The Richard and Marlene Williams Fund- The Big Event
The Williams Fund has been established in order to bring to campus lectures and special events which will stimulate students and enliven the campus community. Speakers should be distinguished individuals whose lectures will be appealing to Cornell College students, such as political and social commentators, recognized experts and business leaders. Special events may include performances, events and exhibits, whether of a cultural, artistic, educational or entertaining nature, provided that they are selected for their appeal to Cornell College students. In addition to a public address, performance, exhibit or other event, such visits shall to the extent possible also include meetings with students in classes and other opportunities for individual interaction with students and faculty. The fund will support one speaker and one performer each academic year (exceptions may be considered). This annual series of performances and lectures is funded by a donation from alumnus Richard Williams ’63 and his wife, Marlene.
Past Events
B.o.B
February, 22, 2020
The singer/rapper is well-known for his single “Nothin on You,” which featured Bruno Mars. Among many songs, he has also recorded hit singles “Airplane,” “Magic,” and “Strange Clouds.”
Comedian Vanessa Bayer
January 29, 2019
Bayer is an actress and comedian who holds a record for the longest-serving female cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2010–2017, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. She appears in the movies “Trainwreck,” “Office Christmas Party,” and “Ibiza.”
AJR with Kamau
February, 25, 2018
American indie pop band headlined at the Small Multi-Sport Center. The band, which consists of three brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan, are known for their hit song “Weak.” The opening act is rap and hip-hop artist Kamau.
Daya
January 28, 2017
National recording artist Daya rocked the Small Multi-Sports Center. She has had three Top 40 hits since 2015: “Hide Away,” “Sit Still, Look Pretty,” and “Don’t Let Me Down” with The Chainsmokers, which won a Grammy in 2017.
New Politics
2015
Walk Off the Earth
January 19, 2013
Best know for their 5 person 1 guitar cover of Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know," Walk Off the Earth brought a high-energy pop performance to the historic King Chapel.
Capitol Steps
February 18, 2012
Capitol Steps kept the audience rolling with laughter with their version of putting the 'Mock in Democracy"
Rockapella
January 15, 2011
A sold-out crowd of 650 attended the unforgettable performance by Rockapella. This a cappella group, best known for the theme song for the hit show "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" proved that they are still at the top of their craft.
Paperclips Documentary and Lecture by Linda Hooper
October 29, 2009
Linda Hooper, the principal of Whitewell Middle School, featured in the Paperclips Documentary, along with two of her students visited Cornell College.
Capitol Steps
October 1, 2008
The Capitol Steps performed to a full house in King Chapel. They are an American political satire group. The group has been performing since 1981, and has released approximately thirty albums consisting primarily of song parodies. Originally consisting exclusively of Congressional staffers performing around Washington, D.C., the troupe has also performed on PBS, public radio and through concert tours around the United States.
Opening Convocation Speaker
September 18, 2008
Professor Debra Marquart, author of "Horizontal World: Growing Up Wild in the Middle of Nowhere," was the featured speaker at Opening Convocation. Horizontal World was the inaugural selection for Cole Library’s “One Book, One Campus, One Community” program. Professor Marquart also met with classes and read from her work during a open workshop. Professor Marquart teaches English at Iowa State University.
Second City Touring Company
January 26, 2008
The first event in this series was The Second City Touring Company on Saturday, January 26, 2008 in King Chapel. The performance was attended by over 500 students, faculty, staff, and community members. The actors from The Second City also provided a workshop on improvisation to 16 students the following morning.