Skip to main content

Working at Cornell

Staff Graduates

Celebrating Cornell staff who have earned degrees through our Employee Degree  or Tuition Aid education benefits.

2024 Graduates    

Receiving advanced degrees from Cornell University

  • Andrea Michelle Durmiaki
    •    Marketing and Extension Aide, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
    •    MPS, Global Development, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

  • Kurt M. Fritjofson
    •    Research & Program Administrator, Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability
    •    Executive Master of Public Administration, Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

  • Kate Freyer
    •    Director, Reunion Programs, Class, Student and Young Alumni Programs
    •    Master of Industrial and Labor Relations, Human Resources & Organizations, Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations

  • Kera Groves
    •    Program Finance Manager, eCornell
    •    Master of Business Analytics, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

  • Jesse Kreager
    •    Finance Manager, School of Continuing Education
    •    Executive Master of Business Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

  • Christopher Marshall
    •    Research Technician III, Cornell Biological Field Station
    •    Master of Science, Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

  • Nicole McQuiddy-Davis
    •    Interim Director, Center for Hospitality Research, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Nolan School of Hotel Administration
    •    Master of Business Administration, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management

  • Jocelyn Lilliana Mendoza
    •    Senior Animal Technologist, Center for Animal Resources and Education
    •    Master of Public Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology

  • Kundan Moktan
    •    Plant Growth Facility and Grounds Supervisor, CALS/ Buildings & Property/ Cornell AgriTech
    •    Master of Business Administration, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management

  • Andrew M. Page
    •    Assistant Director, Video Engineering and Event Services, Cornell Information Technologies 
    •    Master of Business Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

  • Brett M. Powell
    •    Associate Director, Roper Center for Public Opinion Research 
    •    Executive Master of Business, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

  • Alyssa Pontes Stablein
    •    Quality Assurance Lead, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Veterinary Biobank 
    •    Master of Business Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business 

  • Kurt Sarsfield
    •    Project Manager for Strategic Initiatives, David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement
    •    Master of Business Administration, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management

  • Cole Tucker
    •    Director of Utilities Distribution and Energy Management, Facilities and Campus Services 
    •    Executive MBA, Master of Business Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

  • Matthew Tsang
    •    Applications Programmer, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
    •    Master of Engineering in Computer Science, Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science

  • Elizabeth Whitmore-Stolar
    •    Research Technician III, Cornell Biological Field Station at Shackelton Point
    •    Master of Science, Natural Resources: Fishery and Aquatic Sciences, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Receiving doctoral degrees from Cornell University

  • Joseph P. Amsili
    •    Extension Associate, Cornell of Agriculture and Life Sciences 
    •    Doctor of Philosophy and Soil Science, Cornell University Graduate School 
  • Jamila Walida Simon
    •    Associate Director for Innovation of Youth Programs, BCTR/NYS 4-H
    •    PhD Global Development, Cornell University College of Human Ecology

Receiving undergraduate degrees from another college or university

  • Jamie Crumb
    •    Facilities Supervisor, Baker Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine
    •    Associate in Applied Science, School Facilities Management AAS-T from Mohawk Valley Community College 

  • Caitlin Lillian Green
    •    LPN, Cornell Health
    •    Associate of Nursing from Tompkins Cortland Community College

Receiving advanced degrees from another college or university

  • Anna E. Pollock
    •    Director of Cornell's Adult University, Cornell Alumni Travel, Alumni Affairs and Development
    •    Master of Digital Marketing, School of Professional Students from Wake Forest University 

  • Jess Ishmeil Ramtahal
    •    Student Services Coordinator, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management
    •    Master of Liberal Arts, Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts & Sciences from Johns Hopkins University

  • Jeremy Stewart
    •    Associate Director of Fitness Operations, Cornell Fitness Centers
    •    Master of Science, Sport and Recreation Management from the University of North Alabama

Receiving doctoral degree from another college or university

  • Laura Beth Santacrose
    •    Associate Director, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives
    •    Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Milken Institute of Public Health from George Washington University   

2023 Graduates

Receiving undergraduate degrees from Cornell University

  • Tom Horton,  Associate CISO in CIT: Bachelor of Arts concentration in Science & Technology Studies from Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences
  • Max Mandeville, Senior Conference and Event Planner in Student and Campus Life: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences        

Receiving advanced degrees from Cornell University

  • Ben Adams, Associate Director for Asset Management and Analytics: Master of Business Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
  • Emily Anderson, Program Director at the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs: Executive Master of Public Administration, Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy
  • Leanna Caloras, Assistant HR Director: Master of Business Administration, Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management        
  • Ascari Chotoosingh, Administrative Assistant for the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs: Master of Science in Business Analytics from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management   
  • Claire Guevarra Concepcion, Program Assistant at the ILR School: Master of Public Health Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine   
  • Sara Eddleman, Administrator in the Research Division: Master of Science in Communication from Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 
  • Sarah Harrington,  Manager of Programs and Administration at the Bronfenbrennner Center for Translational Research: Master of Professional Studies in Applied Economics and Management from the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management         
  • Denise F. LaLonde-Paul, Licensed Veterinary Technician at the Veterinary Biobank: Master of Public Health in Food Systems and Health from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine                 
  • Gissela A. Mera Lourido, Administrative Manager at Cornell Tech: Master of Business Administration from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management
  • Sean Mansfield, Visiting Lecturer with the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps: Master of Business Administration from Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
  • Andrea Marie Rose, Coordinator of Program Operations Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Executive MBA Programs: Master of Science in Legal Studies Cornell Law School           
  • Laura Pineda-Bermudez, Extension Aide for the National Good Agricultural Practices Program with Cornell Agritech Department of Food Science: Master of Science in Horticultural Crop Management from Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Chris Savinio, Finance Specialist with Cornell University College of Agriculture & Life Science:  Executive Master of Business Administration Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management          
  • Pooja Sen, Licensed Veterinary Technician and INC Section Coordinator at Cornell University Hospital for Animals: Master of Public Health with a concentration in Public Health, Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Karen T. Siewert, Director at the Center for Advanced HR Studies at the ILR School: Master of Human Resource Management from the ILR School          
  • Natasha Steinhall, Academic DEI Education Program Manager for the Intergroup Dialogue Project: Master of Public Administration Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy                    
  • Ami Stuart,  Tech Events Manager for Entrepreneurship at Cornell: Master of Science in Organizational Behavior from ILR School       
  • Darby Warf, Licensed Veterinary Technician at the Small Animal Intensive Care Unit: Master of Public Health in Infectious Disease and Epidemiology from Cornell University Graduate School

Receiving Cornell Ph.Ds

  • Amanda Purington Drake, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research:         Doctorate of Philosophy, concentration in Communication from Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 

Receiving undergraduate degrees from another college or university

  • Kristin L. Beierle, Assistant Director in Conference and Event Services: Associate of Applied Science in Business from Tompkins Cortland Community College
  • Laurie Conlon, Training and Communication Consultant with HRIS: Bachelor of Science in Business, Management and Economics from Empire State University
  • Joshua M Cooley,  Senior Zone Facilities Manager for FCS: Associate in Occupational Studies for Electrical Construction and Instrumentation from SUNY Delhi          
  • Jeremy Cusker, Technician at CALS, Neurobiology & Behavior + Molecular Biology & Genetics:            Certificate in Biotechnology from Tompkins-Cortland Community College      
  • Danielle Y Dean-Manzer, Faculty Support Specialist for the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management: Associate in Science Human Services from Tompkins Cortland Community College
  • Julie McGee, Registrar & Curriculum Support Specialist with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Registrar's Office: Associate of Arts in  Liberal Arts from Syracuse University College of Professional Studies     
  • Daniel Schied, Director Grounds in Facilities and Campus Services: Bachelor of Business, Management, Economics and Finance from Empire State

Receiving advanced degree from another college or university

  • Evan Swanhart Edwards, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions: Master of Science in Business Analytics from St. Bonaventure University School of Business       

Video Transcript

1
00:00:00,864 --> 00:00:06,840
[Christine] So good evening, 
everyone. My name is Christine Lovely,

2
00:00:06,840 --> 00:00:11,100
and I'm the vice President and Chief 
Human Resources Officer here at Cornell.

3
00:00:11,100 --> 00:00:14,040
and on behalf of the Employee

4
00:00:14,040 --> 00:00:20,130
Assembly and Human Resources, I would like to welcome all of you to the 26th

5
00:00:20,130 --> 00:00:24,480
Annual Staff Graduation Reception.

6
00:00:30,420 --> 00:00:34,640
All right. So I don't know who is going to shift the full gallery.

7
00:00:34,640 --> 00:00:36,360
Okay...

8
00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:42,660
So we're celebrating 18 staff members who have received

9
00:00:42,660 --> 00:00:45,120
college degrees this year.

10
00:00:45,120 --> 00:00:48,120
And we have some of these colleagues joining

11
00:00:48,120 --> 00:00:51,840
us online as well. Which is why I 
was asking for the gallery view,

12
00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:58,080
and I always enjoy these opportunities to celebrate with you and with your families.

13
00:00:58,080 --> 00:01:04,260
And before I go any further, I would 
like to read the University's Land Acknowledgment.

14
00:01:04,820 --> 00:01:10,380
Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands

15
00:01:10,380 --> 00:01:14,760
of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ, the Cayuga nation.

16
00:01:14,760 --> 00:01:21,180
The Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ, are members of 
the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, an alliance  

17
00:01:21,180 --> 00:01:27,140
of 6 sovereign nations with a historic 
and contemporary presence on this land.

18
00:01:27,140 --> 00:01:32,040
The Confederacy precedes the establishment of Cornell University,

19
00:01:32,040 --> 00:01:36,920
New York State, and the United States of America.

20
00:01:36,920 --> 00:01:43,680
We acknowledged the painful history of Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ dispossession and  

21
00:01:43,680 --> 00:01:47,100
... honor the ongoing connection of Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ

22
00:01:47,100 --> 00:01:52,020
people past and present to these lands and waters.

23
00:01:53,180 --> 00:01:57,180
President Pollack was unable to join us this evening,  

24
00:01:57,180 --> 00:02:01,680
but she provided me remarks that 
I will be reading on her behalf.

25
00:02:03,620 --> 00:02:09,480
[Pollack's Remarks:] Good afternoon, everyone, and congratulations to all of our graduates.

26
00:02:09,480 --> 00:02:13,140
I am so sorry that I wasn't able to be with you  

27
00:02:13,140 --> 00:02:19,440
today to congratulate you in person for 
your enormously impressive achievements.

28
00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:24,060
This year we have about 34 staff members earning degrees,  

29
00:02:24,060 --> 00:02:29,040
either here at Cornell, through the employee degree program or at another institution.

30
00:02:29,040 --> 00:02:31,640
The tuition aid program.

31
00:02:31,640 --> 00:02:32,640
 

32
00:02:32,640 --> 00:02:38,820
These programs we've offered at Cornell for many years for what boils down to one simple reason;

33
00:02:38,820 --> 00:02:43,260
we believe deeply in the power of higher education  

34
00:02:43,260 --> 00:02:47,120
to change lives and societies for the better.

35
00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:51,600
Each of you has chosen to take advantage of these programs  

36
00:02:51,600 --> 00:02:57,660
because you are a part of Cornell, part of our mission, and you believe in that power.

37
00:02:57,660 --> 00:03:01,980
And in doing so you've enriched our entire community.  

38
00:03:03,240 --> 00:03:09,660
Your degrees are a testament, not only to your academic achievements, but to your tenacity.

39
00:03:09,660 --> 00:03:15,780
And they are a testament... testament as well to those who have supported you along your  

40
00:03:15,780 --> 00:03:21,900
journey. The family, friends, and faculty 
who have motivated and encouraged you.

41
00:03:21,900 --> 00:03:24,500
Many of whom join us today.

42
00:03:24,500 --> 00:03:30,360
Thank all of you for all of the ways 
you have enriched our community and furthered  

43
00:03:30,360 --> 00:03:36,000
our academic mission. I am delighted to congratulate each and every one of you,  

44
00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:40,560
and to wish you all the best. So that 
concludes President Pollack's remarks.

45
00:03:48,500 --> 00:03:49,500
 

46
00:03:49,500 --> 00:03:55,680
Commencement is such an exciting time. Many individuals have been 24/7 students  

47
00:03:55,680 --> 00:04:02,040
for the past several years, and are ready to transition to the next phase of their lives. Work.

48
00:04:02,760 --> 00:04:04,440
All of you here today, though,  

49
00:04:04,440 --> 00:04:09,360
have had a notably different experience than our more traditional students.

50
00:04:09,360 --> 00:04:16,260
And for that reason, it's truly my honor and privilege to recognize you for  

51
00:04:16,260 --> 00:04:20,220
reaching this milestone in your 
personal and professional lives.

52
00:04:20,220 --> 00:04:23,520
You manage to be a student and  

53
00:04:23,520 --> 00:04:27,120
an employee simultaneously. 
Give it up for you myself.

54
00:04:29,840 --> 00:04:32,640
That's impressive. I, honestly...

55
00:04:32,640 --> 00:04:39,000
I honestly could not imagine both holding down a full time job and  

56
00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:43,260
also being a student at the same time. 
So it's... I want you to all, to really

57
00:04:43,260 --> 00:04:45,660
congratulate yourselves and pat  

58
00:04:45,660 --> 00:04:47,880
yourselves on the back for what you've accomplished.

