Freshly minted Ph.D.s inaugurate new tradition, receiving hoods as family and friends applaud

Robert Barker/University Photography

Barbara Knuth, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, places academic hoods on doctoral candidates during the Ph.D. Recognition Ceremony in Barton Hall May 28.

Although the road to a doctoral degree was "one of the most arduous, challenging and exciting academic journeys," students didn't travel it alone. "You have stood by them, and we recognize you as well," President David Skorton said to the multitude of friends and family members assembled in Barton Hall for the Ph.D. Recognition Ceremony May 28 of the 2011 Graduation Weekend.

To the 320-plus newly minted doctors, Skorton offered optimism. While 1.7 million students nationwide will receive bachelor degrees this year, only 71,000 Ph.D.s will be awarded, and those from Cornell will be a "highly regarded subset," he said. Their degrees are not merely recognition of knowledge absorbed, but of their "insight, time and hard work, and unwillingness to settle for 'good enough.'"

As faculty from the baby boom generation retire in the next few years, he said, universities everywhere are increasing their hiring -- so job prospects for the current Cornell cadre look very good despite the economic downturn.

"You have the knowledge, you have the perspective, you have the ingenuity to make contributions to your discipline and the broader society," he concluded.

After his remarks, the name of each Ph.D. recipient was read aloud -- often followed by whoops and applause from cheering sections in the audience; candidates stepped on stage where, for the first time this year, academic hoods were placed over their shoulders by Provost Kent Fuchs and Barbara Knuth, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. Each graduating doctoral student then crossed the stage to shake hands with Skorton.

The Ph.D. Recognition Ceremony was instituted 19 years ago by then-President Frank Rhodes. Previously, Ph.D. recipients were announced along with graduating seniors. Rhodes was present for this year's recognition, seated in a place of honor with the attending faculty.

The event began with candidates and many faculty members who had worked with them entering in a formal procession, accompanied by the Cornell Wind Ensemble, conducted by Cynthia Johnston Turner, director of wind ensembles, and guest conductor Rafael Rodriguez from Costa Rica, where members of the Wind Ensemble have been performing and teaching. Processional music included "Festival Prelude" and "The Crowning Glory" by the late American composer Alfred Reed, "Olympic Fanfare and Theme" by John Williams and finally the academic hymn "Gaudeamus Igitur."

After members of the Glee Club led the Alma Mater, the recessional was accompanied by Sousa marches. A buffet reception followed, while the newly recognized doctors took turns posing in front of the Cornell seal for photographs by their families and friends.