Sage College
The Trustees assumed that a professor of architecture could also fulfill the responsibilities of university architect, with little if any additional compensation. Babcock’s buildings on campus reflect his own tastes and his collaboration with White. Sage Chapel and Sage College, both completed in 1875, represent the best examples of his developed style; following Ruskin’s teachings they are designed in the Gothic idiom represented by Northern Italy in accordance with Ruskin’s teachings. Babcock also designed and constructed Lincoln and Franklin (now Tjaden) Halls and the Old Armory (on the site of the current Engineering quadrangle).
Sage College Cornerstone Letter
Ezra Cornell to "The coming man and woman."
Ithaca, May 15, 1873.
Autograph letter signed
To the Coming man & woman
On the occasion of laying the corner stone of the Sage College for women of Cornell University, I desire to say that the principle [sic] danger, and I say almost the only danger I see in the future to be encountered by the friends of education, and by all lovers of true liberty is that which may arise from sectarian strife.
From these halls, sectarianism must be forever excluded, all students must be left free to worship God, as their concience [sic] shall dictate, and all persons of any creed or all creeds must find free and easy access, and a hearty and equal welcome, to the educational facilities possessed by the Cornell University.
Coeducation of the sexes and entire freedom from sectarian or political preferences is the only proper and safe way for providing an education that shall meet the wants of the future and carry out the founders idea of an Institution where "any person can find instruction in any study." I herewith commit this great trust to your care.
Ezra Cornell