Ithaca, N.Y. — Jane Lynch, MFA ’84, delivered the Senior Convocation address at Barton Hall on May 21, telling #Cornell2026 to overcome their fears, avoid subscribing to cultural memes, and to be kind and generous.

“I have found, as an adult standing here before you,” she said, “that if you can get fear off your back, if you can just get out from underneath it, you unleash some awesome power, and you can live such a satisfying life.”

Lynch’s speech was the main event in a high-energy Convocation program that featured several student performance groups, including Taiko drum ensemble Yamatai and a cappella group The Hangovers; remarks from class members and Cornell administrators; a video featuring seniors looking back on their four years; and a rousing rendition of the alma mater to close.

Read more: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/05/jane-lynch-mfa-84-class-2026-shed-your-fear