59
00:04:47,880 --> 00:04:52,680
For you, your degree stands for more than the mastery of a field of  

60
00:04:52,680 --> 00:05:00,120
study, as important as that is, it's a sign of your dedication and strength, and also your sacrifice.

61
00:05:00,120 --> 00:05:04,200
I know you had to make trade-offs to get to this point today.

62
00:05:04,200 --> 00:05:07,620
You should be very proud of your accomplishments.

63
00:05:07,620 --> 00:05:14,220
Today I, along with your Executive 
Co-Chair for the Employee Assembly, Marcy Benda,  

64
00:05:14,220 --> 00:05:18,060
right over there, and your 
Employee Elected Trustee,  

65
00:05:18,060 --> 00:05:23,880
Hei Hei Depew. Right over there will be 
presenting names of this year's graduates.

66
00:05:23,880 --> 00:05:29,520
We kindly ask that our graduates 
who are present with us in person today. Stand,  

67
00:05:29,520 --> 00:05:33,660
if you are able, if not, please, 
wave or indicate who you are,  

68
00:05:33,660 --> 00:05:37,340
so we know who we're clapping 
for when your name is called.

69
00:05:37,340 --> 00:05:42,180
There are two educational benefit 
programs that will be mentioned today.

70
00:05:42,180 --> 00:05:46,380
The Employee Degree Program and Tuition Aid.

71
00:05:46,380 --> 00:05:52,020
The Employee Degree Program helps 
staff to complete a degree with Cornell.

72
00:05:52,020 --> 00:05:55,200
While the Tuition Aid Program supports

73
00:05:55,200 --> 00:05:59,220
staff who complete their degree through other higher education institutions.

74
00:05:59,220 --> 00:06:06,080
Names will be announced in alphabetical order by last name, and I will start us off.

75
00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:10,760
Our first graduate is... drum roll...

76
00:06:10,760 --> 00:06:17,700
Ben Adams, who received his master of business administration from Cornell's SC Johnson  

77
00:06:17,700 --> 00:06:22,380
College of Business through the Employee degree program. Let's give it up, for Ben.

78
00:06:29,960 --> 00:06:30,960
 

79
00:06:30,960 --> 00:06:36,120
Ben has been working at Cornell for 3 years and currently serves as the associate director  

80
00:06:36,120 --> 00:06:40,740
for asset management and analytics in 
the division of financial services.

81
00:06:40,740 --> 00:06:43,080
Ben credits his wife...

82
00:06:43,080 --> 00:06:44,400
smart man...

83
00:06:44,400 --> 00:06:49,260
Anna, for making him feel supported during long weekend classes  

84
00:06:49,260 --> 00:06:52,740
and days. Ben would like to 
acknowledge his supervisor,  

85
00:06:52,740 --> 00:06:57,240
Simon Allen, as well for his support. 
Throughout Ben's academic journey

86
00:06:57,240 --> 00:07:00,060
Ben reflects on his residential  

87
00:07:00,060 --> 00:07:04,020
sessions as special moments quote; "It was great to get

88
00:07:04,020 --> 00:07:07,620
so many people together from so many different backgrounds

89
00:07:07,620 --> 00:07:13,440
and cultures." To stay inspired, Ben would remind himself how lucky he was to work  

90
00:07:13,440 --> 00:07:17,940
and study at a great institution 
like Cornell. Congratulations. Ben.

91
00:07:22,460 --> 00:07:23,460
 

92
00:07:23,460 --> 00:07:28,020
Our next graduate, is Emily Anderson.

93
00:07:33,140 --> 00:07:34,140
 

94
00:07:34,140 --> 00:07:40,200
Emily received her executive master of public administration from Cornell's Brooks School  

95
00:07:40,200 --> 00:07:46,380
of public policy through the employee degree program. Emily has been at Cornell for 4 years,  

96
00:07:46,380 --> 00:07:49,620
and she currently works as a program director for  

97
00:07:49,620 --> 00:07:54,960
Brooks School Institute of Politics and 
Global Affairs. Congratulations. Emily.

98
00:08:02,400 --> 00:08:07,585
Our next graduate, is Kristin L. Beierle

99
00:08:09,480 --> 00:08:10,620
Hi Kristin.

100
00:08:15,180 --> 00:08:20,700
Kristin received her Associate 
of applied Science and Business from TC3.

101
00:08:20,700 --> 00:08:25,080
Through the tuition Aid program. 
Kristin is the assistant director  

102
00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:30,840
in Conference and Events services, 
and has been at Cornell for 21 years.  

103
00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:35,520
Kristin states quote; "Everyone in my 
orbit supported me on this journey."

104
00:08:35,520 --> 00:08:39,480
She plans to celebrate her achievement with a special family dinner  

105
00:08:39,480 --> 00:08:45,540
and a semester off before before continuing on way to go Kristin, congratulations.

106
00:08:45,540 --> 00:08:52,760
We wish you all the best in your continued journey.

107
00:08:52,760 --> 00:08:56,540
Our next graduate is Leanna Caloros...

108
00:08:58,440 --> 00:09:00,660
Caloras, I'm sorry.

109
00:09:00,660 --> 00:09:01,800
Sorry.

110
00:09:01,800 --> 00:09:11,700
Leanna received a master of business 
administration from the Samuel Curtis Johnson,  

111
00:09:11,700 --> 00:09:17,820
Graduate School of Management Executive MBA Program to the employee degree program.

112
00:09:17,820 --> 00:09:23,300
Leanna is the assistant HR Director 
for the SC Johnson College of Business.

113
00:09:23,300 --> 00:09:28,920
She's been at Cornell for 3 years, and Leanna has chosen to pursue an  

114
00:09:28,920 --> 00:09:33,660
MBA. Because she believed the program was set her up for success in her HR Career,  

115
00:09:33,660 --> 00:09:38,509
where she aspires to one day be a leader in HR. Don't come from my job Leanna.

116
00:09:38,509 --> 00:09:44,220
Leanna celebrated her degree  completion with her entire family,  

117
00:09:44,220 --> 00:09:49,140
who made the trip to Ithaca for commencement weekend. That's wonderful. In addition,  

118
00:09:49,140 --> 00:09:54,180
her best friend booked a celebratory 
trip with a surprise destination.

119
00:09:54,180 --> 00:09:58,680
Quote; "I'm so grateful and appreciate everyone who supported me  

120
00:09:58,680 --> 00:10:04,260
in getting my MBA these past 3 years. I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my  

121
00:10:04,260 --> 00:10:09,300
career." I can't wait to hear where you went on a surprise trip. Congratulations, Leanna.

122
00:10:17,280 --> 00:10:20,220
Our next graduate, is Ascari.

123
00:10:20,220 --> 00:10:25,680
Ascari received a master 
of science in business analytics

124
00:10:28,340 --> 00:10:33,900
 from the Samuel Curtis Johnson, 
Graduate School of Management through the  

125
00:10:33,900 --> 00:10:39,840
Cornell Employee Degree program. Ascari is an administrative assistant in the office of  

126
00:10:39,840 --> 00:10:45,600
Vice Provost for international Affairs, and has been at Cornell for 4 years. Congratulations

127
00:10:45,600 --> 00:10:50,940
Ascari on this amazing achievement. We wish you success in your future endeavors.

128
00:10:57,840 --> 00:11:01,620
Claire Guevarra Concepcion is our next graduate,  

129
00:11:01,620 --> 00:11:05,100
who received a masters of public 
health. There she is in the back.

130
00:11:05,100 --> 00:11:10,260
From Cornell University's College of veterinarian medicine.

131
00:11:10,940 --> 00:11:17,580
Claire is a program assistant in ILR and has been at Cornell for 13 years.

132
00:11:18,600 --> 00:11:19,260
Wow!

133
00:11:19,260 --> 00:11:21,037
While going through her program,

134
00:11:21,037 --> 00:11:26,340
Claire felt most supported by coworkers, professors, and her supervisors. 

135
00:11:26,340 --> 00:11:32,160
Fellow employee degree program members were invaluable for providing empathy, support,  

136
00:11:32,160 --> 00:11:38,172
generosity and understanding what it is like to juggle work in school and raising teenagers 101.

137
00:11:38,172 --> 00:11:43,800
She was motivated by the knowledge 
that she was earning and mastering competitive  

138
00:11:43,800 --> 00:11:48,480
and valuable skills that she can bring back to the workplace, but also, importantly,  

139
00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:53,460
she was inspired by the dream of one day being able to have stability for herself and

140
00:11:53,460 --> 00:11:59,520
her family coming from a working class immigrant family. It was important to Claire to give back

141
00:11:59,520 --> 00:12:05,280
to her family for their work and sacrifices by completing this degree congratulations, Claire.

142
00:12:12,420 --> 00:12:15,900
Our next graduate is Laurie Conlon.

143
00:12:21,780 --> 00:12:25,620
Laurie received a Bachelor of 
Science Degree in business  

144
00:12:25,620 --> 00:12:31,500
management and Economics from Empire State University through the tuition Aid program.

145
00:12:31,500 --> 00:12:34,560
Laurie works on the Human Resources  

146
00:12:34,560 --> 00:12:40,620
information Systems team as a training and communication consultant and get this,

147
00:12:40,620 --> 00:12:45,240
she has been at Cornell for 38 years.

148
00:12:48,560 --> 00:12:52,560
She barely looks 38 to me, honestly.

149
00:12:52,560 --> 00:12:57,120
Laurie had two memorable moments that she wanted to share.

150
00:12:57,120 --> 00:13:00,480
First the connection she made with her mentor Anna,

151
00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:07,080
who always gave her encouragement each time they met, Anna's guidance was invaluable. Second,  

152
00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:13,140
after 18 months of Zoom Meetings with Jackie, a student service representative at Empire State,

153
00:13:13,140 --> 00:13:18,840
Laurie surprised Jackie by making the 
trip to Saratoga to meet and thank her in person.

154
00:13:18,840 --> 00:13:23,880
During her academic journey, Laurie felt supported by her family,  

155
00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:26,760
her manager, Amy, her Mentor, Anna,  

156
00:13:26,760 --> 00:13:32,700
and Jackie. Each person offers support in their own unique way. Congratulations, Laurie.

157
00:13:39,420 --> 00:13:43,320
Our next graduate, is Josh M. Cooley.

158
00:13:46,340 --> 00:13:52,440
We received an associate of occupational studies from SUNY Delhi,  

159
00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:58,140
with the concentration in electrical construction and instrumentation, sounds complicated.

160
00:13:58,140 --> 00:14:01,980
Josh completed his degree through the tuition aid program,  

161
00:14:01,980 --> 00:14:05,520
and Josh currently works as a senior zone facilities,  

162
00:14:05,520 --> 00:14:10,620
manager facilities and campus services, and has been working at Cornell for 6 years.

163
00:14:10,620 --> 00:14:14,760
Once Josh completed his five-year apprenticeship with the  

164
00:14:14,760 --> 00:14:19,500
International Brotherhood of electrical 
workers he enrolled at SUNY Delhi,  

165
00:14:19,500 --> 00:14:22,860
transferring his credits towards an associate degree.

166
00:14:22,860 --> 00:14:28,560
It was a challenge. It was challenge 
balancing his academics alongside his full time  

167
00:14:28,560 --> 00:14:33,600
job, being a father of two young children, and remaining involved in youth sports

168
00:14:33,600 --> 00:14:36,060
programs. I'm getting tired just reading that.

169
00:14:36,060 --> 00:14:40,740
There were many early mornings 
and late evenings, where Josh found himself  

170
00:14:40,740 --> 00:14:45,240
in front of the computer, completing his work. These journeys are never simple,

171
00:14:45,240 --> 00:14:48,420
and we congratulate you on your achievement Josh.

172
00:14:54,600 --> 00:15:00,300
Jeremy Cusker completed a certificate 
program in biotechnology from TC3

173
00:15:00,980 --> 00:15:04,220
through the tuition aid program.

174
00:15:04,220 --> 00:15:10,560
Jeremy has been working at Cornell for 14 years and works in CALS

175
00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:16,160
neurobiology and behavior and molecular biology and genetics as a technician... my.

176
00:15:16,160 --> 00:15:22,260
Jeremy shared that during his 
independent study he cultured the microbes living  

177
00:15:22,260 --> 00:15:28,920
on the steering wheels, seat belts and doors of ambulances in Tompkins County. How interesting!

178
00:15:28,920 --> 00:15:32,760
Jeremy recalls the staff at the EMS agency...

179
00:15:32,760 --> 00:15:38,280
agencies being very interested in 
this work, so he gave them their own experiment.

180
00:15:38,280 --> 00:15:43,140
Jeremy offered them additional 
culture place to leave on a radiator  

181
00:15:43,140 --> 00:15:48,540
for a few days. It's amazing how many 
microbes live, even on clean services.

182
00:15:48,540 --> 00:15:50,040
Hmm!

183
00:15:50,040 --> 00:15:54,900
Making a career shift from working in libraries to working in labs.  

184
00:15:54,900 --> 00:15:58,440
Jeremy enrolled in the certificate 
program, knowing it would open up  

185
00:15:58,440 --> 00:16:01,800
a world of opportunities for 
him. Congratulations, Jeremy.

186
00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:12,780
I will now invite Marcy Banda, Benda... 
I apologize, the executive vice chair  

187
00:16:12,780 --> 00:16:17,460
for the Employee Assembly to the podium to announce the next group of graduates.

