative commons license 2.0
Massapequa Lake, Massapequa, New York
The Long Island community of Massapequa is getting support from President Donald Trump for refusing to change its school mascot from Native American imagery, despite a state mandate, a fascinating example of self-indigenization says historian Jon Parmenter
Cornell University File Photo
Nicolas van de Walle
“Politics, Markets, and Governance in Africa: A conference in honor of Nicolas van de Walle,” set for May 8-9, will focus on the core themes of African political economy, regimes, and modes of electoral and social participation and contestation.
The Supreme Court's decision in the matter of Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond will represent a critical test of the separation between church and state in public education, says Landon Schnabel, associate professor of sociology.
A collaboration between Cornell faculty, students and Ithaca community members is bringing together a monthlong event in downtown Ithaca, focused on Latine artists.
