Campus & Beyond Words of Wisdom, from Alumni to the Class of 2025 Stories You May Like With a ‘Last Lecture,’ Hockey Coach Offers Words of Wisdom The Mortarboard: Canvas for Self-Expression From Big Red Presidents, Commencement Words of Wisdom We asked you to share your advice for this year’s graduates—and on topics from career to travel to self-confidence, you delivered By Beth Saulnier What do you wish someone had told you when you were graduating from Cornell and being launched into the world? That’s the question we asked readers to ponder in advance of this year’s Commencement. The many thoughtful responses we received offered insights on how to approach a job search; the importance of seeing the world and getting involved in civic life; the value of doing well by doing good; and much more. (And OK, there was that one alum who offered a one-sentence suggestion: “Don’t take generic advice from people who graduated a long time ago.” Well played, sir; you made us chuckle.) Then-President Frank H.T. Rhodes presides over Commencement ’84. The following are selections from the responses: the collected wisdom of Cornellians to the newest crop of alumni. They’re interspersed with vintage Commencement photos from the 1970s and ’80s—images that have been stored on slides in the University Library’s Rare and Manuscript Collections for decades, and are only now being widely shared. (Do you have some advice to add? Or do you recognize someone—or yourself!—in the photos? Let us know in the comments!) “Very few of us are doing what we thought we’d be doing when we graduated, so don’t worry about what your first job is; odds are it won’t be what your last job is.” — Don Young ’70 “They often say ‘life is short’—but the truth is, life is long. You don’t need to worry about choosing the career of your life now. The next decade is the best time for you to try as many new things as possible, build on a wide set of skills, cultivate relationships and mentors, try a side hustle, read a lot books, live abroad, and apply your talents to what you value most. The following decade, you’ll have everything you need to create your own career.” — Vicki Johnson ’01 “As you leave the University environment, opportunities and activities that have been so easily available at Cornell may become harder to find. It might be a hobby, or a non-academic skill that you have been honing. But look hard in the community that you are going to, or start a group with people who share your interest. At some point, life might necessitate you put away these things for some years—but keep an eye out for opportunities to enjoy them again.” — Teresa Fung ’91, MS ’94 “Don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.” — Uvika Sharma, MBA ’10 “Purpose, identity, relationships: these are three crucial components of meaningful existence. These need to be considered as one is embarking on a career, and really the rest of one’s life, including retirement!” — Bruce Grund ’74 “You are the bomb. You are among the best in this world. Believe in yourself. Be bold—yet kind, nice, and encouraging. Believe in yourself and go out there and show the world who you are and where you come from.” — Carol Killiebrew ’92 Purpose, identity, relationships: these are three crucial components of meaningful existence. Bruce Grund ’74 “Spend two years as a Peace Corps volunteer. Learn about and experience another culture, and help make the world a better place.” — Michael Hirsh ’66 Stories You May Like With a ‘Last Lecture,’ Hockey Coach Offers Words of Wisdom The Mortarboard: Canvas for Self-Expression “Trust your gut. It is your North Star and will always lead you in the right direction. Rather than casting a wide net to find a job, get specific and focused, based on what lights you up—not what seems like a good idea or what others advise you to do. Employers want to know you are not only qualified, but enthusiastic. Interview them every bit as much as they interview you.” — Sharon Hoffman, MS ’88 “Get involved with local and state government!” — David Sheffield ’55, BArch ’60, MRP ’61 “Find a career that you are passionate about. The money rewards will come as you pursue your passions. Never stop learning—and always learn how to do the next job that you want to get, while doing the one you have.” — Jan Versteeg Olson ’76 “My advice would be what they told us at Orientation: ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’” — Hannah Mathers ’86 “Be curious. Our ability to change the future far outstrips our ability to change the past. Lead with vulnerability, embrace with trust. Love well and often.” — Doug Young ’85 My advice would be what they told us at Orientation: ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’ Hannah Mathers ’86 “Communicate. Treat others as you want to be treated. Always look at the big picture when making or analyzing a decision. Be truthful, no matter how hard that may seem in the short run.” — Charlie Kentnor ’64, BME ’65 “Written goals and weekly accountability dramatically increase the likelihood of goal achievement.” — Peter Chatel ’78 “Stay in touch with Cornell! I’ve made friends whom I did not know on campus, and I have enjoyed many fantastic experiences with Cornellians around the world, just by being an active member of alumni groups.” — Jeanne Brown Sander ’66 “The important thing you take away from your time here is that you have learned how to learn. You should now be confident that you are capable of acquiring any skill. There is no such thing as clever people—only those who have the confidence and determination to take on a challenge.” — Donald Cameron, MS ’63 (All photos courtesy of Rare and Manuscript Collections.) Published May 1, 2025 What's your advice for the Class of 2025? Comments Anondo Mukherjee, Class of 2012 18 May, 2025 Remember how the big picture connects with the details of each decision in the moment. That includes your unique values, convictions, and mission. Invest in the relationships and opportunities that help you learn, grow, and flourish. Reply Terrance c Farley, Class of 1960 18 May, 2025 The real world is very different from the campus world and more dangerous. You have been force fed by the media, the education system and your hand held. That may or may not be you but now is the time to determine who YOU ARE the opportunities are endless and the goals you set will change over time and that is healthy. Form your own opinion on issues and you may be shocked at the contrast to what you have been fed. Make the next 60 years a joyful trip and then you can relax Reply Dan Kraus, Class of 1967 18 May, 2025 I agree with an earlier comment. Join the Peace Corps and see how people in another part of the world live. The experience will stay with you forever. Dan Kraus 1967 Reply Dennis Zeleny, Class of 1977 18 May, 2025 It’s all about “who”. Be thoughtful about who you spend your time with. Relationships will determine the trajectory and richness of your life. Make the time to cultivate, invest in and nurture the most meaningful ones and be purposeful in shedding those that bring you down. Reply Julian Max Aroesty, MD 1/Lt USAF, Class of 1953 18 May, 2025 What you acquire from each course depends on two factors. (1) the teaching skill of your instructor (20%) and (2) your effort to achieve full understanding of the material (80%). Your first job is rarely your final job, it is your introduction to the employment environment. The longer you take to accept an initial job offer, the greater the probability employers will see you as inflexible. A brilliant inflexible graduate is a less attractive employee than a bright grad with wide interests and documented ability to work well with others, as indicated by extra-curricular activities. I had planned to do cancer research, after completing a biochemistry PhD. I took one of my men to a MASH unit in Korea where I met an academic surgeon who convinced me to get an MD instead of a PhD. I agreed but lacked a Biology course so my applications were turned down until I took the NY state all day competitive exam for a 4 year full tuition med school scholarship. At Cornell I was a B+ student in the upper 25% of my Cornell class but was #5 out of 2000 applicants on the scholarship exam — a reflection of the rigor of my Cornell education. Reply William Brothers, Class of 1965 18 May, 2025 Life is like a billiard table with constantly moving balls. You are the cue ball and how you interact with the other balls – even if ever-so-lightly – can determine your trajectory in life. Embrace new directions; be open to change. Reply Rebecca, Class of 1991 19 May, 2025 Stay in touch with your friends from Cornell. I met one of my favorite people the first week of Freshman year when we worked together at the Straight Dining Hall. She’s still someone I can talk to for hours on the phone. We make a point of getting together at least once a year. I loved my time at Cornell, but I’ve cherished the friends I made even more. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Cornelliana Big Red Books, Perfect for Gifting Students Big Red Volleyball Standout Advocates for Women in Sports Alumni NYC-based Historian Hugh Ryan ’00 Brings LGBTQ+ Stories to Life