Welcome

Alice Cook House opened in August 2004 and was the first of five Houses in the West Campus House System, Cornell University's residential college initiative. The House was named in honor of Cornell faculty member, Alice Hanson Cook (1903-1998).

Cook House Crest: The shield has the shape of the top of a castle wall, with a series of square battlements. This is meant to evoke Baker Tower and also to symbolize that Cook House is a safe place where members look out for each other. The scales in the top third of the shield symbolize a commitment to justice and equality. They also evoke Alice Cook herself, who fought for both principles her entire life. The books in the middle third of the shield symbolize study and knowledge. The letters on their pages are the Latin numerals MMIV, or 2004, the year Cook House opened. The symbol in the bottom third of the shield is a compass rose, symbolizing internationality and the curiosity to explore the world. This is a nod to the centrality of multiculturalism, the spirit of inquiry, and the global perspective that Cook House fosters.