188
00:16:24,660 --> 00:16:27,120
[Marcy] Thank you. That's going to be hard to follow.  

189
00:16:28,620 --> 00:16:34,140
I would also like to say, Leanna went 
to Tennessee as your surprise trip.

190
00:16:34,140 --> 00:16:35,580
So yay!

191
00:16:36,140 --> 00:16:39,660
Okay, thank you for Christine. It's an  

192
00:16:39,660 --> 00:16:43,740
honor to be here and able to recognize the amazing work of my fellow staff members.

193
00:16:43,740 --> 00:16:48,900
The first... the next graduate I 
would like to announce is Danielle Dean-Manzer.

194
00:16:55,320 --> 00:17:00,660
Danielle rec... Danielle receives an associates of science degree in Human Services from TC3.

195
00:17:00,660 --> 00:17:07,980
Through the Tuition Aid program. Danielle has been at Cornell for 25 years, currently works in  

196
00:17:07,980 --> 00:17:12,780
a Samuel Curtis Johnson, graduate school of management as a faculty support specialist.

197
00:17:12,780 --> 00:17:17,400
A traumatic personal experience led Danielle to choose her area of study

198
00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:23,280
In 2017, her husband was in an accident, paralyzing him from the chest down.  

199
00:17:23,280 --> 00:17:28,260
At the time they had no direction or guidance on how to handle the new challenges they would face.

200
00:17:28,260 --> 00:17:30,720
Danielle hopes that with her new degree,  

201
00:17:30,720 --> 00:17:34,560
she will be able to make someone else's experience a little less of a struggle.

202
00:17:34,560 --> 00:17:38,120
Danielle received tremendous support and encouragement from family  

203
00:17:38,120 --> 00:17:43,440
coworkers and her supervisors, Tory, Dennis, and Jessica Romero. Thank you, Danielle,  

204
00:17:43,440 --> 00:17:47,280
for taking your personal experience 
and paying it forward congratulations.

205
00:17:54,480 --> 00:17:59,156
Our next graduate is Laura Pineda-Bermudez.

206
00:18:04,380 --> 00:18:09,660
Laura received a master of science and for horticulture crop management from Cornell University  

207
00:18:09,660 --> 00:18:15,060
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Through the employee Degree program. Laura  

208
00:18:15,060 --> 00:18:19,560
is an extension aid for the CALS Agritech Department of Food Science. She's been working  

209
00:18:19,560 --> 00:18:24,540
at Cornell for 5 years. Laura would not have pursued this degree had it not been for the

210
00:18:24,540 --> 00:18:29,040
support and advocacy of her supervisor, Beth. She been... she has been a wonderful mentor, and  

211
00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:33,180
has helped Laura. Matt navigate barriers through during her professional growth and development.

212
00:18:33,180 --> 00:18:37,860
Her coworkers were a source of support with constant check-ins and patients,  

213
00:18:37,860 --> 00:18:40,320
while Laura juggled her many responsibilities,

214
00:18:40,320 --> 00:18:44,160
friends and study buddies held her accountable during her journey,  

215
00:18:44,160 --> 00:18:49,020
and her family provided unconditional love and affirmations from the very beginning. Lastly,  

216
00:18:49,020 --> 00:18:52,320
her partner Christian was her rock 
through it, out... throughout it all.

217
00:18:52,320 --> 00:18:56,700
As Laura said, it took a village, but 
you made it. Congratulations, Laura.

218
00:19:03,660 --> 00:19:07,740
The next graduate I'm going to 
announce, is Amanda Purington Drake.

219
00:19:07,740 --> 00:19:09,540
Amanda received...

220
00:19:14,820 --> 00:19:19,980
Amanda received a doctorate of Philosophy and communications from Cornell University's  

221
00:19:19,980 --> 00:19:24,480
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, as part of the Employee degree program.  

222
00:19:24,480 --> 00:19:29,400
Amanda currently serves as a director of research and evaluation from the...

223
00:19:29,400 --> 00:19:32,730
Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research.

224
00:19:32,730 --> 00:19:38,340
She's been at Cornell for 19 years. 
Amanda has always been focused on promoting the  

225
00:19:38,340 --> 00:19:43,620
health and well-being of children and adolescents. She decided to pursue a PhD. To deepen her  

226
00:19:43,620 --> 00:19:48,180
understanding of communication, theory, research, and how it shows up in practice and in life.

227
00:19:48,180 --> 00:19:53,820
When asked how she manages classes, work and home, Amanda responded with honestly,  

228
00:19:53,820 --> 00:19:57,120
"I don't think balance is achievable 
with all of this on your plate."

229
00:19:57,120 --> 00:20:02,160
I'll say. While we can all relate, Amanda still took time to  

230
00:20:02,160 --> 00:20:06,540
plan and strive for balance, sitting down every Sunday to plan her week and asking  

231
00:20:06,540 --> 00:20:10,320
for help when needed. This would have been impossible without an understanding, and in

232
00:20:10,320 --> 00:20:15,900
support of family supervisors, co-workers, and academic advisors. Congratulations, Amanda.

233
00:20:22,440 --> 00:20:24,300
Next we have Sara Eddleman.

234
00:20:31,020 --> 00:20:35,940
She received she received a master of science and communication from the Cornell University  

235
00:20:35,940 --> 00:20:42,240
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as part of the employee degree program. Sara currently  

236
00:20:42,240 --> 00:20:46,800
serves as an administrator for the research division, has been with Cornell for 10 years.

237
00:20:46,800 --> 00:20:51,780
Sara chose the communications field 
because she was endlessly curious about stories  

238
00:20:51,780 --> 00:20:57,720
that individuals and organizations organizations tell. To quote Sara; "I see important connections  

239
00:20:57,720 --> 00:21:02,280
between my research and the administrative role I play at Cornell. Studying communication has  

240
00:21:02,280 --> 00:21:06,840
given me the tools to examine how we talk about our ideals, and how we put them into action."

241
00:21:06,840 --> 00:21:09,540
What better way to celebrate than what with  

242
00:21:09,540 --> 00:21:14,640
some cake made by a lovely friend of 
her. Sara will share this delightful  

243
00:21:14,640 --> 00:21:18,240
treat with her family to commemorate 
the occasion. Congratulations Sara.

244
00:21:24,180 --> 00:21:28,500
Evan Swanhart Edwards is our next graduate,

245
00:21:28,500 --> 00:21:37,680
who received a master of science 
and business analytics from St. Bonaventure  

246
00:21:37,680 --> 00:21:42,180
University School of Business. Evan completed her degree through the tuition aid program.

247
00:21:42,180 --> 00:21:46,080
Evan is the associate director of undergraduate admissions,  

248
00:21:46,080 --> 00:21:47,940
and has been with Cornell for 6 years

249
00:21:47,940 --> 00:21:52,260
pursuing a masters in business analytics, allowed Evan to maximize her

250
00:21:52,260 --> 00:21:56,400
understanding of business practices 
and technical technical capabilities.  

251
00:21:56,400 --> 00:22:01,560
Evan can now can contribute to enhancing productivity and efficiency in her current work.

252
00:22:01,560 --> 00:22:06,300
Balancing a full time job and a Master's degree while being a mother of  

253
00:22:06,300 --> 00:22:13,740
three young children, was undeniably challenging. Yeah, it required sacrifices and compromises,  

254
00:22:13,740 --> 00:22:17,700
but the motivation to set an example for her children in advance, her career and

255
00:22:17,700 --> 00:22:22,680
academics for her driving forces. Evan hopes she has shown her children the importance  

256
00:22:22,680 --> 00:22:26,700
of lifelong learning and investing 
in yourself congratulations Evan.

257
00:22:32,220 --> 00:22:34,500
Our next graduate is Sarah Harrington.

258
00:22:40,740 --> 00:22:44,460
Sarah received her master of professional studies and applied  

259
00:22:44,460 --> 00:22:49,020
economics and management. Sarah completed her degree from the Charles H. Dyson School  

260
00:22:49,020 --> 00:22:52,140
of applied economics and management through the employee degree program.

261
00:22:52,140 --> 00:22:56,580
She's been at Cornell for 4 years. She currently works as the manager

262
00:22:56,580 --> 00:22:59,880
of programs and administration 
at the Bronfenbrenner Center  

263
00:22:59,880 --> 00:23:04,920
for Translational Research. Throughout her program Sarah was inspired by her partner,  

264
00:23:04,920 --> 00:23:09,720
who was working toward a PhD. She was also encouraged by the students in the MPS program,  

265
00:23:09,720 --> 00:23:14,040
who worked so hard to get her to get through the fast paced and challenging coursework.

266
00:23:14,040 --> 00:23:17,760
Sarah will celebrate her accomplishment by taking time to enjoy  

267
00:23:17,760 --> 00:23:22,680
the summer in Ithaca. She plans to swim and boat as much as possible while the weather is nice.

268
00:23:22,680 --> 00:23:24,900
Congratulations, Sarah.

269
00:23:31,080 --> 00:23:33,420
Our next graduate is Tom Horton.

270
00:23:39,540 --> 00:23:44,040
He received a Bachelor of Arts and Science and Technology studies  

271
00:23:44,040 --> 00:23:49,140
from Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences through the Employee degree program.

272
00:23:49,140 --> 00:23:52,500
Tom works as the Associate CISO,

273
00:23:52,500 --> 00:23:57,660
and he served Cornell for 24 years. Tom is interested in the study of ethics,  

274
00:23:57,660 --> 00:24:02,940
politics, and social issues surrounding 
technology. He's eternally grateful for  

275
00:24:02,940 --> 00:24:06,000
the support and encouragement 
of his wife, kids, and coworkers.  

276
00:24:06,000 --> 00:24:09,780
If it weren't for them he's not sure he 
would have finished as quickly as he did.

277
00:24:09,780 --> 00:24:15,540
Lastly, one of Tom's most memorable 
moments was taking his first STS class in  

278
00:24:15,540 --> 00:24:20,340
2004, with distinguished Professor 
Trevor Pinch. Congratulations Tom.

279
00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:30,660
Our next graduate is Denise F. LaLonde-Paul.

280
00:24:37,800 --> 00:24:43,020
Denise received a master of Public Health and Food Systems and Health from Cornell  

281
00:24:43,020 --> 00:24:48,000
University's College of Veterinary Medicine through the employee degree program. Denise  

282
00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:52,500
has been working at Cornell for 16 
years. She currently works as as a  

283
00:24:52,500 --> 00:24:55,980
licensed veterinary technician for 
the Cornell Veterinary, Biobank.

284
00:24:55,980 --> 00:25:00,540
To quote Denise; "this work is dedicated to my children. Destin,  

285
00:25:00,540 --> 00:25:06,420
Leila and Lucian", says Denise, "when finishing this degree, felt insurmountable. Their unconditional  

286
00:25:06,420 --> 00:25:09,960
love pushed me to exceed. My greatest hope is that I have been a role model,  

287
00:25:09,960 --> 00:25:13,500
so they feel empowered to reach for 
their own highest dreams in life.

288
00:25:13,500 --> 00:25:17,700
They have sacrificed. So much for 
me to continue my own education. I hope to

289
00:25:17,700 --> 00:25:22,260
repay them with many years of fun and laughter together as a family. I hope I have made them

290
00:25:22,260 --> 00:25:26,880
proud." I'm sure you did. I work with with Denise at the Vet College, and we're proud of you.

291
00:25:33,540 --> 00:25:38,965
Gissela A. Mera Louirdo is our next graduate.

292
00:25:41,480 --> 00:25:47,040
She received her masters of business 
administration from the Samuel Curtis Johnson,  

293
00:25:47,040 --> 00:25:51,780
Graduate School of Management through the employee degree program. Gissela 

294
00:25:51,780 --> 00:25:56,220
is an administrative manager for Cornell Tech. She's been with Cornell for 5 years.

295
00:25:56,220 --> 00:26:00,420
Gissela received support from her family, friends, supervisors,  

296
00:26:00,420 --> 00:26:04,740
and colleagues. They were her every step of the way from the idea of pursuing her degree  

297
00:26:04,740 --> 00:26:09,540
through commencement weekend. They encouraged her celebrated milestones, helped her achieve  

298
00:26:09,540 --> 00:26:15,300
a good work, school life balance, and were invested in her academic success during her  

299
00:26:15,300 --> 00:26:20,580
journey a memorable moment for Gissela was participating in the global trip to Germany.

300
00:26:20,580 --> 00:26:25,440
It was a true privilege to have the opportunity to be extraordinary business leaders,

301
00:26:25,440 --> 00:26:29,640
and have exclusive access to some of the most prestigious companies in the world,

302
00:26:29,640 --> 00:26:33,840
says it was the perfect way to mark 
the end of two years of hard work,

303
00:26:33,840 --> 00:26:40,185
learning, and friendship. What an amazing experience! Congratulations Gissela.

304
00:26:43,980 --> 00:26:46,620
Our next graduate is Max Mandeville.

305
00:26:52,320 --> 00:26:57,420
Max... Max completed his Bachelor 
of Arts Degree in Sociology from Cornell

306
00:26:57,420 --> 00:27:02,160
University's College of Arts and Sciences, through the Employee Degree program. Max has  

307
00:27:02,160 --> 00:27:06,360
been at Cornell for 8 years, currently 
works as a senior conference and event  

308
00:27:06,360 --> 00:27:11,340
planner and student in campus life. Max chose to study sociology to help develop  

309
00:27:11,340 --> 00:27:15,900
his knowledge of society, critical thinking, and quantitative and qualitative evidence.

