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[AUDIO LOGO] [MUSIC PLAYING]
[APPLAUSE]
MARIANELLA CASASOLA: Please welcome our graduates with a thunderous round of applause.
[APPLAUSE]
[CHEERING]
["POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE" PLAYING]
AUDIENCE: That's it!
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATIONS]
MARIANELLA CASASOLA: Now that we've cheered our graduates on their entrance-- congratulations-- please join me in welcoming the faculty of the College of Human Ecology, led by Dean Rachel Dunifon.
[CHEERING]
The guests are in their places. Welcome. The faculty are in their places. It is time to begin. We first would like to begin by acknowledging the history and the current truth about the beautiful land we live and learn on and upon which we gather today.
Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogohono, the Cayuga Nation, the Gayogohono are members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, an alliance of six sovereign nations with a historic and contemporary presence on this land. The Confederacy precedes the establishment of Cornell University, New York State, and the United States of America. We acknowledge the painful history of Gayogohono dispossession and honor the ongoing connection of Gayogohono people, past and present, to these lands and waters.
My name is Marianella Casasola, and I am the Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Human Ecology-- the best college, by the way-- at Cornell University.
[CHEERING]
I am so honored and just so filled with joy and pride to welcome you to the Human Ecology Commencement Ceremony. I hope that you have been having a wonderful and very meaningful weekend and that you have been able to stay dry, as well. Commencement is such a singularly joyful event, and we are so grateful to be together this morning with our college community to celebrate the wonderful accomplishments for our graduates and to recognize each graduate individually.
This event would not be possible without the amazing work of the Human Ecology Commencement Committee, led by Tracey Thompson. Tracey, where are you?
[APPLAUSE]
--Kimberly Dunst, who arranged this event.
[APPLAUSE]
And I'd also like to thank-- there's Tracey walking behind. Thank you, Tracey.
[APPLAUSE]
I also thank the many members of the Human Ecology staff who show their dedication to our students by being here with us today as volunteers to assist with the success of this event today. Thank you, volunteers.
[APPLAUSE]
Now it is my distinct joy and honor to introduce Rachel Dunifon, the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean of the College of Human Ecology. Dean Dunifon is a professor in the Department of Psychology and in the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. She is a leading scholar on child and family policy. Her research examines the ways in which policies, programs, and family settings influence the development of less-advantaged children.
Dean Dunifon has been awarded research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the USDA, and the William T. Grant Foundation. Prior to becoming dean, she was a senior associate dean for research and outreach in the college. And in this role, she oversaw faculty recruitment and development, provided leadership for the college's outreach and extension programs, and coordinated graduate education in the college.
Our students, faculty, and staff benefit tremendously from Dean Dunifon's leadership, enthusiasm, scholarship, and exceptional dedication. It is truly a privilege to work with her and for her. Please join me in welcoming Dean Dunifon to the podium.
[APPLAUSE]
RACHEL DUNIFON: Hello, everybody. It is wonderful to be here with you today. And right now, it is my honor to introduce our student speaker, Ruby Rapoport Trujillo, a human development major.
[CHEERING]
Ruby exemplifies many of the traits that make our Human Ecology students unique. She exudes kindness and ensures that everyone around her feels welcomed and supported. She is passionate about the psychology of learning and the importance of expanding educational opportunities. She chose to apply to Human Ecology because of the college's mission of improving human lives that resonated so deeply with her. Ruby also exemplifies the curiosity and excitement to learn that makes teaching and mentoring our students so joyful.
During her time here at Cornell, Ruby has actively engaged in childhood education through her involvement with College Mentors for Kids and her role as a middle school math tutor. She's also involved in adult learning, by working as a learning partner for the Cornell Learning and Service Partnership and acting as the training and development associate for Cornell Dining.
During her senior year, Ruby competed completed an honors thesis focused on spatial cognition in early childhood, building on her three years of experience as a research assistant in the Play and Learning Lab. She presented this thesis at a professional society meeting in California earlier this spring. In her free time, Ruby produces and performs in free Shakespeare plays with The Shakespeare Troupe at Cornell. Upon graduation, Ruby will join the Princeton Baby Lab as the lab manager, where she will continue her dedication to understanding early childhood development. Please join me in welcoming Ruby.
[APPLAUSE]
RUBY RAPOPORT TRUJILLO: Hello, everyone. First, I just want to say thank you so much to the Human Ecology leadership, both for the honor of speaking at this event and for everything that you have done for me over my four years here. Thank you.
So there might be some parents in the room who are wondering, I thought my kid went to Cornell. What is this college, and what on Earth is human ecology? It's a really strange name with a long history, but I have a lot of human ecology pride, so I hope that I can illuminate for you who we are and what makes this college so special.
