Staying Connected

A network of supporters, Dean Harry Katz reminded 2014 ILR graduates, nurtured the journeys that led to diplomas.

“I want to congratulate you on your accomplishments, but I also want to remind you that you didn’t get here solely on the basis of your own actions; you were helped enormously by your parents and wider family,” he said Sunday in Lynah Rink.

In his speech to an estimated 250 ILR graduates and about 1,000 well-wishers, the Kenneth F. Kahn Dean urged the school’s newest alums to remain connected with families and friends.

“Be forewarned, graduates, time will pass quickly. If you think your time at ILR went fast, wait until you step outside. You will need to assert yourself to slow things down, or else you will find that ties with family and friends will fray,” Katz said.

On May 21, two ILR members of the Class of 2014 reflected on influential members of their academic families through an event sponsored by the Cornell Merrill Presidential Scholars Program.

It honored 33 seniors, along with the faculty members students said most significantly contributed to their college experiences and high school teachers who most inspired their scholastic development.

Danielle Abada ’14 of Woodbury, N.Y., named ILR Professor Jack Goncalo and Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island teacher Robin Stanton.

Simon Boehme ’14 of Kalamazoo, Mich., named ILR Professor Alex Colvin and Von Washington Jr. of Kalamazoo High School.

Since 1988, one percent of the Cornell graduating class has been awarded Merrill honors by deans of the university’s seven undergraduate colleges.

Merrill Scholars are selected for scholastic accomplishments, plus “demonstrated remarkable intellectual drive, energetic leadership abilities and a propensity to contribute to the betterment of society.”