310
00:27:15,900 --> 00:27:20,100
This area of study exposed Max to a better understanding of social differences,  

311
00:27:20,100 --> 00:27:24,060
behavior and hierarchies, and in 
group opportunities and outcomes.  

312
00:27:24,060 --> 00:27:28,860
Max... remembers enrolling in two winter session courses that were each three weeks  

313
00:27:28,860 --> 00:27:33,480
long. It was quite daring. For those ten weeks he was in class from 9:30  

314
00:27:33,480 --> 00:27:36,420
in the morning to 4:30 in the 
evening Monday through Friday.

315
00:27:36,420 --> 00:27:39,840
Max says he couldn't have made it throughout the support of his friends  

316
00:27:39,840 --> 00:27:41,820
and partner, who cooked him dinner every night,  

317
00:27:41,820 --> 00:27:46,320
and encouraged him every assignment. Your hard work paid off congratulations, Max.

318
00:27:53,580 --> 00:27:58,980
I will now invite Hei Hei Depew. The employee elected trustee to finish presenting our final graduates.

319
00:28:05,700 --> 00:28:10,680
[Hei Hei] All right. thank you, Marcy. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this really amazing  

320
00:28:10,680 --> 00:28:16,080
day to recognize my fellow Cornell colleagues on their achievements. I'm really proud of you all,  

321
00:28:16,800 --> 00:28:21,180
and let's continue on. The first 
graduate I will present is Sean

322
00:28:21,180 --> 00:28:24,820
Mansfield. Sean received his masters of...

323
00:28:28,920 --> 00:28:32,040
Business administration from 
the SC Johnson College of Business,  

324
00:28:32,040 --> 00:28:36,480
through the employee degree program. 
Shawn is a visiting lecture with ROTC  

325
00:28:36,480 --> 00:28:40,440
and has been with Cornell for 3 years. 
As we've heard from past graduates,  

326
00:28:40,440 --> 00:28:45,420
it's not easy to balance work school and a personal life. We hope this experience and  

327
00:28:45,420 --> 00:28:49,200
new skill set will contribute to your next goal. Congratulations on this achievement.

328
00:28:55,080 --> 00:28:57,840
The next graduate, I will announce, is Julie McGee.

329
00:29:04,620 --> 00:29:09,120
She received her Associate Arts degree from Syracuse University's College of Professional  

330
00:29:09,120 --> 00:29:14,400
Studies, Julie utilize the tuition Tuition 
Aid program to complete her degree. Julie

331
00:29:14,400 --> 00:29:19,500
has been with Cornell seven years and works at the cal... at the Veterinary college as a registrar  

332
00:29:19,500 --> 00:29:24,120
and curriculum support specialists. Julie shared that it was quite stressful at times,  

333
00:29:24,120 --> 00:29:28,800
balancing a full time job and two career advancements. All during the pandemic.

334
00:29:28,800 --> 00:29:32,520
Through this experience she  discovered a new love of hard work and  

335
00:29:32,520 --> 00:29:34,680
dedication that she will forever be proud of.

336
00:29:34,680 --> 00:29:39,420
Julie is extremely grateful for the support of her supervisor and colleagues,  

337
00:29:39,420 --> 00:29:42,960
and thanks her husband and son for 
their motivation. Their belief in  

338
00:29:42,960 --> 00:29:45,420
her was unmatched. Congratulations. Julie.

339
00:29:51,060 --> 00:29:54,780
Our next graduate, is Andrea Marie Rose.

340
00:30:00,360 --> 00:30:04,200
Andrea completed a masters of 
science in legal studies from  

341
00:30:04,200 --> 00:30:06,480
Cornell's Law School through 
the employee degree program.

342
00:30:06,480 --> 00:30:09,060
Andrea is the coordinator of program  

343
00:30:09,060 --> 00:30:13,440
operations for the SC Johnson College 
of Business Executive MBA programs

344
00:30:13,440 --> 00:30:16,260
and has been at Cornell for ten and a half years.

345
00:30:16,260 --> 00:30:19,860
Andrea chose this area of study to better understand law.  

346
00:30:19,860 --> 00:30:25,020
The MSLS program provided a solid 
bond foundation in all areas of law

347
00:30:25,020 --> 00:30:30,660
and complemented Andrea's research 
which began as a journalism student at NYU.

348
00:30:30,660 --> 00:30:32,700
Being a first-generation student

349
00:30:32,700 --> 00:30:36,060
was Andrea's inspiration to keep 
moving forward through the program.

350
00:30:36,060 --> 00:30:40,080
Andrea says that; "although my parents were not here to watch me walk  

351
00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:44,880
down the aisle. They always wanted me to get a Master's degree or go to law school. Being in  

352
00:30:44,880 --> 00:30:50,460
the MSLS program has fulfilled their dream and mine." We're all so proud of you, Andrea.

353
00:30:50,460 --> 00:30:51,600
Congratulations.

354
00:30:58,260 --> 00:30:59,820
Our next graduate is Chris Savinio.

355
00:30:59,820 --> 00:31:12,420
Chris received his executive master 
of business administration from the Samuel Curtis  

356
00:31:12,420 --> 00:31:16,740
Johnson Graduate School of Management through the employee degree program. Chris has been at  

357
00:31:16,740 --> 00:31:22,500
Cornell for over 7 years and currently works as a financial specialist with CALS. Chris felt  

358
00:31:22,500 --> 00:31:27,300
unending support and encouragement from his wife, Serena and their kiddos, Ryan and Leah.

359
00:31:27,300 --> 00:31:30,300
Chris shared that a memorable moment for him happened  

360
00:31:30,300 --> 00:31:33,600
at the Cornell Tech campus during a 
New York City residential session.

361
00:31:33,600 --> 00:31:38,280
He shared a midnight toast in an open, uninhabited field on Roosevelt Island  

362
00:31:38,280 --> 00:31:43,920
with a 360 degree panoramic view of the city as a nighttime backdrop. Pretty nice!

363
00:31:43,920 --> 00:31:47,580
What an amazing experience you must have had,  

364
00:31:47,580 --> 00:31:49,500
Chris. Congratulations on your achievement.

365
00:32:06,347 --> 00:32:11,220
Daniel Schied is our next graduate who received a bachelor of business management,  

366
00:32:11,220 --> 00:32:16,140
economics and finance from Empire State through the tuition aid program. Daniel  

367
00:32:16,140 --> 00:32:20,820
is the director of FCS-FM Grounds, 
and has been at Cornell for seven years.

368
00:32:20,820 --> 00:32:24,960
As a director, Dan spends 
significant time running the business  

369
00:32:24,960 --> 00:32:29,460
of grounds. He combined his experience as a business owner with his grounds and  

370
00:32:29,460 --> 00:32:33,600
facilities profession making his business degree through Empire State possible.

371
00:32:33,600 --> 00:32:37,680
Dan felt especially supported 
by his hiring supervisor at Cornell,  

372
00:32:37,680 --> 00:32:42,900
who asked him if he had ever considered continuing his own education. Dan took  

373
00:32:42,900 --> 00:32:45,780
the challenge, and with one course 
at a time completed the necessary  

374
00:32:45,780 --> 00:32:49,620
credits for his degree. What an amazing journey. Thank you, Dan. Congratulations.

375
00:32:56,280 --> 00:32:59,221
Our next graduate is Pooja Sen.

376
00:33:05,880 --> 00:33:12,660
Who received her master of public health and her masters of public Health in infectious disease and  

377
00:33:12,660 --> 00:33:16,440
epidemiology. From Cornell University. 
Through the employee degree program,  

378
00:33:16,440 --> 00:33:20,520
Pooja has been working at Cornell for 
for 6 years and currently works in  

379
00:33:20,520 --> 00:33:26,280
the Hospital for animals as an INC section coordinator and license veterinary technician.

380
00:33:26,280 --> 00:33:31,260
Pooja chose this degree because she saw it as a way to combine her undergraduate degree  

381
00:33:31,260 --> 00:33:38,160
in wildlife science and her veterinary technician license. During her journey Pooja felt supported  

382
00:33:38,160 --> 00:33:44,580
by her supervisor, who supported her adjusted her work schedule to accommodate her school work. The  

383
00:33:44,580 --> 00:33:48,960
professors in the MPH program were amazing. They always made sure to check in with her,  

384
00:33:48,960 --> 00:33:54,480
to ensure she was finding balance between school work and her personal life. Congratulations Pooja.

385
00:34:01,440 --> 00:34:03,630
Our next graduate is Karen T. Siewert.

386
00:34:03,630 --> 00:34:14,400
Karen received a masters in human 
resource management from Cornell University  

387
00:34:14,400 --> 00:34:18,120
School of Industrial and Labor Relations through the Employee degree program.

388
00:34:18,120 --> 00:34:21,120
Karen is the director for the center of Advanced HR 

389
00:34:21,120 --> 00:34:25,020
Studies in the ILR School and has 
been at Cornell for 10 years.

390
00:34:25,020 --> 00:34:28,920
Karen chose this area of study because she was always drawn to the ability  

391
00:34:28,920 --> 00:34:33,780
to work with business leaders to solve problems and grow healthy and inclusive organizations.

392
00:34:33,780 --> 00:34:37,860
When Karen came to Cornell's ILR school she had the opportunity to  

393
00:34:37,860 --> 00:34:42,060
work with amazing faculty in the HR 
Studies department and motivated her  

394
00:34:42,060 --> 00:34:45,360
to want to become a student, and deep in her HR expertise.

395
00:34:45,360 --> 00:34:49,980
A memorable moment for Karen occurred while attending Cornell hockey  

396
00:34:49,980 --> 00:34:53,040
games while soaking in the chants from the crowd she realized that  

397
00:34:53,040 --> 00:34:56,940
she had joined a community that is 
strong, vibrant, and full of pride.

398
00:34:56,940 --> 00:35:01,620
"It made me realize how lucky I have 
been to be a part of this master's program", she  

399
00:35:01,620 --> 00:35:06,660
said, "the connections I have made with my cohort and the faculty will be lifelong. Go Big Red."

400
00:35:14,280 --> 00:35:18,175
Congratulations. 
Natasha Steinhall...

401
00:35:23,580 --> 00:35:28,560
received her master of public administration from Cornell's Brooks School of Public Policy  

402
00:35:28,560 --> 00:35:33,000
through the employee degree program. Natasha has been at Cornell for nine years, and currently  

403
00:35:33,000 --> 00:35:38,220
serves as the Academic DEI Education Program Manager for the Intergroup Dialogue Project.

404
00:35:38,220 --> 00:35:42,240
Natasha gives a big shout out to her supervisor and friend Adi,  

405
00:35:42,240 --> 00:35:45,840
who has encouraged her since day one. Natasha claims she could not  

406
00:35:45,840 --> 00:35:49,380
have made it here without her support. 
You made it, Natasha congratulations.

407
00:35:56,340 --> 00:35:58,440
Our next graduate is Amy Stewart.

408
00:36:05,760 --> 00:36:10,200
Amy completed a master of science in 
organizational behavior from Cornell's  

409
00:36:10,200 --> 00:36:14,580
University School of Industrial and Labor Relations through the employee degree program.

410
00:36:14,580 --> 00:36:18,420
Amy is a tech events manager for entrepreneurship at Cornell,  

411
00:36:18,420 --> 00:36:23,340
within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and has been at Cornell for 18 years

412
00:36:23,340 --> 00:36:28,320
studying microorganizational 
behavior has helped Amy improve the  

413
00:36:28,320 --> 00:36:32,340
impact of hackathons on students through creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.

414
00:36:32,340 --> 00:36:35,880
Amy prepared a year in advance with a balanced balancing  

415
00:36:35,880 --> 00:36:39,840
act of completing her program. She spent many early mornings doing school work.

416
00:36:39,840 --> 00:36:44,880
getting her kids to school, and then 
transitioning to her regular work day. Amy says;  

417
00:36:44,880 --> 00:36:48,600
"this degree was not completed quickly. But what's important is that it was completed,  

418
00:36:48,600 --> 00:36:50,940
and that's something to be 
proud of." Congratulations.

419
00:36:59,040 --> 00:37:01,440
Our final graduate is Darby Warf.

420
00:37:08,460 --> 00:37:13,380
Darby completed a master of public health in infectious disease. And it's epidemiology from  

421
00:37:13,380 --> 00:37:17,580
Cornell University. These Samuel Curtis Johnson graduate school of management  

422
00:37:17,580 --> 00:37:22,260
through the employee degree program. Darby is a licensed veterinary technician at the  

423
00:37:22,260 --> 00:37:25,800
small animal, intensive care unit, 
and has been at Cornell for six years.

424
00:37:25,800 --> 00:37:29,640
When asked how she managed classes, work and home. Darby said  

425
00:37:29,640 --> 00:37:33,540
that time management was the number one thing that helps her balance everything.

426
00:37:33,540 --> 00:37:37,980
She allowed herself one day a week to relax and not do any school  

427
00:37:37,980 --> 00:37:41,700
work. This was extremely important 
to Darby. Throughout her journey  

428
00:37:41,700 --> 00:37:47,220
Darby commends the support of the faculty and staff of her MPH program as well as  

429
00:37:47,220 --> 00:37:51,240
her supervisors. You've made it to the 
end of the day, Darby congratulations

430
00:37:58,860 --> 00:38:03,180
Before we wrap up. We also want to acknowledge the following graduates, who have not

431
00:38:03,180 --> 00:38:06,840
been able to be in attendance 
today. They are Caitlin Baldwin.

