ITHACA, N.Y. -- Randy Cohen, Emmy-Award winner and writer of "The Ethicist" column in The New York Times Magazine , is the featured speaker at this year's Cornell Commitment Convocation, Friday, March 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Call Alumni Auditorium of Kennedy Hall at Cornell University. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.

Tickets can be obtained at the Cornell Commitment Office at 103 Day Hall on campus or by calling (607) 255-8595. A reception will follow Cohen's address.

The annual convocation is sponsored by the three recognition programs comprising the Cornell Commitment: The Cornell Tradition, Cornell Presidential Research Scholars and Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars. These programs reward outstanding Cornell undergraduates who demonstrate, respectively, excellence in work ethic and campus and/or community service, research experience, and leadership and academic achievement. Initiated in 1996, the annual convocation is held to honor the achievements of the students in these programs, who are especially encouraged to attend.

Cohen won three Emmy Awards for his writing on "Late Night With David Letterman" and went on to win a fourth for his work on "TV Nation." He is the current writer of the popular weekly column "The Ethicist" in the Times Magazine , which artfully answers questions on ethical dilemmas faced by individuals, families and communities. He also is the ethics columnist for The Times of London.

As in past years, The Cornell Tradition Debra S. Newman '02 Community Recognition Award will be announced during the convocation. The award acknowledges the efforts of outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service to the greater community, and it includes a $1,000 award to an agency of the recipient's choice.

For more information, contact the office of the Cornell Commitment at (607) 255-8595.