ITHACA, N.Y. — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Cornell’s Class of 2026 has the tenacity, talent and determination to advance the unfinished work of American democracy, President Michael I. Kotlikoff told graduates and their guests at Commencement ceremonies held May 23.

“Today we graduate our 158th graduating class with the most ambitious of goals and the most democratic of aspirations: to build a country and a world that is better for everyone who lives in it,” Kotlikoff said.

Degrees were conferred on more than 8,000 new graduates at two lively but rainy ceremonies held in Schoellkopf Field. Wearing rain ponchos and carrying umbrellas, graduates cheered, danced and posed for photos as they processed into the field behind the banners of their colleges; a few intrepid graduates sported sunglasses.

“Nothing dampens the spirit of the mighty Class of 2026,” University Marshal Kathryn Boor said.

Read more: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/05/kotlikoff-grads-you-have-tools-build-better-world