Cornell University hosts over 6,300 attendees for reunion

Over 6,300 attendees joyfully returned to campus to celebrate milestones at Reunion 2023. Alumni and guests came to Ithaca from across the US and the world, representing 45 different US states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, and 24 different countries, from as far as Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia. Cornelliana Night celebrated a milestone of its own, taking place inside Bailey Hall for the first time since 2019.

“How happy I am celebrating back on stage and in person!” said Michelle Vaeth ’98, associate vice president of Alumni Affairs, who was celebrating her 25th Reunion and co-hosting Cornelliana Night. “The joy that I have experienced this weekend is really hard to put into words. I’ve watched alumni connect with old friends, with new friends, across generations.”

Over 200 volunteer and university-planned programs unfolded over the weekend, from favorites like goat yoga and the Reunion 5k, to new events like Redstock, an all-alumni concert performance of folk, rock, and jazz hosted by the Class of ’83. On the shores of Cayuga Lake, there was even a marriage proposal.