Cornell College president Johnathan Brand’s charge to the class of 2026 was to “think carefully and critically, but also continue to trust your intuition.”
Brand recounted the story of Howard Schultz and the creation of Starbucks, where the now known café went from coffee beans and coffee grinding to the cafes they are known for today. Many investors said that the idea would not fly, and encouraged not to go down this route, but Schultz did pursue the idea, and when he earned enough capital did purchase Starbucks outright, turning it into what it is today.
Cornell College held commencement exercises Sunday, May 10, at the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
Senior speaker for the class of 2026 was Jack Carlson, also known as the voice of the Rams for his broadcast of more than 300 athletic events and more than 40 podcast episodes.
Carlson recounted that four years ago, many Cornell students journey started with an opening convocation on a sweltering summer day.
“It was that day we started the bonds that have made us a Ramily,” Carlson said.
Carlson quoted Tom Brady, noting “To be successful, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined and willing to work for it.”
He said that many Cornell students know that Cornell students can accomplish anything in 18 days, the motto of the block term practice at the college.
The confidence to accomplish much Carlson said, was helped by the faculty, staff, coaches and more at Cornell College.
His last piece of advice came from his grandfather – “Don’t wait. Get around to it.”
Cornell College professor of history Phil Lucas was the selected faculty speaker.
Lucas spoke about the creation of the United States, 250 years ago.
“When America was looking to overthrow Britian’s rule, the biggest decision was what type of government would follow,” Lucas said. “They decided on a democratic republic.”
Lucas said that one of the things the Founding Fathers noted was important was a liberal education. Those educated in liberal arts would be tolerant, candid, virtuous and stand up for their beliefs, free of prejudice and parochialism.
That liberal education became important in 1848, when extending education to women, and after the emancipation proclamation in extending education to former slaves.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment,” Lucas said, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“Or, to put it in the ways of my favorite artists ‘Green Day,’ ‘revolt against the honor to obey.’” Lucas said.
A number of professors were also granted emeriti status at this year’s graduation, including mathematics professor James Freeman, music professor James Martin, art history professor Christina Penn-Goetsch and computer science professor Leon Tabak.
