Cornell's third annual "Chillin' on the Quad" returns July 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Ag Quad, inviting staff, faculty, students and retirees to come together and celebrate the conclusion of this year's Summer Wellbeing Adventure.
The event will feature live music, lawn games, crafts and free iced coffee for the first 300 guests.
New this year, participants can take part in a community puzzle exchange by bringing a new or gently used puzzle to swap for another. Guests are also encouraged to wear tie-dye for a special drone photo.
Designed to promote health, well-being and connection, Chillin' on the Quad allows members of the Cornell community to connect with one another in an informal setting.
"Expect a relaxing afternoon with plenty of opportunities to unwind," said Jennifer Austin, director of the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives and member of the Summer Wellbeing Adventure committee. "Whether you stay for five minutes or the whole event, it's a chance to pause, recharge and enjoy the company of others."
Organized by the Cornell Health Promoting Campus initiative in collaboration with campus partners and now in its fourth year, the Summer Wellbeing Adventure runs from July 13 to July 31. Weekly emails feature ideas, activities and inspiration centered on well-being through the Health Promoting Campus themes of people, places and the planet.
This year, the program emphasizes restorative practices that aim to help participants recharge, reconnect with one another and refocus on what matters most.
Participants are encouraged to explore a variety of on- and off-campus events, recipes and activities, in whatever ways feel most meaningful.
"Well-being isn't just about physical health. It's also about feeling connected to your community," said Taylor Bouraad, assistant director of community engagement at the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives and a member of the Summer Wellbeing Committee.
For Austin, Chillin' on the Quad is one way to create those community connections, offering colleagues a chance to step away from their work and enjoy being together.
"Summers at Cornell are special, and they always seem to pass too quickly," Austin said. "There is so much in the world that asks for our attention and energy. Events like this remind us that community, kindness and shared moments of joy are important parts of well-being, too."
Learn more about the Summer Wellbeing Adventure at https://healthpromotingcampus.cornell.edu/swa and Chillin' on the Quad at https://events.cornell.edu/event/chillin-on-the-quad-event-2597.
Grace DePaull is a communications assistant in the Department of Inclusion and Belonging in the Division of Human Resources.
