Cornell Hall for the Social Sciences

Cornell Hall is the home of social science departments such as anthropology, economics, education, history and politics. The building currently has a computer lab in addition to classrooms that are equipped with televisions and LCD projectors. In addition, the hall contains a small deli-styled café where students can purchase snacks between classes. The architecture is enhanced by the large open courtyard in the center of the building; a large clock is the centerpiece for the courtyard. The exterior of Cornell Hall has permanent benches placed in the loggia as well as many wooden tables and chairs. Students are often seen here reading before classes or just talking with friends after classes. The building has many different types of classrooms such as a lecture hall with multi-leveled seating for students, and rooms where everyone can sit around a table for class discussions.

Side views of CSS

The hall was dedicated on November 4, 1988, in honor of George D. Cornell (’35 ’85H) and his wife Harriet Cornell (’35HAL ’90H). Both longtime supporters of the College, Cornell had served on the Board of Trustees from 1981 to 2003. For this specific project, the Cornells donated $3 million. Cornell had always been an ardent supporter of the social science programs and really wanted to see a building for those departments. The architectural firm of Rogers, Lovelock and Fritz of Winter Park designed the building in the Spanish-Mediterranean style that defines the rest of the campus. The same firm also designed the Olin Library during the mid 1980s. Of interest was that there was much open communication between the faculty and the architects during the designing stage of the building.

CSS under construction

Architect's sketch of the CSS