Jason Koski/University Photography

President David Skorton welcomes new students to Cornell Aug. 18 during the New Student Convocation.

Jason Koski/University Photography

New students attend Convocation in Schoellkopf Stadium.

Under brilliant, sunny skies, President David Skorton welcomed more than 3,000 new students and their family members to Cornell with advice and words of encouragement Aug. 18 at the New Student Convocation in Schoellkopf Stadium, as he extolled the many resources available to them.

"We welcome you to the university and to the start of what will be a transformative journey, not only for you, but for all of us -- for you will change Cornell as much as Cornell changes you," Skorton said. "Cornell is a strong, and talented, and positive, supportive community comprising people with wonderfully varying interests, perspectives and ideas -- different ideas that will challenge you in your own thinking."

Skorton noted that with 37,808 applicants, the Class of 2016 is "the most selective in Cornell's 147-year history."

His advice to the students included exploring subjects that interest them and getting to know their professors. He encouraged them to "be an active member of Cornell and wider communities" and to hold themselves "to high ethical standards of conduct in everything you do."

He stressed: "College should be a time to pursue intellectual passions and take intellectual risks. You have some 4,000 courses to choose from, plus opportunities to perform research and pursue scholarship and creative work. I hope you'll make time each semester to take at least one course for the sheer joy of learning about a topic that interests you."

Cornell faculty members, he said, "are world leaders in their fields. ... They also care deeply about teaching. Take advantage of their office hours. Ask questions during or after class. And get to know the faculty beyond the classroom -- one of the great advantages of our compact campus."

Skorton quoted from Andrew Dickson White's inaugural address to Cornell students in 1868: "'You are not here to be made; you are here to make yourselves.' And Cornell students have been rising to that challenge ever since," in both service and achievement, that for some, he said, started at the beginning of their Cornell careers with Pre-Orientation Service Trips.

Skorton was joined on the podium by Cornell deans, administrators and members of the student Orientation Steering Committee. Before his remarks, student leaders addressed the new arrivals and their families.

Michael Sugihara '13, Orientation Steering Committee chair, described the "two qualities of impact" he discovered at Cornell, "in service and in identifying a source of passion," as he related his experiences in Guatemala City serving children and orphans in need. "Go to class, go easy on the ice cream ... and, most importantly, go serve," he said.

Adam Gitlin '13, president of the Student Assembly, advised students to "find your community ... you'll have people who illuminate your interests and values" and to "get involved and contribute to student life, whether it's the Glee Club and Chorus, plays at Risley or the Human Flight [Project]."

Student-elected trustee Alex Bores '13 offered a reminder: "Remember that you belong here. The admissions office doesn't make mistakes. You beat out 31,689 other applicants for your spot. And if you struggle, there are great resources here to help guide you."