The College of Human Ecology began as the College of Home Economics, and I'd like to thank human development PhD candidate Kathleen McCormick for sharing a quote from the Cornell Archives that highlights the college's goals and challenges in 1947. It states, "We were in a period of rapidly rising prices, high costs of commercial services, and lack of household help. Food, textiles, and home equipment are more plentiful now than a year ago, but expensive. Moreover, world peace was not achieved."
The end of that quote still feels particularly relevant to us. "Moreover, world peace was not achieved." And I also think it will remind many people in this room of themselves and of their human ecology peers who are constantly striving to be a positive force in the world and hold themselves to impossibly high standards, while others are in awe of all that they have accomplished.
As high school graduates, I think many of us chose the College of Human Ecology specifically because, on some level, we wanted to change the world. And as a freshman here, guess what? I did not change the world. I didn't even get close to changing the world. In fact, I realized really quickly that changing the world was going to be a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.
When we all came here, we were in the midst of a global pandemic. We couldn't even leave our rooms. I left my room once, I think, that entire freshman semester, and it was because Professor Marianella Casasola, our Dean of Undergraduate Affairs, invited small groups of us to tour the not yet fully renovated MVR Hall.
When I showed up, I got so lost. When you get into the elevator at MVR Hall, the buttons say T, TR, G, GR, 1, 2, 3, 3R, 3M, 4, and 4R. I don't know what that means.
[LAUGHTER]
So Professor Casasola finally found me wandering around the ground floor level like a missing Arctic explorer, blinded by the white sheets of construction plastic, and it just wasn't a great start for changing the world. And the next year, I still didn't change the world. But I did join the Cornell Learning and Service Partnership, and that really changed me.
The Cornell Learning and Service Partnership creates one-on-one mutual learning partnerships between Cornell employees and Cornell students who work together to accomplish the specific learning goals of the employee. During my first semester at this program, I worked with an amazing staff member of Cornell Dining who wanted to pass a food safety test that would qualify him for a more advanced position.
He felt he was failing because he did not receive a formal science education and was an English language learner. He struggled to learn the material from the textbook because it was taking an approach that did not speak to him and his experiences. The textbook talked about bacteria and viruses, and I was trying to teach the vocabulary to talk about bacteria while explaining what bacteria are in a language that my partner was still learning.
But the key thing about the Cornell Learning and Service Partnership is that it is a partnership. I thought back to my classes at Human Ecology, and one of the things that was always emphasized to me was that, when working with people with different experiences than you, it is important to take a strengths-based approach. I had gotten to know my partner, so I knew his strengths. My partner loved cooking. He loved to cook with his children, and he loved talking about the methods of cooking that he learned growing up in Tibet.
So I changed my approach from using the textbook's discussion of bacteria and viruses to a discussion of cooking. He already knew all about food safety. He could cook. And what I could bring to the table was new language to talk about the scientific concepts behind what he already knew.
At the end of the semester, my partner passed the food safety exam. And because this was a learning partnership, I had also learned some things. As much as he struggled with English, I'd come into this partnership knowing much less Tibetan, and I made it a point to learn a little more every session.
In our last session, my partner gifted me with a book about learning Tibetan. And that gift serves as a reminder to me that the only way to succeed in creating change is if you open yourself up to learning from others and are willing to change yourself. It also proved to me that working to have a positive impact within your community, or even just in one person's life, is valuable. World peace was not achieved, but I still have a lot that I can be proud of.
The thing that ties us all together as human ecology students is the mission to improve human lives. The pursuit of that mission, whether it be on the world community or individual level, is worthwhile. It is easy to worry that the things we do don't have an impact. Bad news is quick and constant, and change is hidden and incremental.
When we don't achieve world peace, and we only make incremental change, it is easy to get discouraged. But each of us is taking a step toward making the world a better place, all in very different ways. And that is the thing that connects us all. That is what connects nutrition to fiber science and design to human development.
For the rest of our lives, we may walk into rooms with the goal of world peace and walk out not having achieved it. It is good to hold on to those lofty goals. And it is fantastic to only achieve providing people with healthy food, sustainable clothing, thoughtfully designed spaces, and quality care. Our big secret is that we used to be the College of Home Economics, but that is nothing to be ashamed of.
All of the students at Cornell are highly motivated and highly intelligent. But there is something more here. What is special about everyone in this college is the desire to serve our communities and improve lives. World peace was not achieved, but each one of us should be able to leave Human Ecology knowing that the lessons we learned and the work that we do matter. I am so honored to have you all as my peers, and I wish each one of you a lifetime of innovation, partnership, and progress. Congratulations.
