Looking forward to 2015 when Cornell will celebrate its 150th anniversary, President David Skorton hailed the entering first-year students as members of the sesquicentennial class, saying that they hold a "special place in Cornell history." The diversity of their backgrounds and interests is proof, he said, of the power of Ezra Cornell's vision to found an institution where "any person can find instruction in any study."

Speaking to the more than 8,000 people -- including members of the Class of 2015, new transfer students, parents and families -- at the New Student Convocation Aug. 20 in Schoellkopf Stadium, Skorton said that members of the entering class come from 48 states, as well as from Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 45 countries worldwide. They were selected from more than 36,000 applicants, an all-time high. One-fifth has self-identified as underrepresented minorities, and one-tenth are international students.

"We look forward to your energy, your distinctive perspectives and your good ideas that you will bring to -- and through which you will change -- this community," he said.

Stressing the need to pursue opportunities for growth and engage in responsible activities, Skorton offered some advice to the incoming class. First, he encouraged students to take advantage of the university's size and scope to "discover your passion, challenge yourself, feed your intellectual curiosity and achieve whatever personal and career goals you will set."

Cornell is such a large community, Skorton said, that it is important to get to know other people, especially those with different backgrounds and points of views. "You'll find that they are friendly and approachable and eager to learn from you ... and also to share what they know," he said.

Skorton also advised freshmen to get to know their professors, who are not only informed, innovative and curious, but also approachable and engaging. "They truly care about you as students, and they truly care about you as people," Skorton noted.

He stressed the need for the students to take care of themselves, to be aware of their mental and emotional well-being and to get help if needed, such as from a professor, residence hall director, Gannett Health Services, the faith communities of Cornell United Religious Work, Cornell Career Services, the Learning Strategies Center or the college advising offices. He reminded the audience twice that they can email him at any time, at david.skorton@cornell.edu.

"Cornell is big and bustling, and quite possibly a long way from your home, but it is a caring community," he said.

He warned the newcomers about the need to exercise caution when exploring Cornell's gorges and natural areas, and to refrain from illegal swimming or wading in the gorge waters.

"Together -- faculty, staff, students and families -- we will make sure the Cornell years are a time of positive growth and learning and the foundation of future success and joy," he said. "Welcome to Cornell University. I'm so glad that you are here."

Preceding Skorton's remarks, Corey Letcher '12, co-chair of the Orientation Steering Committee (OSC), introduced university officials and members of the OSC, and advised new students to join a club, get some sleep, have fun and work hard. Student Assembly President Natalie Raps '12 urged students to "find an interest and pick your passion," and Darrick T.N. Evensen, student-elected member of the Cornell Board of Trustees, focused on four traits he believes will guide incoming students through the years ahead: creativity, teamwork, joy and wonder.

Introducing Skorton, Hannah Milliken '12, the other co-chair of the OSC, said that the years ahead would hold challenges and trials but also chances for learning, growth and fun.

Musical arrangements, including Cornell's alma mater sung by the Cornell Chorus and Glee Club, bracketed the president's remarks.