Skorton to new students: 'We are so glad that you are here'
By Susan Kelley
President David J. Skorton welcomed new students to Ithaca Aug. 21, emphasizing that Cornell is a happy, supportive community and that he and the rest of the campus are glad to have them there. He also explored what makes Cornell a unique place and what it means to be part of a caring community.
"Welcome, everyone, to Cornell University," he said during the New Student Convocation at Schoellkopf Stadium. "This is a strong and a positive and a diverse and very supportive community. And we are very glad that all of you -- first-year students, transfer students and your families -- are going to be part of our family for the next several years."
He began by telling the class about themselves. First-year students come from 49 of the 50 United States -- with Montana not represented -- and from 42 countries. He wished those Muslim students and community members observing Ramadan a blessed holiday, pointing out that the campus is home to 25 faith communities. Nearly half the first-year students and more than one-third of transfer students were awarded need-based grant aid. The class was selected from a 36,000 applicants -- the largest applicant pool in Cornell's history.
There is even more diversity in the university as a whole, he said. "So my first charge to you this morning is to use these first few days before the start of classes, when all of you are finding your way and everything is fresh and new, to get to know people, including people who may be very different from the friends you had in high school."
He also urged the new students to get to know their professors. In addition to being brilliant and creative researchers and scholars, they are committed and inspiring teachers who care about them as students and as people, he said.
His third charge was to view the vastness of Cornell as an opportunity for "almost limitless possibilities for academic exploration and -- most important -- personal growth," ticking off many of the university's unique research and academic resources.
The new students would often hear that Cornell is a "caring community," he said. "It means, very simply, that we take seriously our responsibilities to look out for one another and to take care of ourselves," he said. " … Your professors, the staff at Gannett Health Services and other highly trained staff members in the individual schools and colleges, the dean of students office, and elsewhere on campus can help you navigate the challenges that come with college life and maintain your physical and mental health. It's our No. 1 priority for you."
He urged them to take stock of their emotional state from time to time, ask for help when they need it and look out for one another. Twice he reminded the audience that they can e-mail him any time, at david.skorton@cornell.edu.
"Class of 2014, new transfer students, parents and families: Welcome to Cornell University," he said. "We are so glad that you are here."
Fang Qiao '11, co-chair of the Orientation Steering Committee, began the ceremony. He introduced Vincent Andrews '11, president of the Student Assembly, who urged the new students to get involved on campus activities. Asa Craig '11, student-elected trustee, followed with remarks on how participation in student clubs and government, athletics and artistic activities can help new students create multiple communities of friends. Nicole Stevens '11, co-chair of the Orientation Steering Committee, spoke about the importance extracurricular activities as a way of decreasing stress and defining personal identity. Skorton followed with the convocation address.
Skorton ended the event by inviting the audience to join the Cornell Chorus and Glee Club in singing the alma mater.
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