Kotlikoff to new students: Embrace the ‘freedom and responsibility’ of Cornell

They already knew the Cornell motto.

Many in the crowd at New Student Convocation called it out to Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff: "… any person … any study," shorthand for Ezra Cornell's aim to "found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study."

"To be a Cornellian is to inherit that tradition, of '… any person … any study,'" Kotlikoff said under blue skies Aug. 25 at Schoellkopf Field. "It means embracing the freedom to learn and explore and share ideas, along with the responsibilities of being part of an academic community united in a shared mission, and respecting others in that community, even when you disagree with them."

That tradition - of valuing the rights of the individual and upholding the shared values of the community, of "freedom and responsibility" - began with the university's founders, Kotlikoff told the crowd, which comprised the majority of Cornell's 4,094 first-year and transfer students.

"Their plan embraced the democratic ideals of our nation, in ways that challenged existing views of class and privilege, existing views of race and gender, and existing ideas of what should and should not be taught in a university," Kotlikoff said. "Since its very beginnings, Cornell has been about breaking down barriers: between people and ideas, knowledge and practice, potential and achievement."

To fully embrace the tradition of freedom and responsibility is to seek out and learn from some of the smartest and most accomplished people - but also the most curious, interesting and down-to-earth, Kotlikoff said. He listed former occupations of members of Cornell's leadership: a short-order cook, an assembly-line worker, a sugarcane cutter in Belize, a dairy manure manager in upstate New York and a construction worker.

"All of us would tell you the same thing: that all of those experiences made us who we are and brought us to where we are, with more understanding and respect for the world and the people in it," he said. "So please take the time to experience the breadth of Cornell and Ithaca to the greatest extent possible."

Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life, also emphasized the rich diversity of the Cornell community and the value students would find in learning from others. He invoked the words of Willard Straight, Class of 1901, from a letter to his son, now inscribed on the walls of the building that bears his name: "Hold your head high and keep your mind open."

"No one has ever been successful alone, and even the most talented individuals in the world still have a lot to learn from those around them, whether something technical or something about their lived experience, but you won't have the chance to do so if you don't keep your mind open to learn," Lombardi said. "So when you're engaging with your peers and others on campus, listen to understand, and seek to hear their perspectives and consider what you might learn from them."

Student Assembly President Zora deRham '27 told students to be open to the new, to keep in touch with their roots and those at home, and to build their Cornell support system.

"The fact that I'm speaking to you today reflects the innumerable possibilities Cornell offers," deRham said. "As long as you are open to exploration, risk-taking and having fun with the journey, you'll be able to embrace Cornell for what it is to you."

Leaders from each of the colleges offered brief welcoming remarks to their students, and the Big Red Marching Band, Cornell Cheer and the Cornell Glee Club and Chorus all performed. To conclude the event, emcee Marla Love, the Robert W. and Elizabeth C. Staley Dean of Students, called on all students to join in the tradition of standing arm-in-arm and singing the Cornell alma mater.

"Cornell is a place to follow your curiosity, discover your passions and learn something new about yourself," Kotlikoff said. "And as diverse as this community is, all of you share one thing in common: All of you, from today, are Cornellians."