Lindsay France/University Photography

President David Skorton talks to Zhilin Liu, while Skorton's wife, Robin Davisson, assists Liu with her doctoral regalia at the President's Family Reception on the Arts Quad.

Lindsay France/University Photography

At the President's Family Reception on the Arts Quad, Vice President for Human Resources Mary Opperman photographs, from left, Shin Han, President David Skorton, Bo Han '07, Skorton's wife, Robin Davisson, and Deb Han.

At 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the day before graduation, the line of parents, grandparents, siblings and students stretched from the steps of Goldwin Smith Hall to the center of the Arts Quad. They had traveled from many states and several nations to queue under a dazzling sky for a chance to meet President David Skorton and his wife, Professor Robin Davisson, along with Peter Meinig, chairman of the Cornell board of trustees and his wife, Nancy.

"David and Robin love to meet people, and they really connect," said Vice President for Human Resources Mary Opperman, who was enlisted to take photos of parents and students posing with the Skortons as they experienced their first Commencement Weekend at Cornell. "Their genuine warmth comes through."

And so it did for hundreds of beaming Cornellians and their families. "He had four great years here," the father of one graduate told the Skortons. "We'll send another one your way."

"Call me David," Skorton urged a parent. The Skortons focused intently on students and their families, often finding things in common. One young woman mentioned that in December 2003 she had graduated from the University of Iowa when Skorton was president there, and that Skorton would now sign her brother's diploma at Cornell.

"What a small world," Skorton said. "What a small world!"

"Hey, David," inquired trustee Robert Appel, watching Skorton deftly handle the reception line, "did you know this was part of your job description?" To a visitor, Appel noted, "This president really likes to talk to people and wants to be involved. Everyone wants to touch a real president, particularly where their children are concerned."

Eunice Earvin came from Indiana to see her grandson, Kwame Thomison, collect a degree in information science. Thomison had served as president of the Cornell Student Assembly. "This has been a wonderful experience," she said. "I appreciate that the president remembered my grandson."

Jonathan Lutz, a computer science major, said after meeting Skorton, "He's very personable, very down to earth. I think it's great he comes out here to meet the students and their families. He sincerely cares about us."

Frances Yufen Lee Mehta, a senior lecturer in Chinese in the Department of Asian Studies, took photos of her students meeting the Skortons. "I have many students graduating," she said. "Many parents of international students have traveled so far, and they feel honored to have their picture taken with the president."

The Skortons' gregariousness did not lead to a fast-moving line. At 4 o'clock, when they were due at their next event, dozens still waited. So the first couple walked up the line, shaking hands.

"So nice to meet you," said the Skortons. "Congratulations! See you in the morning."