432
00:38:12,240 --> 00:38:13,680
Vin Ciamplillo.

433
00:38:17,240 --> 00:38:19,320
Keri Greenberg.

434
00:38:22,400 --> 00:38:24,120
Adam MacDonald.

435
00:38:29,040 --> 00:38:29,880
Omyia Olson-Damaj.

436
00:38:34,920 --> 00:38:36,000
Tyler Trainor.

437
00:38:39,500 --> 00:38:42,420
Please join me in a final round of  

438
00:38:42,420 --> 00:38:45,840
applause for all of our graduates. We applaud your amazing achievement.

439
00:38:55,620 --> 00:38:58,860
I will now ask Christine to 
get back up here for closing.

440
00:38:58,860 --> 00:39:05,280
[Christine] Graduates congratulations again,  

441
00:39:05,280 --> 00:39:10,380
and it's truly a unique opportunity to be 
able to experience Cornell to the lens of

442
00:39:10,380 --> 00:39:16,080
both an employee and a student. I hope that you find ways to weed the new experiences  

443
00:39:16,080 --> 00:39:22,020
and empathy into your work. As we continue to... continue to support our educational mission

444
00:39:22,020 --> 00:39:25,860
today is proof that the best staff, choose Cornell,  

445
00:39:25,860 --> 00:39:31,920
and use their benefits to expand themselves and their opportunities. Congratulations on a job  

446
00:39:31,920 --> 00:39:38,220
well done as a token of your accomplishments. You will find a gift on the back table that you  

447
00:39:38,220 --> 00:39:43,020
can grab on your way out. Please feel free to stay and mingle and enjoy the reception.

448
00:39:43,020 --> 00:39:46,740
If you have not already done so, you can take a picture in front of  

449
00:39:46,740 --> 00:39:51,240
a little banner right outside the front 
door. And on behalf of President Pollack,  

450
00:39:51,240 --> 00:39:54,840
the Employee Assembly and myself, we thank you for all for coming tonight  

451
00:39:54,840 --> 00:40:00,480
and for joining us online, and that includes concludes our program. Enjoy your evening.

2022 Graduates

Receiving undergraduate degrees from Cornell University:

  • Jennifer Peaslee, Program and Communications Assistant, Cornell Wildlife Health Lab (AHDC): Bachelor of Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Receiving advanced degrees from the Cornell Graduate School: 

  • Christian Balmaseda-Lucca,  Assistant Director, Admissions Marketing and Recruitment, Cornell Tech Campus: Executive Master of Business Administration - Metro, SC Johnson College of Business
  • Jennifer Best, Class Programs Project Associate, Alumni Affairs and Development:  Master of Industrial and Labor Relations, School of Industrial and Labor Relations
  • Patrick Brennan, Operations Manager for Equine and Farm Animals at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine: Executive Master of Health Administration, College of Human Ecology
  • Scott Burke, Mechanical Engineer, Facilities Engineering: Executive Master of Business Administration - Americas, SC Johnson College of Business
  • Philip Carubia, Research Support Specialist, Cornell Center for Materials Research: Master of Science, College of Engineering
  • Elena Cestero, Program Coordinator, Cornell Stem Cell Program, College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Biomedical Sciences: Master of Business Administration, SC Johnson College of  Business
  • Chris Corrigan, Unit Production Manager for Conservation Media, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Executive Master of Business Administration - Metro, SC Johnson College of Business
  • Marisol De Leon, Extension Support Specialist, College of Human Ecology, Bronfenbrenner Center:  Master of Professional Studies/NYC, College of Industrial and Labor Relations
  • Bobbi Estabrook, Technician, The Elephant Listening Project in the KLY Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Lab of Ornithology:  Master of Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Star Yanxin Gao, SIPS Research Associate:  SC Johnson College of Business
  • Ricardo Gomez-Perez, Accountant, Division of Financial Affairs: Master of Professional Studies, Management - Accounting, SC Johnson College of Business
  • Jamie Hom, Associate Director of Student Programs, Alumni Affairs and Development: Master of Arts, College of Human Ecology
  • Justin Limper, Operations Manager on Educational Support Services, College of Veterinary Medicine: Masters of Business Administration, SC Johnson College of Business
  • Maxwell Maloney, CESR Operator, Wilson Synchrotron Laboratory: Master of Engineering in Applied Engineering and Physics, College of Engineering
  • Todd McCarthy, Studio Operations Manger, SC Johnson College of Business: Master of Science in Legal Studies, Law School
  • Erich Reichard, Senior Electrical Engineering, Facilities Engineering: Master of Engineering, College of Engineering
  • Crystal A. Roncek, Associate Director of Retirement Programs and Financial Education, Benefit Services and Administration: Masters of Business Administration, SC Johnson College of Business
  • Jonathan Roncek, Finance Specialist, CLASSE - Wilson Lab: Masters of Business Administration
  • Kayla Rossi, Research Support Specialist, Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science: Master of Engineering, College of Engineering
  • Rebecca Schimenti, Assistant Director of Advising, School of Industrial and Labor Relations: Master in Public Affairs, Cornell Institute for Public Affairs, College of Human Ecology
  • Mark Schrader, Assistant Director, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Station: Master of Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Dontavius T. Seaborn, Assistant Director of Engineering Admissions, College of Engineering: Master of Science in Legal Studies, Law School
  • Kristi Shults, International HR Director, Office of International Affairs; Global Operations: Master of Science in Legal Studies, Law School
  • Brittany Warner, Project Lead, Cornell Health Initiatives, Cornell Health: Master of Science in Legal Studies, Law School
  • Michael B. Weissman, Senior Director, Finance and Planning, Cornell Tech: Master of Science in Legal Studies, Law School

Receiving Cornell Ph.Ds:

  • Allison Kerwin, Research Technician, College of Agriculture and Life Science Department of Animal Science: Ph. D., Animal Science - concentration in Human and Animal Epidemiology/Population Medicine and Epidemiology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Josephine Martell, Director of Research Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dean's Office: Ph. D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Receiving undergraduate degrees from another college or university:

  • Eric Peck, Desktop Support, Cornell Cooperative Extension: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, SUNY Polytechnic Institute
  • Heidi Russell, Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator, Operations Research and Information Engineering: Bachelor of Science in Business, Management and Economics - concentration in Business Management, SUNY Empire

Receiving advanced degree from another college or university:

  • Adara Alston, Senior STEM Instructional Designer, eCornell Learning Services Group: Master of Education, Instructional Design, Western Governors University
  • Victoria Coe, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Department of Budget & Planning: Master of Art, Higher Education Administration, Stonybrook University
  • Michael d'Estries, Education Technologies Manager, Cornell Law School: Master of Business Administration, Boston University
  • Gail Howser, Network Engineer, Cornell Information Technology (CIT): Master in Cybersecurity: Malware Analysis Specialization, Utica College
  • Amanda Jemison, Consultant, HR Benefit Services & Administration; Health & Welfare Benefits: Master of Business Administration - concentration in Healthcare Management, SUNY Empire State College
  • Kevin Mooney, Assistant Director of Cash Management, Office of the Treasurer: Master of Business Administration, SUNY Empire State College
  • Thomas Towle, Executive Staff Assistant, Office of the Vice Provost for Enrollment: Master of Business Administration, SUNY Empire State College

Receiving Ph.D. from another college or university:

  • Jennifer Majka, Director of Diversity and Inclusion/Visiting Lecturer, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and the SC Johnson College of Business: Ph. D. Education and Social Justice, Lancaster University

Download a Digital Program of the 2022 Staff Graduate Reception.

View a recording of the 2022 Staff Graduate Reception.

2021 Graduates

View a Recording of the Live Event.

Receiving undergraduate degrees from Cornell University:

  • Nicole Roy, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Advising, CIS: Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences

Receiving advanced degrees from the Cornell Graduate School: 

  • Christopher Lynn Bordlemay Padilla, Manager, Energy & Sustainability: Master in Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Sarah Chowdhury, Administrative Assistant, ILR, Outreach NYC Administration: Master of Professional Studies, School of Industrial and Labor Relations
  • John D. Clarke, MD, FAAFP, Physician Director for Occupational Medicine, Cornell Health: Master of Business Administration and Master of Science, Healthcare Leadership, S.C. Johnson College of Business/Weill Cornell Medicine
  • Dawn Cornell, Program Assistant, Sociology, CALS: Master of Industrial and Labor Relations, Industrial and Labor Relations
  • Thomas Cunningham, Associate Professor, ROTC: Master of Business Administration, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Kasi Dean, Associate Director, AAD, S. C. Johnson Graduate School of Management: Executive Master of Business Administration, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Kyriakos (Kurt) Deriziotis, AHDC Diagnostic Technician, College of Veterinary Medicine:  Executive Master of Business Administration, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Nicholas Dietchler, Research Support Specialist, Dept. of Natural Resources and the Environment: M.S., Natural Resources, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
  • Becky Hill, HR Director, eCornell: Master of Professional Studies, Human Resource Management, Industrial and Labor Relations
  • Jamie Hom, Assistant Director, New Student Programs, Campus and Community Engagement: Master of Art, Human Development, School of Human Ecology
  • Zachary Jacques, Director of Information Services, Research Division: Executive Master in Business Administration - Americas, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Bethany Jones, Judicial Coordinator, Cornell Law School: Master of Professional Administration, Cornell Institute for Public Affairs
  • Kirsten S. M. Kurtz, Manager, Cornell Soil Health Laboratory: M.S., College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
  • Keane J. Leitch, Health and Safety Manager, Physical Sciences Complex: Master of Public Health in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Susan Lin,  Sr. Financial Data Analyst, SCL Business Services Center:  Executive Master of Business Administration - Americas, SC Johnson College of Business
  • Daniel Longaker, Director of Health Informatics, Cornell Health: Master of Health Administration, College of Human Ecology
  • Yalverton Luckain, Associate Director for Contract & Finance, Center for Technology Licensing: Master of Professional Studies, Accounting, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Stephanie Mattoon, Compliance and Risk Specialist, EHS: Master of Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Colby McCartney, Human Resources Associate, Research Division: Master of Professional Studies, Management, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Nikita Sarkar, Director of External Relations, External Relations:  Executive Master of Business Administration – Americas, SC Johnson College of Business
  • Rena Scroggins, Manager of GrowNY Food & Ag Business Competition, Center for Regional Economic Advancement: Executive Master of Business Administration, Americas, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Vidhi Trivedi, Admissions and Application Coordinator, Office of Admissions & Financial Aid, S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management: Master of Professional Studies, Global Development, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Receiving Cornell Ph.D.s:

  • Tatyana Dokuchayeva, Senior Manager, Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratories: Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Olaf Gustafson, Engineer Architect, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Ph.D., Geological Sciences, College of Engineering

Receiving a degree from another college or university:

  • Jacque Avery, Financial Reporting Specialist, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment: Associate of Science, Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary Studies, SUNY Empire
  • Shelley Barnhart, Accounting Services Specialist, Campus Life, Business Service Center: Bachelor of Science, Business, Management and Economics, SUNY Empire
  • Rebecca Cubitt, Technician, Biomedical Sciences: Associate of Science, General Studies, TC3
  • Debra Federation, Director of Cash Management, Office of the Treasurer: Master of Business Administration, SUNY Empire
  • Ruben Gonzalez Diaz, Administrative Assistant, EFNEP Regional Data Support: Bachelor, Public Administration con. Human Resources, John Jay College
  • Mary Elena Henry, Guest Service Agent, Statler Hotel Front Office:  BBA, Hospitality Management, SUNY Delhi
  • Kara McCarty, Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, Campus Life, Campus and Community Engagement: Ph.D., Higher Education Administration, Colorado State University
  • Megan Merriam, IT Communication Specialist, CIT: Master of Science, Communication Innovation, Ithaca College
  • Anna Rivera, Program Coordinator, ILR, The Worker Institution: Master of Arts, Labor Studies, SUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
  • Justin Scott, Emergency Services Representative, EHS: Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude), Public Affairs con. Fire and Emergency Management, SUNY Empire
  • Andy Vail, Senior Director, Capital Projects and Facilities Services, CALS: Master of Business Administration, SUNY Empire
  • Jennifer R. Williams, Administrative Assistant, HR Liaison and Dyson Student Hiring Coordinator, AEM Academic Administrative Services: Bachelor of Science, Business Management, SUNY Empire

2020 Graduates

Receiving advanced degrees from the Cornell Graduate School: 

