Lindsay France/University Photography

Kathleen Whitlock, assistant professor of developmental biology, congratulates Wendy Hoose, who received her master's degree in entomology through the Employee Degree Program, after the university recognition ceremony for January graduates in Barton Hall, Dec. 16. Copyright © Cornell University

Copyright © Cornell University

Brandon Lee, newly minted Ph.D. in industrial and labor relations, with son Noah and wife Josie Lauritsen, speaks with President David Skorton after the recognition ceremony.

Lindsay France/University Photography

Senior Class President Edvard Adrian Gumbs addresses his fellow graduates and attendees at the midyear graduation ceremony.

With no shortage of proud, picture-snapping parents looking on, Cornell's December graduation ceremony was nonetheless an intimate affair -- though no less meaningful to the graduates.

"Not too long; not too short" was how Hakeem Yusuff described the Dec. 16 ceremony in Barton Hall. Yusuff, a Nigeria native, graduated with a master's degree in chemical engineering, finishing midyear because he started his coursework last spring.

About 270 undergraduates, 60 master's degree candidates, 40 Ph.D. candidates and a lone Johnson School MBA candidate participated in the fourth annual midyear commencement, held for students who graduate after the fall semester. It is characterized by a similar processional as the May commencement, but smaller and more personal, with each graduate's named called aloud.

Keeping with tradition, Cornell President David Skorton delivered the graduation address -- his first as president. He urged the graduates to stay connected to Cornell and also exhorted them to "hold accountable" the world around them to principles of "human dignity" and "diversity."

"You must use your privileges as educated citizens to help make sure our society remains aware and informed, for the good of all," Skorton said.

Before introducing Skorton, Cornell Provost Biddy Martin also bestowed good wishes on the graduates and expressed hope that their experiences of "open inquiry" and "rigorous debate" at Cornell have prepared them for bright futures.

"I hope that each one of you feels that we've either helped you discover your hopes and dreams for yourselves, or we've helped you refine them," Martin said.

The students also heard from one of their own, Senior Class President Edvard Adrian Gumbs. He reminded fellow graduates to embrace their new responsibilities as "true Cornellians."

The graduates received certificates marking their achievement as they walked across the stage (they will receive their actual diplomas in the mail). Graduates also can return to campus for the May commencement in Schoellkopf Stadium.

New York City native David Blinbaum, a transfer student who graduated in policy analysis and management, said he probably won't make the trip back for May commencement. The December ceremony worked just fine for him.

"It was nice, it was quick and to the point, and it wasn't drawn out," Blinbaum said. "I really enjoyed it."