Congratulations, Hotel School Class of 2018 graduates!

May 31, 2018 By: Katelyn Godoy

Photo of graduates tossing their caps that says

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!

Photo of Kate and students carrying a banner — Dean Kate Walsh and graduate banner bearers head to Schoellkopf Stadium for Commencement

Graduate Recognition Ceremony highlights

Photo of a line of graduates walking into the arena

Photo of a graduate making a silly face while walking in

Photo of Cathy Enz at the podium — 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 a graduate wearing a "grad" pair of glasses and necklance

Photo of graduates looking for their families in the crowd

69 graduate degrees

39 Master of Management in Hospitality

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

2 Master of Science

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

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.”

Photo of a family in the audience clapping

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 — Linda Canina, the Richard J. and Monene P. Bradley Director of Graduate Studies, presents diplomas to MMH graduates

Photo of a graduate shaking someone's hand — Linda Canina, the Richard J. and Monene P. Bradley Director of Graduate Studies, presents diplomas to MMH graduates

Photo of a cap that says: "and then I realized adventures are the best way to learn"

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

Photo of a graduate holding a young girl

Photo of three graduates wearing Hawaiian necklaces

Photo of a graduate with two young girls

Photo of a family posing with their graduate

Photo of two graduates and their mothers

Cornell University’s 150th Commencement

Photo of female graduates walking to the stadium