[APPLAUSE]
MARIANELLA CASASOLA: That was beautiful. OK. Yeah.
RACHEL DUNIFON: Thank you so much, Ruby. That was fantastic. So hello, Human Ecology class of 2024, and congratulations. I am so excited to celebrate this wonderful milestone with you today. As we reflect on all that you have experienced and accomplished during your time here, I know you didn't do it alone, so let's take a minute to have round of applause for your parents, families, friends, and all of those who supported you during your time in Human Ecology.
[APPLAUSE]
I am joined here on stage by our wonderful Human Ecology faculty and staff, whose mentorship, knowledge, and patience played a pivotal role in your Human Ecology experience. So let's thank them, as well.
[APPLAUSE]
And while we're expressing gratitude, I want to thank you for all that you have given us in the Human Ecology community. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
So what is human ecology, anyway-- the question that Ruby asked us to think about? I'm sure that you have been asked that question over and over again. I know that I have. I like to say that human ecology is the home of the human experience. In human ecology, we study the complexity of human life, from the food we eat, to the clothing we wear, the buildings we inhabit, the bodies, families, neighborhoods, and communities in which we live.
It's a place where we collectively seek to make lasting change. What makes human ecology unique and so critical in our world today is that we consider the full context of the human experience in all of its messy glory to fulfill our mission of improving human lives.
Human ecology was also part of your human experience at Cornell. And now that you're leaving us, you share a common bond with our Human Ecology community past, present, and future. As graduates of our college, you are the future. And you join almost a hundred years of alumni who made the college their home, each in their own way.
And if I had to use one word to describe our alumni, it would be trailblazing. Throughout our history, human ecology has been a home for trailblazers. Our proud heritage includes Cornell's first female faculty, first African-American woman to receive a PhD at Cornell, a founder of the Head Start program, and many more innovators, champions, and pioneers.
So let's talk about what it means to be a trailblazer. What image comes to your mind when you think of that word? For me, a trailblazer is someone who does things differently and forges their own path. Being a trailblazer guarantees that you'll get dirty and bruised, that you'll experience some stumbles and setbacks.
You might meet resistance from people who are set in their ways, those who are used to a safe and well-worn path. As a Human Ecology trailblazer, you won't be like everyone else. And with your Human Ecology education, you will experience and discover new and amazing things.
I had the chance to do some trailblazing of my own recently during a family trip to Iceland. As luck would have it, our time there coincided with the eruption of a volcano that had previously been dormant for 6,000 years. We decided that this was too good of an opportunity to pass up, so we set off to see the volcano. This involved an 8-mile round-trip hike at midnight that gave the phrase "off the beaten path" new meaning because we weren't even on an official path of any kind.
We hiked for many hours up and down a rocky mountain. We stumbled along, occasionally talking, but mostly focusing on putting one foot carefully in front of the other and listening to the sound of the clanking rocks under our feet, the increasing shortness of our breath-- or at least my breath-- and the occasional gasps when we stumbled. I tried to focus on the experience itself, but I was distracted, and I kept thinking about breaking an ankle or getting totally lost.
In Iceland, they have a phrase, "to bite the molar." It's what they say when things get really tough, and you have to bear down and find that extra gear to keep going. So we bit the molar. We all kept going until we finally crested the top. And there, in the midst of the darkness, emerged the volcano, up close and personal-- a sudden heat on our faces and roiling thick lava just oozing from the Earth. We were mesmerized.
And in that moment, I thought, this was totally worth it. We bit the molar, and it was awesome. But I have to admit, I was scared. And if you had told me ahead of time what that hike would entail, I might not have done it. I'm so glad, though, that I did because that was one of the most amazing and unique experiences of my life. And to this day, I keep a picture of the volcano on my phone as a reminder of the magical moment when we crested the mountain and saw it.
In Iceland, my family and I had a decision to make-- whether to take a risky and unknown path in the hopes of having an amazing experience. You, too, are hovering at the edge of an unknown trail. It might be well-defined. Or, like the path to that volcano, it might not even exist at all.
You might feel scared, like I did. You might not be able to see your way forward. But I assure you, you will create one, and you will blaze new trails of your own. Like any trailblazer, you'll need to bring a few things with you, besides water, sunscreen, and snacks. Yes, I am a mom.
Here are three things for you to take in your pack. First, bravery-- you've already proven that you can do hard things. Your time here had its challenges, and you'll face more challenges ahead. We all do. I am so proud of how brave you are. There'll be times when you're nervous, just like I was on that hike. Remind yourself of how strong you are, dig deep, and keep going.
Second, trust-- trust that you will know the next step to take and that the future will be OK, even though you can't see the outcome right now. Trust in yourself and why you decided to get on this path in the first place. Trust in the people ahead of you that you can learn from, and rely on them. Trust that you can do this, and it will be totally worth it in the end.
