Good morning, Ithaca.

The Cornell Fashion Collective Spring Runway Show will take place on March 21 at Barton Hall and feature 180 student models showcasing diverse collections from design majors and others (ticket prices range from $12 to $50).

At the March 11 Faculty Senate meeting, President Michael Kotlikoff and Provost Kavita Bala detailed revisions to the Student Code of Conduct (open for comment until April 20, with changes planned for July 1) and updates on Resilient Cornell’s financial measures along with upcoming resolutions.

Gilles Brassard, a Cornell alum, received the Turing Award for his pioneering work in quantum information science with Charles Bennett, advancing encryption and digital communication through the BB84 protocol; the award carries a $1 million prize from the ACM.

Cornell researchers published a study on March 19 that narrowed over 6,000 exoplanets to prime targets for life detection (including 45 rocky worlds) to help astronomers plan future observations using the JWST and upcoming telescopes.

Sahil Raut (a junior in Industrial and Labor Relations) says expanding City Bucks to all meal plans will let more students dine off campus in Collegetown and downtown, helping local restaurants.

The planned modest increase may encourage students to explore more Ithaca eateries while keeping meal plan costs low.

Jinhua Zhao has been reappointed as dean of the Dyson School for a second five-year term starting July 1; his reappointment was announced on March 19.

He will lead over 900 students and support hands-on programs + research that benefit the local community.

Cornell University's Center for Racial Justice and Equitable Futures has named five faculty fellows from three colleges and five departments to support projects on social justice and community engagement.

The fellows will work on research, host events, and create discussion opportunities — reinforcing Cornell's mission for innovative education.

Julia Choi ’29 explains that Cornell’s master’s programs cost over $83,000 per year but provide immersive learning + tailored career support that helps students develop strong skills in business and public policy.

The report shows that the educational investment offers practical value for those studying in Ithaca.

A Cornell AgriTech study published March 12 shows that milkweed evolves a defense against monarch butterflies by adding a ring with nitrogen and sulfur to its toxins, a method that sheds light on chemical evolution (which may guide monarch conservation).

The Town of Ithaca Planning Board started reviewing Nexamp's proposed Bomber Heights Solar project on Mar.

3— a 31-acre community solar farm on Troy Road— as part of its environmental review process. Nexamp expects an eight-month lead time before construction once permits are secured.

Tompkins County will hold a public conversation on its minimum wage study next Tuesday, March 24 at the Whole Health building on Brown Rd—where workers, businesses and residents will share views on raising wages above the $16 rate.

Approved in 2024, the study runs through Dec. 2026 with $50,000 cap.

Cornell researchers found that allowing short outdoor breaks + adding seating in workspaces may reduce staff stress and boost well-being.

The March study suggests that local employers might improve productivity by adopting simple policy changes that encourage time outside during the workday.

Stefanie Chen says Hot Pot Meets BBQ (722 S Meadow St. Suite 800 in Downtown Ithaca) is best for lunch since quality meats, vegetables, and broth make the $24 meal worth it despite higher dinner costs; it is open noon to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays with a two-hour limit.

Cornell's women's gymnastics scored 190.500 in a dual meet at West Chester, Pennsylvania.

After a shaky performance on bars, the team improved on vault and floor events and will host the Gymnastics East Conference Championships tomorrow at Newman Arena.

Raclette for Lunch

12-4 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Cost varies — Enjoy a cheesy alpine tradition paired with refreshing cider at this popular local event.

Paint & Sip with Bob Ross

4-6 p.m. — South Hill Cider — 2 drink minimum — Enjoy painting along with Bob Ross while sipping cider on a Saturday afternoon.

Skunk Cabbage Classic Half Marathon

Time not specified — Barton Hall — Registration fee applicable — Participate in Ithaca’s iconic spring tradition featuring 10K and half-marathon courses through the scenic Cornell campus.

The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring Screening

6:00 – 11:59 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket information not provided — Experience the epic journey of a meek Hobbit and his companions to save Middle-earth.

Ithaca D.I.Y. Festival

5:30-11:30 p.m. — Ithaca — Free entry — Celebrate the local music scene with performances from vibrant local and college bands.

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bailey Hall — Check event page for pricing — Experience the vibrant fusion of cultures through Flamenco in a captivating new production.