Celebrating in person for the first time since May 2019, this year’s 24th annual Staff Graduate Reception honored 51 Cornell staff members who earned degrees from December 2019 to May 2021 through the Employee Degree and Cornell Tuition Assistance programs.

Credit: Jason Koski/Cornell University

“In an ordinary year, under ordinary circumstances, it would have been difficult enough and impressive enough,” President Martha E. Pollack told the graduates, who gathered for the hybrid event via zoom and in person at Stocking Hall on Sept. 15. “But this is anything but an ordinary year, and you are anything but ordinary graduates.”

Reginald White, senior director of human resources for the Research Division and employee elected trustee; and Jessica Withers, communication and development assistant for Catherwood Library and the Employee Assembly chair, presented the graduates’ names and biographies.

“Your degree stands for more than the mastery of a field of study, as important as that is,” said Mary Opperman, vice president and chief human resources officer. “Your degree represents sacrifice, dedication, courage and a steadfast desire to shape your own destiny.”

A recorded version of the reception is available.

A full list of the graduates can be found here.