Cornell’s newest Ph.D.s found success even through the unexpected events of the last few years, President Michael I. Kotlikoff reminded nearly 400 doctoral graduates at the 2025 Ph.D. Recognition Ceremony on May 23 at Barton Hall.

“Every one of you here has traveled a path to your Ph.D. that you surely never contemplated when you first arrived on campus. The pandemic brought you distance teaching and empty labs, followed by an academic year like none in our history,” he said. “And despite it all, every one of you has succeeded, through every challenge and past every obstacle, in completing the mental marathon that is a Ph.D.”

Credit: Alexandra Bayer/Cornell University

Each doctoral student accepted a certificate from Kathryn J. Boor ’80, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate education, as they crossed the stage. The ceremony celebrated doctoral candidates with degrees conferred between August 2024 and August 2025.

“A doctorate differs from other degrees in not only the time required but also in what you do: Not only do you have to become a world expert in your dissertation area, you grapple with the unknown to expand the frontier of human knowledge. You also share your new discoveries, creations and knowledge with the world,” Provost Kavita Bala told the graduates. “As you go out into the world, know that you have much to contribute.”

This year’s faculty speaker, Stephen Ceci, Helen L. Carr Professor of Developmental Psychology in the College of Human Ecology, spoke to graduates about the importance of bolstering their social skills in addition to their academic capabilities as they prepare for life beyond Cornell.

“As you depart the academy, you are confronting a new world – one not fueled by academic intelligence, grades, GREs and publications. The world outside of academia demands different skills,” he said. “Success in the next chapter of your life will go to those with high social intelligence – you already have high academic intelligence, those with a keen sensitivity to the feelings and views of those around them and a modest attitude coupled with a focus on doing simple, daily acts of kindness.”

Credit: Alexandra Bayer/Cornell University

This advice about emotional intelligence resonated with nutrition graduate Tong Chen, Ph.D. ’25, who said that relationships formed with her advisor and peers gave her the support needed to complete her degree.

“It’s not a journey that anyone can finish by themselves,” Chen said.

Classics graduate Isaac Hoffman, Ph.D. ’25, found that his family and partner were similarly crucial to his success and also learned that it’s more important to work well with one’s advisor than to pursue the exact same academic focus.

The most important lesson Prince Ochonma, Ph.D. ’24, took away from earning his doctorate in chemical engineering was the importance of perseverance.

“It’s not going to be easy,” he said. “Like experiments, we fail, but don’t feel bad about it. The failure is what informs the success.”

Having come from Nigeria to study at Cornell, Ochonma found the journey to a Ph.D. extra meaningful.

“I look back and can clearly tell I’m a different person,” said Ochonma. “I’m so grateful for Cornell giving me this opportunity to earn my degree.”

Watch recordings of the Ph.D. Recognition Ceremony and the morning and afternoon Commencement ceremonies.

Katya Hrichak is a communications specialist with the Graduate School.