Naval ROTC Top Side Project

Cornell has a proud military history dating back to 1862 and the Morrill Land Grant Act requiring every land grant institution to include military training in its curriculum. As the land grant university of New York State, Cornell has offered instruction in military science from the university’s inception. We are proud of our students who have graduated from Cornell and gone on to serve in the military and we are proud of our veterans who have made the choice to attend Cornell after they have served our country. 

Today, Cornell is home to about 90 undergraduate student veterans/current servicemembers and over 400 veterans that work or study at Cornell. The Topside Project aims to significantly improve the Naval ROTC program's infrastructure.  Atop the Barton Hall Block House, is what the Midshipman call the "Topside."  It serves as a locker room, study area, social lounge, and rec area.  The space is in dire need of improvement and does not appropriately convey the university's commitment to the experience of Cornell's NROTC students.  The project will include the installation of new lockers, flooring, new furniture, and railings that meet code (and mimic what would be on a ship).