  • Katie Baildon, Communications Specialist, CALS: MPA, Institute for Public Affairs, College of Human Ecology
  • Laura Dera, Assistant Front Office Manager, Statler Hotel: Master of Management in Hospitality in Hotel Administration, School of Hotel Administration
  • Eric "Buzz" Diehl, Professor, ROTC Navy: EMBA,  S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University/Queens College, Smith School of Business
  • Elizabeth Drummond, Student Career Manager, Operations Research and Info (Engineering NYC): Master of Professional Studies, School of Industrial and Labor Relations
  • Nancy Glazier, Ext. Associate, CALS: Master of Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Allison Graf, Associate Director, Strategy and External Relations, AAD NYTech: Executive Master of Business Administration Metro, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Frank Hager,  Assistant Baseball Coach: Master of Professional Studies, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Michael Helms, Ext. Support Specialist, CALS: MPS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Helen Lee, Assistant Director of Wildlife Health and Health Policy, CVM: EMBA Americas, S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management
  • Lori Lewis, Applications Developer, CIT Enterprise Services: Master of Professional Studies, College of Computing and Information Science
  • Caitlin Matthewson, Regional Gift Office, AAD: MBA, S.C. Johnson College of Business
  • Christopher Michael Mercincavage, Senior Principal Gifts Associate, AAD: Master of Professional Studies, Information Science, College of Computing and Information Science
  • Olivia Owens, Admissions Associate, ILR Admissions Office: MPA, Institute for Public Affairs, College of Human Ecology
  • Lindsay Schaffner, Administrative Assistant, Biotechnology Center: Master of Science, College of Arts & Science
  • ​Stefana Soitos, Associate Director, Commitment Office: MPA, Institute for Public Affairs, College of Human Ecology

Receiving Cornell Ph.D.s:

  • Allison Kerwin, Technician, Animal Science: Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Nicole Martin, Research Associate, Food Sciences: Ph.D., College of Veterinary Medicine,
  • Nevjinder Singhota, Educational Programs Director, Cornell Center for Materials Research: Ph.D, CALS Education Department (December 2019 Graduate)

Receiving a degree from another college or university:

  • Sonia Beck, Administrative Assistant, Office of Sponsored Programs: MBA, Southern New Hampshire University
  • Anna Hertlein, Administrative Assistant, Office of Federal Relations: Master of Higher Education Administration, George Washington University
  • Crystal Roncek, Associate Director for Retirement Programs, HR Benefit Services: MS, Management, Strategy, and Leadership, Michigan State University
  • Justin Scott, Emergency Services Specialist, Environmental Health and Safety: Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude), Public Affairs con. Fire & Emergency Management, SUNY Empire
  • Melissa Shaffmaster, Senior Director for Strategic Communications, University Relations: MA, American University
  • Shannon Spencer, Associate Director of Administration, Lab for Accelerated-Based Sciences & Education: Bachelor of Science, Human Development, SUNY Empire, obtained Fall 2019

2019 Graduates

Read article in Cornell Chronicle

Receiving undergraduate degrees from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences:

  • Mary Beth Martini-Lyons, project manager at Cornell University Library, Bachelor of Science in communication; 
  • Brad McFall, temporary service technician in the Department of Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science in computational biology.

Receiving advanced degrees from the Cornell Graduate School: 

  • Shawna Alling, who works in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Office of Student Services, Master of Industrial and Labor Relations;
  • Libby Eiholzer, extension support specialist on the Livestock and Field Crops Team at Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Northwest New York Dairy, Master of Professional Studies;
  • Matthew Einhorn, technician in the Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, Master of Engineering;
  • Rachel Evanowski, technician in the Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Master of Science;
  • James Friedlander, visiting lecturer in naval science, Cornell Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps, master’s degree through the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs;
  • Tanya Grove, senior management consultant at Human Resources’ Organizational Development and Talent Management office, Executive Master in Human Resource Management; 
  • Levi Harmon, environmental health and safety and risk management manager, Executive Master of Business Administration; 
  • Jamie Kalousdian, who works in Marketing Communications in the SC Johnson College of Business, Master of Management in Hospitality;
  • Michele Lefebvre, director of nutrition management at Cornell Dining, Master of Management in Hospitality;
  • Vinh Nguyen, deputy director and associate professor of military science, Cornell Army Reserve Officers Training Corps, Master of Professional Studies;
  • Kate Nicholson, human resources assistant for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Master of Industrial and Labor Relations;
  • Kimberly Phoenix, lecturer for Fiber Science and Apparel Design, Master of Arts (Fall 2019);
  • Christine Potter, executive director of global operations for the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs, Executive Master of Business Administration;
  • Matthew Reiter, architectural and structural section leader for facilities engineering, Master of Engineering;
  • Mark Schneider, residence hall director for housing and residence life, Master of Arts in linguistics;
  • Marty Sullivan, DevOps cloud engineer for Cornell Information Technology, Master of Professional Sciences in information science;
  • Aaron Windsor, thin film engineer in the Cornell Nanoscale Science and Technology Facility, Master of Science in biomedical engineering; 
  • Maria Wolff, senior consultant in talent management for Organizational Development and Talent Management, Executive Master in Human Resource Management;
  • Aaron Zadalis, visiting lecturer in Aerospace Studies, Master of Business Administration.

Receiving Cornell Ph.D.s:

  • Rebecca Harman, research support specialist in the Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology;
  • Pam Strausser, senior consultant for academic human resources, Ph.D. in industrial and labor relations. 

Receiving a degree from another college or university:

  • Tiffany Howe, executive staff assistant for the vice provost for engagement and land-grant affairs and for the vice provost for academic innovation, Master of Business Administration in project management, Southern New Hampshire University;
  • Theoria Cason, training and education coordinator in the Office of the Title IX Coordinator, Ph.D. in education, University of Pittsburgh;
  • Cheryl Ann Cox, front office manager for the Statler Hotel, Master of Arts in deaconess studies, Concordia Theological Seminary;
  • Elizabeth Estabrook, associate director of the Office of Sponsored Research, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Master of Science in research administration, Johns Hopkins University;
  • Monica Gopaul, community educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension in New York City, associate degree, Queensboro Community College;
  • Erica Heim, senior program manager, School of Hotel Administration, Master of Science, State University of New York, Empire State College;
  • Kelli Hulslander, project coordinator for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Capital Project and Facilities Services, associate degree in construction and environmental technology, Tompkins Cortland Community College;
  • Nathan Laisure, associate professor of military science, Master of Arts in applied psychology, Liberty University;
  • Dan Mueller, grant and contract officer, Office of Sponsored Programs, Master of Science in management, Emmanuel College;
  • Beth Underwood, accounts representative in the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions, associate degree in accounting, Tompkins Cortland Community College.

2018 Graduates

David Barber

MPS, Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Mandy Bennison

MS, Cornell University Johnson College of Business, School of Hotel Administration

Darcy A. Branchini

MPS, Cornell University Graduate School

Sarah Christen

MBA, Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business

Anie Clark

BS, Cornell University Johnson College of Business, School of Hotel Administration

Catherine Davis

BS, LeMoyne College

Sarah R. Dean

BS, State University of New York, Empire State College

Sandy Dhimitri

MS, Villanova University

Melissa R. DuBois

MBA, Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business

Erik Eshelman

MS, Cornell University College of Engineering

Rachel Fives

MS, Cornell University College of Human Ecology

Belinda Floyd

MBA, Southern New Hampshire University

Katherine Solis Fonte

MS, New York University

Ruth W. Howell

BS, Cornell University Johnson College of Business, The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

Christopher Hufnagel

MBA, Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business

Elizabeth M. Martyn

MS, Cornell University Johnson College of Business, School of Hotel Administration

Melissa L. Mahannah

BS, Cornell University Johnson College of Business, The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

Corey Merrell

MS, University of Denver

Mary J. Newhart

MBA, State University of New York at Oswego

Julie A. Phelps

MBA, Syracuse University, Whitman School of Management

Blayne Stone

MA, Cornell University College of Human Ecology

Jacinta Anne Stark

AS, Southern New Hampshire University

Antonio Testa

MS, Southern New Hampshire University

Sue Kern Wilkins

AAS, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Michelle L. Zirbel

BS, Cornell University Johnson College of Business, School of Hotel Administration

2017 Graduates

Michael Annunziata

Cornell University, Masters in Business Administration, Johnson Graduate School of Management.

He has worked for nearly three years at Cornell as a Senior Investment Analyst in the Cornell Investment Office. The highlight of his Johnson experience was winning first prize in the Cornell Venture Challenge with his partner in the food science department. He tells us that his girlfriend was his inspiration to keep going. She is a third year Vet student who always works hard at her studies. Studying hard is something they were able to share over the past few years.

Nancy Bell

Cornell University, Masters in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, College of Industrial Labor Relations.

Nancy works in the Dyson School as the Undergraduate Minor Coordinator and has worked at Cornell for six years. She appreciates her husband for his support at home as well as her supervisor and co-workers who were very understanding of the flexibility needed to accomplish this goal. Nancy was inspired by her son and her mother and is grateful for the opportunity she has had at Cornell to further her education. Her dream is that others from her home in Honduras will have the same opportunities one day. She plans to celebrate with her family, but is mostly looking forward to that walk to receive her diploma.

Jamie Bellamore

Cornell University, Masters of Management in Hospitality Administration, Hotel School.

Jamie has worked at Cornell for the past 4 years, and is currently the Assistant Restaurant Manager at Macs and the Terrace Restaurant at the Statler Hotel. She chose this particular area of study to further her knowledge in the hospitality field. The support of her children, co-workers and friends was what helped her through the hard times. Jamies fondest memory is the moment she found out that she was accepted to the hotel school program. Her celebration after graduation will include family, friends and great food!

Jess Cisco

Cornell University, Masters of Business Administration, SC Johnson College of Business, Johnson School of Management.

Jess is a Senior Human Resources Consultant and has worked at Cornell for ten years. His wife, Jennifer, who is also working on her degree, has been especially supportive and understanding. Kathy Burkgren and Debbie Philip were also encouraging and supportive. During Jess’ studies he met people who he now calls friends as far away as Peru and as near as his classmates Chris Rogers and William Searle, who are also being honored for their accomplishments today.

Joan Curtiss

Cornell University, Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources Management. 

Joan has worked at Cornell for 3 years, and she is currently the project manager in Infrastructure Properties and Planning. She chose this area of study because she has always been interested in organizational development and the role of employee engagement in an organization’s success. She looks forward to applying what she has learned to any organization. She was able to balance her classes and work with the help of her supportive supervisor and coworkers, and stayed motivated by applying her knowledge to her job.  To celebrate her accomplishment, she plans on having dinner with her husband Rich, and finally reading a book for pleasure.

Marijke de Jongh

Cornell University, Masters of Public Affairs with a concentration in Social Policy, College of Human Ecology. 

Marijke is a member of the Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. She works as a visiting lecturer and student advisor at Cornell’s Naval ROTC. One of her favorite classes was Professor Jamila Michener’s course on Poverty and Social Policy. This course was eye opening and really helped solidify her goals for the future. Marijke will be heading off to be the Assistant Air Operations Officer on the USS Gerald Ford in October 2017.

Wendi S. Hawkins

Cornell University,  Master's of Professional Studies in Human Resources.

She has worked at Cornell for 12 years and is currently the Associate Director of Human Resources in the SC Johnson College of Business. Wendi managed to balance her classes and work with her wonderful husband and parents who were supportive throughout the process. She is also grateful for the support of Tim Durnford and Rick Kuhar, her supervisors who encouraged her along with her JCB HR team. After completing her program in July, Wendi looks forward to taking her husband on a well-deserved vacation. 

Mark Howe

Cornell University, Masters of Engineering Management, College of Engineering.

Mark has worked at Cornell for the 15 years, and is the Manager of Utilities Distribution and Energy Management. His family and his supervisor, Lanny Joyce were extremely supportive. He says he balanced his busy life with the support of his family and with a little less sleep. Here’s hoping you get a little more rest after graduation.

Matthew Kozlowski

Cornell University, MPS in Real Estate with a concentration in Development and Sustainability, SC Johnson College of Business. 

He has worked at Cornell for 11 years, and is currently the Green Building Program Manager of Facilities Engineering. Matthew chose this area of study because of his continuing fascination with how structures relate to the natural world, and how people use spaces. He managed to balance his classes and work through six years of late nights, short weekends, and an understanding and supportive wife.

Stephen Mandi

Cornell University,  B.S. in Computer Science with a Dyson Business Minor, college of Engineering. 

He has worked at Cornell for 19 years, and is currently a Software Engineer in Infrastructure, Properties, and Planning. He managed to balance his work and classes by doing homework in car rides, staying up late after the kids were asleep, and combining course projects into his job. Stephen received support from many, including his wife Susan, and his flexible colleagues and supervisors.  When asked what kept him going, he said that the opportunity was the biggest inspiration. He felt inspired by having an opportunity to receive high quality education from such a great institution, which will allow him to give back to society. He plans to celebrate by visiting Italy in June with his wife Susan, his daughters Angelica and Adrianne, and his son Graham and son-in-law Rhys.  

Joan Doyle Paddock

Cornell University, PhD in Nutritional Sciences with a concentration in Community Nutrition.

Joan has worked at Cornell for 18 years, and she is currently the Senior Extension Associate in the Division of Nutritional Sciences. She felt supported by her family, supervisors, and co-workers and looks forward to graduation. She attributes her inspiration to keep going by viewing the opportunity to study as a gift, as lifelong learning keeps us young. 

Christopher M. Rogers

Cornell University, M.B.A, SC Johnson College of Business

He is currently a Financial Analyst in the Division of Budget and Planning, and has worked at Cornell for 5 years. He pursued this area of study to enhance his skills and add value in his roles supporting the business. Moreover, he looks forward to using new class concepts to further build his department’s stakeholders’ success. The one of a kind support from his wife, supervisor, coworkers, and MBA teammates are what inspired Christopher. He particularly remembers traveling to Europe for a global business project in which he helped solve a real business problem for a luxury hotel curator while visiting three different countries over the course of a week. 

