As the 2026 academic year wrapped up, 99 Cornell employees celebrated completing their degrees while balancing the demands of full-time work. Graduates, driven by a desire to advance their careers, deepen their knowledge and impact their communities, earned degrees in fields ranging from forestry and library science to neuroscience and hospitality.

For the staff graduates, Cornell’s Employee Degree and Tuition Aid programs made those pursuits possible, providing the flexibility and support to continue their education either at Cornell or another university without stepping away from their careers.

“I chose nursing because of one nurse who took care of me,” said Nadia Miller, licensed practical nurse at Weill Cornell Medicine, who earned an associate degree in nursing from Excelsior University. “That nurse made me feel seen, heard and cared for during a very difficult time. I remember thinking that if I could make even one person feel the way they made me feel, then nursing was the path for me.”

Other graduates sought to strengthen their leadership skills and broaden their perspectives. Lauren Zehner, associate director of technical programs and student life at Cornell Tech, pursued an executive MBA degree at Cornell in order to become a more strategic leader.

“The experience challenged me, strengthened my business knowledge and introduced me to an incredible group of classmates,” Zehner said. “Being part of a close-knit cohort created an environment where I could learn not only from the faculty, but also from classmates with different backgrounds, industries and perspectives.”

Hosted by the Division of Human Resources and Employee Assembly, the June 8 and 9 events, on Cornell’s Ithaca and Weill Cornell Medicine campuses, honored not only academic achievement, but the resilience, shared purpose and commitment to lifelong learning that define Cornell staff.

This year also marked the first time Weill Cornell Medicine employees were formally included in the program, representing 59 graduates across the institution.

“Although we are not all physically on the same campus, we share an academic mission,” President Michael I. Kotlikoff said. “Your degrees are a testament not only to your academic accomplishments but to your commitment to our academic mission. And they are a testament, as well, to those who have supported you along your journey, the family, friends and faculty who have motivated and encouraged you, many of whom join us today.”

Throughout the ceremony, employees reflected on the support networks that helped them balance work, study and personal commitments. Graduates shared stories of supervisors who offered flexibility and encouragement, colleagues who accommodated schedules and mentors who helped guide them through challenging coursework. Family members took on extra responsibilities at home, providing emotional support and helping persevere through difficult moments.

The celebration also highlighted Cornell’s commitment to strengthening collaboration across campuses.

“We tripled nominations for the Employee Excellence Awards when we first collaborated with Weill Cornell Medicine in the fall, and we knew we had to continue building on that partnership,” said Vail Eubanks, recognition manager in the Division of Human Resources. “Recognition is more important than ever right now, as our employees have shown extraordinary resilience this year, and it’s important to spotlight and celebrate their hard work and dedication. Plus, collaborating with our colleagues at Weill Cornell Medicine has been an absolute privilege and truly embodies what One Cornell is all about.” 

For more information and to watch this year’s ceremony, visit the Staff Graduation Reception website.

Grace DePaull is a communications assistant in the Department of Inclusion and Belonging in the Division of Human Resources.