The scaffolding from McGraw Tower will not be removed by Commencement weekend due to construction delays from poor weather, according to a University administrator.
Campus landmark McGraw Tower has been under construction for nearly two years. Cornell initiated the replacement of the tower’s pyramidal roof in July 2023, originally anticipating completion by November 2024.
Last month, Andrew Magre, associate vice president of Engineering and Project Administration, wrote to The Sun that it was expected for “the scaffolding [to] be removed before Commencement weekend.”
In the original email, Magre added that the projection was “contingent on weather conditions.” Echoing that statement, poor weather has since caused Magre to revise the projection.
“Unfortunately, the weather over the past couple of weeks has caused delays, preventing the roofing installation from being completed as scheduled,” Magre wrote to The Sun on Monday. “It will not be finished in time for Commencement.”
Last year’s seniors, the Class of 2024, lamented the clock tower’s construction. A main concern was that the obstructed clock tower provided a less visually appealing backdrop for graduation photos than its unobstructed version. This year’s seniors will have to bear the same complaints.
Student & Campus Life provided The Sun with “a list of senior graduation portrait locations,” to serve as an alternative to the clock tower.
The list includes the Johnson Museum of Art, the “Top of the Cornell Store in front of Sage Hall,” the “Law School archways,” the “Cornell Dairy Bar by the milk jug,” the Cornell Botanic Gardens and Libe Slope.
Update, May 13, 6:00 p.m.: The article has been updated to include the link for a video demonstrating the different locations suggested by Student & Campus Life to take senior photographs.
Angelina Tang is a freshman in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is an Assistant News Editor for the 143rd editorial board. She can be reached at atang@cornellsun.com.