William Searle

Cornell University, M.B.A, SC Johnson College of Business

William has worked at Cornell for almost 9 years, and he is currently working in the office of Institutional Research and Planning. He plans to celebrate his accomplishment by taking parental leave when his second child arrives next month!

Jin Zhang

Cornell University, Masters of Professional Studies in Information Science.

Jin is currently a technician in plant biology. She has worked for Cornell for 9 and a half years!

Bernard Amponsah

Thomas Edison State University, Masters in Hospitality Management.

He has worked at Cornell for nearly 10 years, as an Electrician in the Endowed Electric Shop. With this degree, Bernard takes a big step towards his lifelong passion for the hospitality industry. Online classes allowed Bernard to balance his evening and weekend time between studies and family. His desire to model the importance of education for his children kept him going. The support of his family made this dream possible. After commencement in September, he plans to take his family to Las Vegas and on a cruise to Cuba.

Becky Callan

SUNY Oswego, Masters in Business Administration.

She has worked at Cornell for 10 years, and she is currently a Data Analyst and Operations Coordinator in the Animal Health Diagnostic Center. She chose this area of study to develop her career at Cornell by gaining valuable business and managerial skills. Becky says she completed her coursework in the evenings and on weekends, eliminating her social life. However, she says it was definitely worth it! She was inspired to keep going through the support of her family, friends, co-workers, and boss, and through her belief in honoring her commitment to obtaining her MBA. Becky plans to celebrate with a trip to the beach!

Celeste Carmichael

Quinnipiac University, Masters in Instructional Design of Online Learning.

She has worked at Cornell for 17 years, and is currently the Program Development and Accountability Specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension. She chose this area of study as she has been hosting webinars and courses for Cornell Cooperative Extension for the last 5 years and wanted to learn more about theories and practices. Her supervisor inspired her to get involved with the program. Moreover, she had great support from her husband, friends, and her online environment. She particularly remembers recording a video in which her colleagues talked about their most memorable learning experiences. She received many memorable stories and hopes that her continuing creativity will invite others to learn and create alongside her. 

Elizabeth Handler

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Masters in Safety Services.

Beth has worked at Cornell for five years in Environmental Health and Safety as a Health and Safety Specialist. She worked nights and weekends to complete her degree with the support of her family and co-workers. She especially would like to mention Christine Stallman, Daneen Phillips and Willie Evens for their support. Beth enjoyed her intensive courses on campus as she was able to meet others in the same program. Her parents joined her in celebrating her graduation last December.

Lilian O. Isacks

Norwich University, MSISA with a concentration in Vulnerability Management.

Lillian has worked at Cornell for 26 years, and she is currently the CIT Infrastructure Security Administrator and Systems Administrator. She attributes her success to the support of her co-workers and husband, who always encouraged her to keep going. She particularly remembers breaking her kneecap and spraining her neck before having to complete her degree, including a final Lab project. Even though she was in pain and was allergic to her pain medication, she still managed to finish strong with an A on the lab. She looks forward to celebrating her accomplishment with champagne! 

Jinhee Roper

Columbia College, M.B.A. with an Accounting Emphasis.

Jinhee has worked at Cornell for the past 11 years, and is currently an Accounts Representative in Infrastructure, Properties, and Planning Finance and IT. She chose this particular area of study because she enjoys quantitative analysis, and she managed to balance her classes and work by dedicating nights and weekends to school work to maintain a 4.0 GPA Her husband supported her the entire time, and she would like to thank the professors who wrote awesome recommendations for her: Peter Doerschuk, David Putnam, and Chris Shafer at BME. She looks forward to celebrating by having a thick juicy steak with her husband and her 12-year-old Westie named Freddie. 

2016 Graduates

Diya Abed

Cornell University, Masters in Linguistics, College of Arts and Sciences.

He has worked for 4 years at Cornell, and currently works for Infrastructures, Property and Planning, Building Care. When he first started taking courses, he felt overloaded, but with determination and faith he was able to make it through. He was able to balance his school work by taking one class a semester and found support from family and coworkers.

Tyler Anderson

Cornell University, Masters of Engineering in Biological and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering.

Tyler has worked at Cornell for 3 years and is currently working between Riley Robb and the Ken Post Lab building as a Research Support Specialist. Tyler chose this particular area of study due to his interest and concern in the current and long term energy usage in the US and the issue of global redistribution of water necessary due to rising temperature. Tyler felt support from his exceptional wife, his advisor, Dr. Timmons, and his dog , Dani, who waited patiently for him to play with her which created the necessity to budget active time into his schedule while working towards his degree

Adam Davis

Cornell University, Master of Public Administration, Public and Non-Profit Management, College of Human Ecology.

Adam has worked at Cornell for 15 years, and he is currently an Extension Support Specialist at The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research. After completing a grueling project for his CIPA Capstone class in which he found a grant to assist in the possibility of re-chartering the City of Ithaca, he later heard that the city was taking the class recommendations and moving forward with the grant he suggested. When he received his BS, he took a picture in his cap and gown under a red oak tree while holding his son Eli on his hip. To celebrate his masters, he plans on recreating the picture. However, is son will be standing next to him as he is now 2 inches taller than Adam. After graduation he is looking forward to supporting his wife in pursuing her goal of an MSW and his son in choosing a college.

Sean Hayes

Cornell University, Masters of Business Administration from The Johnson School.

He has worked at Cornell for almost 8 years and is currently an IT Project Leader for Student and Campus Life.Sean and his wife were new parents at the time he began his degree and through-out the past two years his family has been very supportive. He says he could not have done it without them. He appreciates that the degree program at the Johnson was set up for working individuals and took their schedules into consideration.

Curtis Josey

Cornell University, Masters of Engineering in Computer Science.

Curtis has worked at Cornell for 9 and a half years. He is currently working as a Senior Data Analyst in the University Audit Office. He chose this particular area of study to boost his career, set a good example for his children, and to explore his interest in new and emerging topics related to Computer Science and how they could be applied within Administration. He was inspired by the support and understanding from colleagues in his current department as well as his prior Department, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration. He was also inspired after building relationships with faculty and students alike.

Fredrika Loew

Cornell University, Masters in Archaeology from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Fredrika has worked at Cornell for 4 years. She works for the division of Rare and Manuscript Collections.After completing her undergrad degree in the same subject her love for archaeology and encouragement from her peers inspired her to continue for her masters.Throughout this process she has felt support especially from her co-workers and supervisors.

Nicole O’Connnell-Avery

Cornell University, B.S. in Animal Science from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

She is currently employed at the University Hospital for Animals as a Veterinary Technician and has worked at Cornell for 20 years. Her work in the ICU unit at the hospital provided her the opportunity to work nights and go to classes during the day. She appreciated the scheduling flexibility allowed by her supervisor, Andrea Battaglia. One memorable moment was being allowed to bring her daughter to her Sheep Biology Class with Dr. Thonney where she was thrilled to see lambs being born.Nicole’s inspiration was her beliefs in life-long learning. She gained much satisfaction in knowing that the skills she gained will be used in her work and personal life.

Thomas O’Toole

Cornell University, PhD. in Government from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Thomas has worked at Cornell for 12 years, and he is currently the Executive Director of Cornell Institute for Public Affairs (CIPA). He graduated in February of this year.

Laurel Kiorpes Parker

Cornell University, Masters of Professional Studies, School of Industrial Labor Relations.

Laurel has worked at Cornell for 23 years, and she is currently working as an Equal Employment Opportunity Consultant in Workforce Policy and Labor Relations. She managed to balance classes, work, and raising a family as a single mom by taking one thing at a time. She found her classes to be interesting and engaging, so it wasn’t really work at all! She was inspired by her family, especially her son who finished his doctorate in May. She had to catch up!

Debbie Paul

Cornell University, B.S. in the  School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Deborah has worked at Cornell for eleven years, and she is currently working in the office of financial aid.  She particularly remembers completing a group project for Organized Behavior and choosing to study Financial Aid. She was a part of the only group in the section to receive 100% on the report. She plans on having a family party to celebrate this accomplishment. She chose this field of study because it complemented her AAS in accounting, and she is interested in labor and organizational behavior.

Aleksandra Perelman

Cornell University, Masters in Internal Development, College of Arts and Sciences.

Aleksandra is the Business Manager for the CALS Office of Academic Programs and has worked at Cornell for 5 years. She chose International Development to build upon her passion for learning, especially regarding human rights, gender, and development. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue her education provided by Cornell. In celebration of this achievement Aleksandra hopes to pop a cork on a well-deserved beach vacation.

Lauren Ryder

Cornell University, Masters in Regional Planning, College of Architecture, Art and Planning.

Lauren is a Reunion Campaign Officer for the Cornell Annual Fund.She has worked at Cornell for 11 years. Her family, including 5 year old twin boys and a 2 year old daughter inspired her to keep going.Her advisors, Mildred Warmer and Pierre Clavel were very supportive of her studies and encouraged her to find the time to fit this into her busy schedule. One highlight that Lauren recalls is putting together an economic plan and presenting it to government leaders of Kazakhstan!

Joe Williams

Cornell University, Masters of Professional Studies in Information Science.

Joe has worked at Cornell for 5 and a half years. He is currently a Web Designer in the ILR’s Yang-Tan Institute. He managed to balance classes and work by making sure that he had everything written down that needed to be done, and following that list. His wife was a huge support for him, along with his supervisor and coworkers. One of his coworkers even helped him with his homework when he needed assistance.He particularly remembers taking his first class in Use Experience Design when for the first time in his academic life, he felt like he belonged and this was what he was always meant to study.

Carrie Baldwin-SoRelle

Syracuse University, Masters Degree in Library and Information Science.

Carrie has worked at Cornell for 5 and a half years, and she is currently working as a Major Gift Associate in Alumni Affairs and Development. She chose this particular area of study because she believes that making sure people can find the information they need and use it in the way they want is very important, and she loves that libraries and archives are dedicated to accomplishing this for everyone in their communities, regardless of who is asking. She found support in her supervisors who wrote her letters of recommendation, helped her structure her schedule to allow for an internship, and encouraged her to incorporate new skills into her work.

Wendy Treat

Tompkins Cortland Community College, Associates in Applied Science, Business Administration. 

She has worked at Cornell for 28 years, and she is currently an Administrative Support Coordinator for the Center for Engaged Learning and Research. During her final semester of study, she had to take 18 credits in order to graduate. She recalls that trying to manage her studies along with working full time and being a single mom was a bit of a balancing act! She was inspired by her mother who passed away in September of 2011 and also found inspiration through her children.  Her daughter graduated from TC3 in May of 2010 and went on to pursue her Bachelor’s degree at SUNY Albany (graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Linguistics) and her son is in high school. She wanted to show them that education is a life-long adventure!

Susan Whitaker

SUNY Empire State, B.S. in Business and Marketing Studies.

Susan works as an office manager for Cornell Dining Administration. And has worked for Cornell for over 8 years. She says that having a great support system was instrumental in her efforts towards graduation.Susan will celebrate by taking her family to dinner. Her immediate future plans include time to read, knit and have slumber parties with the grandchildren.

Tara Woodard

Tompkins Cortland Community College, Associates in Applied Science, Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Tara has worked at Cornell for almost 20 years. She is currently an office manager in Engineering. She chose this particular area of study because she loves hospitality and people. She plans to be Front of the House manager of her husband’s future restaurant. She managed to balances classes and work by taking time out for family dinners, utilizing early mornings before work, lunch hours and late nights.She is inspired by her husband and children. She wanted to show them that no matter age or what life hands you, you are in control of your destiny.

2015 Graduates

Bernard Amponsah

B.S. in Business Administration, Elmira College

Bernard currently works as an electrician in Facilities Services management and has worked at Cornell for 8 years. His children inspired him to attain his degree, and he hopes they will emulate his example. He plans on taking a vacation to Cuba to celebrate this accomplishment. He chose his field of study to further his insight into financial accounting as it relates to business law, management and its impact on an organization.

Pamela Andersen

Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Pam has worked at Cornell for 21 years and is currently a Finance Specialist in Infrastructure, Properties, and Planning. She has taken advantage of online classes for the flexibility they offer as she balanced her busy home and work schedules. Her sons were 9 and 6 when she began this journey and now they’re 18 and 15.Her supervisors and coworkers have been supportive by providing guidance on assignments and even proofreading papers. She was recently recognized as Graduate of Note by her program chair.

Jennie Babcock

Master of Science in Human Resources, University of Scranton

Jennie spent the last 4 years in Cornell’s Human Resources Department, and hopes this degree will help further her career and allow her to better serve the campus community. Her husband and family inspired her to get this degree and she is excited to finish this accomplishment before starting a family of her own. Jennie’s about 8 months pregnant! Her husband and coworkers were extremely supportive of her hard work, and respected the time she needed to study.

Anthony Bellamy

Master of Public Administration, Marist College

Tony has worked at Cornell for 11 years and is currently a sergeant with the Cornell University Police. He received support from his family, co-workers and supervisors while obtaining his degree.

Jennifer Benson

Master of Public Administration, Cornell University College of Human Ecology

Jennifer is currently the Associate Director of Engagement and Participation for Alumni Affairs and Development within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. During busy times she drew support from family, friends and coworkers, who even started calling her Hermione from Harry Potter because she would always doubt herself and then end up doing well.The relationships she built with her classmates were memorable and enhanced her graduate school experience. She set a goal to complete her Masters by age 30, and is extremely proud to have just turned 30 and walk in the Cornell Commencement Ceremony this spring!

