Theresa and Valentine Nnodum traveled from Bridgeport, Conn., to Ithaca to see the eldest of their seven children, Nwanyinma Nnodum '08, receive her master's degree in biomedical engineering. They'll repeat the trip to see another daughter, Chinomnso Nnodum '10, graduate in May. "Cornell has provided fertile grounds for them," Theresa said.

The Nnodums were among the 2,000 friends and family to attend a Dec. 19 recognition ceremony in Barton Hall for some 360 winter graduates.

The graduates represented all seven undergraduate colleges, as well as the Graduate School, Law School and Johnson School, President David Skorton said in his address.

They will succeed in their next endeavors -- despite a tough job market -- because they have learned to think creatively and critically, he said. "I trust that you will keep on asking meaningful questions, questions about our troubled world and about your individual role in that world. In other words, while I wish you every success and personal satisfaction in your endeavors, I also believe that you will do your best work if you don't get too comfortable," he said.

But asking questions is only one side of the coin; the other is taking action, he said. "As you move forward into the next phase of your own lives, I hope you will remember that our world is in need, and always will be. You have education, you have skills, you have gifts. Use these attributes not only in your professional lives, but in your personal and civic lives as well."

Graduates were called by name as they walked across the stage festooned with white and red poinsettias. (They will receive their diplomas by mail in March; they were handed certificates during the ceremony.) The event was preceded by recognition ceremonies at the Colleges of Human Ecology and Agriculture and Life Sciences, the ILR School and the School of Hotel Administration.

Monika Moses traveled from Long Island to see her niece, Michele Batista, graduate with distinction a semester early with a Bachelor of Science in animal science from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. After graduation Batista will do an internship in a Texas zoo and hopes to become a veterinarian, Moses said. "Ever since she was two, she's been all about animals," she said.

After the last graduate's name was called, the audience gave a standing ovation as cheers echoed around the hall. The graduates then processed to a reception featuring cookies frosted with the university seal.