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Cornell University

History

The goal of the West Campus House System is to create an environment that closely links the residential life of the students to the academic mission of the university. The development of the West Campus House System with faculty leadership at its core has been the work of many faculty, students, and staff. Much of the early work that provided the framework for the West Campus House System is found within these papers:

Timeline

August 2004 Alice Cook House opens with House Professor Ross Brann and Assistant Dean Jean Reese leading the community comprised of Cook Main, Boldt Tower, Boldt Hall, Baker Tower, and North Baker. Alice Cook House 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).

August 2005 Carl Becker House opens with House Professor Cindy Hazan and Assistant Dean Jeff Ellens leading the community, and was named for distinguished professor of American and European history, Carl Lotus Becker (1873-1945).

August 2008 William Keeton House opens with House Professor Jefferson Cowie and Assistant Dean Ethan Stephenson leading the community. William T. Keeton (Cornell University Faculty 1958 – 1980) was a beloved professor, known for his enthusiasm for research and passionate teaching style. 

August 2009 Flora Rose House opens with House Professor Shirley Samuels and Assistant Dean Jennifer Majka leading the community comprised of Rose Main, South Baker, Founders, Mennen, and Lyon Hall. The House was named in honor of Cornell faculty member Flora Rose, a beloved teacher and co-director of Cornell’s College of Home Economics (now the College of Human Ecology), Flora Rose (1874-1959)

A Brief History of West Campus

Presented to the Cornell Class of 1966 on April 29, 2021, “COVID and Beyond: Residential Living Learning Communities Under (and After?) the Lockdown” shows a brief history of the West Campus House System.  Voiceover by Thomas Cressy.