Angela Downing

Associate of Science, Tomkins Cortland Community College

Edward Evans

Master of Science in Biological and Environmental Engineering,

Cornell University Graduate School of Engineering

Ed has worked at the university for 9 years. He currently works as a Research Support Specialist and Lab Manager in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering. He has been fortunate to have the support of his family, supervisors, and coworkers during the pursuit of his degree. One of the most memorable moments during his years of study was on his first day of classes. He said, “I will never forget the look on the freshman’s faces when I showed up—they thought I was the instructor!”He derives much of his inspiration from his supervisor, Larry Walker, as well as his home and work families.

Katelyn Godoy

Master of Information Design and Technology, SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Katelyn has worked at Cornell for 4 years. She is currently a writer in Cornell’s Marketing Department within University Relations. She chose to pursue her Master’s degree to gain experience in graphic arts and content creation using digital technologies—an ever-evolving and useful practice.Her husband, Terry, and her extended family have been supportive, but her largest inspiration has been her one-year-old son, Bentley. During a time when it was tempting to quit school, she found him an inspiration to continue her work—for the sake of his future, through the betterment of her own. She has now finished her master’s degree with a 4.0 GPA while working full-time, doing freelance assignments, and having a baby this July.

David Hartino

Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University College of Engineering

David has worked at Cornell for five years and is currently a Teaching Support Specialist in the Sibley School of Mechanical Engineering. Everyone cheered him on! He received an incredible amount of support from everyone including his family, supervisor and co-workers. His final project presentation for a microprocessor development course was due on a Wednesday night. He got up on the Saturday before and didn’t sleep until after the presentation! Sounds like it was worth it: he got a great grade in the class.

Kyle Kubick

Master of Business Administration, Cornell-Queen’s Executive MBA

Kyle is the Director of Finance and Administration for the University Relations Department at Cornell. He has worked at Cornell for more than 7 years. With the support of his wife, Marie, he was able to balance class assignments, schedules, work, and above all, his family.Aside from family, Kyle also gives thanks to his supervisor, who was extremely supportive, along with all of his colleagues within University Communications and University Relations. He will always remember sharing ideas with people representing a broad range of backgrounds, both international and locally in Ithaca, which influenced his perspectives on business practices.

Joy Liu

MPS, Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Live Sciences

Peter Marchetto

PhD in Biological and Environmental Engineering,

Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Pete has worked at Cornell for 9 years and is currently an Engineering Physicist in the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He picked classes that have direct application to the work he is doing and made certain that his research at work would count towards his degree. Very smart! He credits Harold Cheyne, his former supervisor, as a great inspiration, along with Chris Clark, the former director of the Bioacoustics Research Program. He plans to take some of his vast stores of accumulated vacation days to celebrate!

Rhoda Maurer

Master of Science in a Changing World, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Rhoda has worked at Cornell for three years. She is currently the Director of Horticulture for the Cornell Plantations.

Dan Olmstead

Master of Science, Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences

Denise Schulze

B.A. in Classics and Classical Civilizations,

Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences

Denise has been at Cornell for 19 years and recently resigned her position as a Cornell Police Patrol Officer to teach Criminal Justice at BOCES. A class in Greek Mythology inspired her to study Classics and Classical Civilizations. She managed to balance her classes and career by working hard and not getting a lot of sleep.

LeoraSnowberger

B.A. in Business Information Systems, Ashford University

Leora has worked for Cornell for over 30 years and currently works as an Account Representative in the Payroll Department. She chose to study Business Information Systems because it fits with her current position and is a great next step for her future. She has been supported by everyone around her, including her family, supervisors, and co-workers. She gives them all a warm thank you.

Jessica Withers

B.A. in History, SUNY Empire State College

Jessica has worked at Cornell for 8 years and currently works as a Communications and Development Assistant in the Library. She began her degree in the 90’s and is proud to have spent this year finishing it! Now she takes advantage of her free time, reading for pleasure instead of reading textbooks and writing papers. She is now taking a look at grad school.

2014 Graduates

From Cornell:

Ewa Borejsza-Wysocka, PhD, Cornell, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

James Brannan, MBA, Cornell, Johnson Graduate School of Management

Kathy Carpenter, BS, Cornell, Industrial and Labor Relations

Mary Catt, MPS/NYC, Cornell, Industrial and Labor Relations

Evan Earle, MS, Cornell, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Patrick MacRae, MS, Cornell, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Meredith Metzler, MENG, Cornell, College of Engineering

Scott Molnar, MBA, Cornell, Johnson Graduate School of Management

Heather Mulks, BS, Cornell, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Rohit Rajoria, MS, Cornell, College of Veterinary Medicine

Chrissie Wais, MBA, Cornell, Johnson Graduate School of Management

Jeremy Williams, MPS, Cornell, College of Engineering

From other colleges:

Davine Bey, Executive MBA, Rochester Institute of Technology

Judy Briggs, MS, SUNY Empire State College

Lorrie Chase, AS, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Erin Eldermire, MLIS, Syracuse University

Shelly Hall, AS, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Jai Khalsa, MLIS, University of Wisconsin

Bonnie Sellers, MCM, University of Southern California

Jessica Venezia, MS, Ithaca College

2013 Graduates

From Cornell:

Curtis A. Baker, M.Eng, Cornell, College of Engineering

Ashley Binter, EMBA, Cornell, Johnson Graduate School of Management

Kate E. Breyer, DVM, MS, Cornell, College of Veterinary Medicine

Michael Farrell, PhD, Cornell, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Yoanna Ferrara, MPA, Cornell Graduate School

Laurie Fuller, MILR, Cornell, School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Kristin Guertin, PhD, Cornell, Human Ecology

Peter Halliday, M.Eng, Cornell, College of Engineering

Joseph Kato, MS, Cornell, College of Engineering

Jennifer Macera, BS, Cornell, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Vladimir Micic, MRP, Cornell, Art, Architecture & Planning

Neoma Mullens, MILR, Cornell, School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Kaleigh Muller, MPS, Cornell Graduate School

Cynthia Pakkala, BS, Cornell, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Connie Park, MILR, Cornell, School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Denise F. Paul, MPS, Cornell, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Scott Ross, MILR, Cornell, School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Lavanya G. Sayam, MBA, Cornell, Johnson Graduate School of Management

Steven Schuster, EMBA, Cornell, Johnson Graduate School of Management

Megan Whitman, EMBA, Cornell, Johnson Graduate School of Management

From other colleges:

Crystal Clark, AS, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Rich Curtiss, AS, Empire State College

Lori Dempsey, AS, Empire State College

Erla P. Heyns, MSW, Syracuse University

Thomas E. Jordan, M.Eng, University of Maryland

Deborah Lewis, MSW, SUNY Binghamton

Karen MacCheyne, AS, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Marie Roller, BS, Empire State College

Leora Snowberger, AS, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Karen Trask, MS, Kaplan University

Joyce A. Ward, AS, University of Phoenix

Victoria Watts, BS, Empire State College

2012 Graduates

From Cornell:

Jamie L. Abbott, MILR, College of Industrial & Labor Relations

Stephen Anderson, BS, College of Arts and Sciences

Michael Baker, MEng, College of Engineering

Daniela Balmus, MEng, College of Engineering

Jeffrey Barlow, BS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Alex Chang, Executive MBA, SC Johnson School of Management

Jess Cisco, BS, School of Hotel Administration

Kasi A. Dean, BA, College of Arts and Sciences

Evan Earle, MS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Tara Ellen-Weaver Bubble, MPS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Geoffrey Groocock, PhD, College of Veterinary Medicine

Melanie Hayn, MS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Ann M. LaFave, MPS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Keane J. Leitch, MPS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Valerie Malzer, MPA, Institute for Public Affairs

Kimberly Phoenix, BS, College of Human Ecology

Christine Potter, MPS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

LtCol Jerome P. Rizzo, USMC CQ MBA, SC Johnson School of Management

Norah Smith, MS, College of Veterinary Medicine

Karen Penders St. Clair, MPS, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Neely Tang, CQ MBA, SC Johnson School of Management

Keith G. Tidball, PhD, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Peter Tiensi Van Do, MA, College of Arts and Sciences

From other colleges:

Penny DeLong Burke, Certificate, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Sarah A. Busse , MA, SUNY Stony Brook

Christine Chouinard, AS, SUNY Empire State College

Bonnie Comella, EdD, University of Pennsylvania

Lori L. Kanellis, AS, Tompkins Cortland Community College

Erin Ann Kelly, MS, Elmira College

Gloria Loehle, BS, SUNY Empire State College

Julie Manuel, BS, SUNY Empire State College

Karen Raponi, AS, SUNY Empire State College

Stacy J. Reynolds, BS, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Mrs. Ellen Sweet, MS, Rochester Institute of Technology

2011 Graduates

From Cornell:

Catherine Alvord, B.S., School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Lauren Benfante, M.I.L.R., School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Elizabeth Bihn, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Devin Bougie, M.Eng., College of Engineering

K. Alice Bulkeley, M.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Mancang Dong, Ph.D., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Craig Frey, M.Eng., College of Engineering

Aaron Godert, M.B.A., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Rebecca Harman, M.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Shin-woo Kim, M.Eng., College of Engineering

Martin Lessmeister, M.Eng., College of Engineering

Nicole Martin, M.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Roberta Militello, M.A., College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Annemarie Morse, M.P.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Oya Rieger, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Nicholas Szabo Jr., M.Eng., College of Engineering

From other colleges:

Lucinda Allen, M.S., Rochester Institute of Technology

Laurie Bradshaw, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Brian Cornell, MA, Norwich University

Molly deRoos, M.S., Elmira College

Stephanie Ellis, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Jason Fisher, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Tina Henry, B.S., SUNY Empire State College

Bob Kilts, A.A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Dina Kristof, B.S., SUNY Empire State College

Darren McGee, A.A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Marie Roller, A.S., Corning Community College

Velvet Saunders, B.S., SUNY Empire State College

Mindy Stevenson, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

2010 Graduates

From Cornell:

Aba Blankson, C.Q. M.B.A., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Melanie Ciotoli, MMH, School of Hotel Administration

Sunny Donenfeld, M.I.L.R., School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Claire Forest, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Gabriela Gurovich, M.Eng., College of Engineering

Lillian Henry, B.S., College of Human Ecology

Carl Lagoze, Ph.D., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Holly Lange, M.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Himani Mewar, M.I.L.R., School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Frank Popowitch, M.P.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Stephani Robson, Ph.D., School of Hotel Administration

Karl Smolenski, M.Eng., College of Engineering

Ami Stuart, B.S., School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Larry Van DeValk, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Matt Zarracina, M.B.A., Johnson Graduate School of Management

From other colleges:

Amy Benedict-Augustine, Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Rosemarie Braman, B.S., SUNY Empire State College

Judy Briggs, B.A., SUNY Empire State College

Clayton Bronson, B.S., SUNY Empire State College

Frank Cantone, M.P.H., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Tiffany Howe, M.S.L.I.S., Syracuse University

Lori Miller, A.A.S., Herkimer County Community College

Lydia Pettis, M.S., SUNY Buffalo State College

Michael Schlossberg, M.S.S.E, Drexel University

Sara Jolene Spoonhower, B.S., SUNY Empire State College

Donna Wakeman, A.A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

2009 Graduates

From Cornell:

Bryan Dailey, E.M.B.A., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Ed Dodge, M.B.A., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Faping Duan, M.P.S., Faculty of Computer and Information Services

Kai Su Greene, Ph.D., College of Veterinary Medicine

WiolettaHolownia, M.Eng., College of Engineering

Stephanie Janeczko, M.S., College of Veterinary Medicine

Karl Johnson, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Tammy Johnson, M.S., College of Human Ecology

Michal Kuklis, M.Eng., College of Engineering

Magdeline Laba, Ph.D., College of Engineering

Kang Liu, M.P.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Marcia Meixler, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Stephen Parshley, M.Eng., College of Engineering

Abena Sackey, M.Eng., College of Engineering

William Siemer, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Byron Suber, M.A., College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Mark Vorreuter, M.A., College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Daniel Woodie, M.S., College of Engineering

From other colleges:

Brian Cornell, B.A., SUNY Cobleskill

Anie DelaRosa, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Sue Elliot, B.S., Elmira College

Rachel Fabi, A.S., SUNY Empire State College

Darren Jackson, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Jessica Lang, M.B.A., Ithaca College

JoAnn Shepherd, M.S., Elmira College

2008 Graduates

From Cornell:

Charlotte Acharya, M.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Jay Boulanger, Ph.D., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Tammy Gardner, B.S., School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Deborah Grusenmeyer, M.P.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

David Howe, M.B.A., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Lisa K’Bedford, M.B.A., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Marilyn Landon, B.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Ellen Mastrogiovanni, B.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Mary Newhart, M.S., School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Sanjeev Shukla, M.B.A., Johnson Graduate School of Management

Mike Skinner, B.S., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Thomas VanHaaren, B.A., College of Arts and Sciences

From other colleges:

Monica Lee Armstrong, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Chris Bohlk, M.S., Syracuse University

Sheree Borba, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Joey Diana Gates, MA, SUNY Empire State College

Karen Grover, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Charlotte Moore, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Sara Spoonhower, A.S., SUNY Empire State College

Michelle Westfall, A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College

Leslie Williams, M.B.A., LeTourneau University