Congratulations, Hotel School Class of 2018 graduates!

By: Katelyn Godoy
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Graduates of the School of Hotel Administration were celebrated at the Hotel School Graduate Recognition Ceremony and reception on Sunday, May 27, following Cornell’s 150th Commencement. Congratulations to our award winners and newest alumni!

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Dean Kate Walsh and graduate banner bearers head to Schoellkopf Stadium for Commencement

Graduate Recognition Ceremony highlights

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Photo of a graduate waving
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Photo of a graduate making a silly face while walking in
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Cathy A. Enz, associate dean for academic affairs, calls graduates and attendees to order

257 undergraduate degrees

Bachelor of Science in hotel administration

Photo of graduates walking into the ceremony
Photo of graduates walking into the ceremony
Photo of a graduate wearing a "grad" pair of glasses and necklance
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Photo of graduates looking for their families in the crowd
Photo of a waving graduate

69 graduate degrees

39 Master of Management in Hospitality

28 Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate (Baker Program)

2 Master of Science

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Photo of students listening to Dean Walsh

Kate Walsh, dean and E.M. Statler Professor, addresses graduates at the recognition ceremony

“Being someone who makes the world better for others, one relationship at a time, is probably going to be one of your greatest sources of happiness.  So on this very happy day, we ask you to be the essence of a Hotelie—show everyone what life is service looks like.  And then you get to be the ones paying it forward, mentoring new generations of Hotelies.  Nothing really, is more rewarding than that.”
—Dean Kate Walsh

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Photo of a graduate smiling in her seat
Photo of seated graduates
Photo of Kayti Stanley at the podium
Kayti Stanley ’18, Cornell Hotel Society “Hotelie for Life” Senior Prize Winner, addresses her peers during the ceremony

But it’s a funny thing to finally achieve a goal like this. Now that we have reached the peak it begs the question of what do we work towards next? What comes next? How do we approach life without this goal that’s been guiding our every action for so many years? Gratitude.
—Kayti Stanley ’18, Cornell Hotel Society “Hotelie for Life” Senior Prize Winner

In Kayti’s address, she called on the wisdom of monk and scholar David Steidnl-Rast: “To live gratefully, you must first stop, then look, and finally go.”

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Photo of a cap that says "thanks mom & dad"
Photo of a family clapping in the audience

When life forces you to be quiet and present in the face of unexpected circumstances, remember to take a moment to stop. And when life is a bit too overwhelming starting a new job or moving to a new city, remember to take a moment to look. And when life gives you the inspiration to share joy and appreciation with others, like your family saying they’re proud of you, remember take a moment to go and to be grateful.
—Kayti Stanley ’18

Photo of graduates walking to get their degrees
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Photo of a family taking pictures

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Linda Canina, the Richard J. and Monene P. Bradley Director of Graduate Studies, presents diplomas to MMH graduates
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Michael Tomlan, the Robert C. Baker Professor of Real Estate and director of graduate studies for the Baker Program in Real Estate, presents diplomas to MPS-RE graduates
Photo of a cap that says: "and then I realized adventures are the best way to learn"
Photo of a family clapping in the audience
Photo of a cap that says "it takes a village"

Hotel School graduate and family reception

Photo of a graduate and their family holding flowers
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Photo of a graduate and faculty member
Photo of three graduates wearing Hawaiian necklaces
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Photo of a family posing with their graduate
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Photo of two graduates and their mothers
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Cornell University’s 150th Commencement

Photo of two graduates in the stadium
Photo of three graduates smiling
Photo of female graduates walking to the stadium