And third, people-- be intentional about who you bring along with you on your hike, prioritizing your friendships and your relationships. These are the people who will encourage you to keep going to reach that volcano. Just like anything else, relationships take work, an investment that is totally worth it.
As Human Ecology graduates and trailblazers, you have all the tools that you need to live your own, rich life and to improve the lives of others. You know that life is complicated, messy, and glorious. And I am so excited to see how you use the knowledge that you've gained, the creativity that you've honed, and the experiences you've had at Human Ecology to make our world a better place.
As you embark on your next adventures, we hope you'll come back to your Human Ecology community, either here in Ithaca or around the world, so that we can learn about and celebrate your journey. We can't wait to hear about the lives you've touched, the obstacles that you've overcome, and all the trails that you have blazed. Congratulations.
[APPLAUSE]
MARIANELLA CASASOLA: We will now proceed with the presentation of the graduates. However, before doing so, I want to acknowledge those who are not here with us today, who we hold in a special place in our hearts and have a seat in the front row in their honor.
We first present the students receiving graduate degrees grouped by degree and department. Next, I will present the students receiving bachelor degrees, who will be grouped by major. After I introduce each student, the graduate will cross the stage and be greeted by a faculty member from their program. Then Dean Dunifon will congratulate them.
There is a professional photographer taking pictures of each graduate as they are greeted by the Dean. Graduates will receive a congratulatory certificate. The actual diplomas will be mailed, we promise. The Dean will be available in the stage area for individual photos after the ceremony.
If you are taking additional photographs, please be careful not to impede the work of the professional photographer or the flow of students in the aisle. Please follow the guidance of our staff so everyone can proceed smoothly and safely. Before I begin reading the names, I just want to extend a special congratulations to my own, beloved students.
Because my job is to read the names and not be crying as I do so, I'm going to save my personal greetings and hugs after the ceremony. But as I call your name, please know that my heart will be full of bursting with deep affection and pride and that I will celebrate with you during the reception following the ceremony.
We will now award graduate degrees for the College of Human Ecology. Greeting degree recipients is Professor Nancy Wells, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education. Hold on. Let me see.
[READING NAMES]
AUDIENCE: [INAUDIBLE]
MARIANELLA CASASOLA: [LAUGHS]
[READING NAMES]
We will now award Bachelors of Science degrees from the Department of Human Centered Design.
[CHEERING]
Greeting degree recipients in the majors of Design and Environmental Analysis, and Fiber Science, and Apparel Design is Yasser Gowayed, Department Chair.
[APPLAUSE]
[READING NAMES]
We will now award Bachelor of Science from the Department of Psychology. Greeting degree recipients in the major of Human Development is Felix Thoemmes, Department Chair.
[CHEERING]
[READING NAMES]
[SPANISH]
[READING NAMES]
We will now award bachelor of science degrees from the Division of Nutritional Sciences.
[CHEERING]
Greeting the degree recipients in the majors of Global and Public Health, Human Biology, Health and Society, and Nutritional Sciences is Pat Cassano, faculty member in the Division of Nutritional Sciences.
[APPLAUSE]
[READING NAMES]
I present to you the class of 2024. Congratulations!
[CHEERING]
Thank you. I believe this audience may win the award for most outstanding cheerleading. Thank you.
[CHEERING]
After we conclude the ceremony, please join us for a reception in the Ramin Room. I'm supposed to point in the direction. Which direction is it? That way.
[LAUGHTER]
I want to thank you for coming to celebrate our wonderful graduates, especially with such enthusiasm. I wish you a wonderful weekend and smooth, safe travels. To our graduates, congratulations and best wishes.
Please keep in touch. We are ready for our alma mater. The words are on the back of the program. Warm up your voices. It is my pleasure now to introduce the graduate who will lead us in singing the alma mater, Caleb Coe.
[CHEERING]
["FAR ABOVE CAYUGA'S WATERS" PLAYING]
CALEB: Sorry. I didn't make it up in time. That's my bad.
[LAUGHTER]
[CHEERING]
["FAR ABOVE CAYUGA'S WATERS" PLAYING] Far above Cayuga's waters
With its waves of blue
Stands our noble alma mater
Glorious to view
Lift the chorus
Speed it onward
Loud her praises tell
Hail to thee, our alma mater
Hail, all hail Cornell
Far above the busy humming
Of the bustling town
Reared against the arch of heaven
Looks she proudly down
Lift the chorus
Speed it onward
Loud her praises tell
Hail to thee, our alma mater
Hail, all hail Cornell
[CHEERING]
