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[AUDIO LOGO] TARA HOLM: Distinguished guests, esteemed faculty members, proud parents, friends and family here and on Zoom, and, most importantly, the resilient and brilliant 2023 mathematics graduates of Cornell University.
[APPLAUSE]
I am Tara Holm, and I am Chair of the Mathematics Department. It's so nice to be here together to celebrate this moment. Honoring our students' accomplishments is a solemn and joyous occasion. Joining me to celebrate the achievements of our graduates are Irena Peeva.
Where did she go? She was here. She'll be back. Oh, there-- Irena Peeva, our Director of Graduate Studies, who will present our PhD students, and Dan Barbash, our Director of the math major, who will present our majors to you.
This year, we are honoring eight students earning PhDs and 106 students earning bachelor's degrees. I stress earning because it is a point of pride among Cornellians that we do not award honorary degrees. If someone, unlike me, has a Cornell degree, like all of you, they have earned it.
Math has played a central role at Cornell since its founding. Our first President, Andrew Dickson White, hired the first two Cornell professors in February of 1867. And one of these two was the first chair of the math department, Evan Evans.
The junior-year course offerings in the School of mathematics back then included Church's integral calculus. Many of you studied that in high school. Evans and his successor, James Oliver, set about refining and expanding the curriculum. We now teach about 80 different courses each year, and we are continually improving our offerings in the spirit of Evans and Oliver.
The Cornell mathematics major is one of the most flexible mathematics majors that I know about. I would hazard a guess that no two of you took exactly the same courses to satisfy your math major. This breadth of offerings is unusual.
We believe that it is the best way to live up to Cornell's founding principle of any person, any study. It empowers you to choose your path. I hope it will serve you well in the wide array of activities that you are pursuing next.
Now, to the parents, and family, and friends of graduating students, I want to thank you for sharing your students with us. We take great pride in their accomplishments, and so can you. It has been our privilege to guide them and to learn from them.
Mathematics requires careful thinking and reasoning. Your students have developed a broad appreciation for mathematics. They have embraced the discomfort of not yet understanding how to solve a problem, and they can recognize what they don't yet know. They have learned how to learn. They have developed powerful habits of mind that will enable them to grapple with the toughest problems facing humanity.
Now, to the students. For several years now, you have been an integral part of the Department of Mathematics. Beyond your courses, some of you have run our Math Club, recently inviting AD White Professor Jordan Ellenberg to tell us about the mathematics of the game Set.
You have represented Cornell in modeling contests and in the Putnam Exam. Some of you have worked as a tutor in the Math Support Center, or have graded homework for our courses, or served as TAs in our classrooms. Undergrads and grad students have studied together in the directed reading program and relaxed together at the Association for Women in Mathematics events.
You have pursued research projects with faculty and helped with outreach efforts around Ithaca and beyond. I hope you have enjoyed these opportunities, and I am grateful for your contributions to our mathematics community.
It is now time. As your name is called, please come up to the stage. I'm going to be standing at the center rectangle. Professor Barbash will join and call your names. I think we would like you to stand up row by row.
So the first row will stand up, head over to that side, and wait in line to come across the stage. We'll shake hands, you and I. There'll be a quick photo, and I will hand you the microphone to say a few words before returning to your seat. So, first, I'd like to invite Irena Peeva, our Director of Graduate Studies, to present our PhDs.
[APPLAUSE]
IRENA PEEVA: Hello, everyone. We'll be presenting our PhDs. The Cornell mathematics department has a midsized graduate program with about 75 graduate students.
We have about 50 faculty in the field of mathematics who can serve as thesis advisors. Students choose faculty advisors and research projects in a wide range of mathematical areas-- analysis, algebra, algebraic geometry, applied mathematics, combinatorics, dynamical systems, differential equations, geometry, lead theory, logic, number theory, probability, and topology.
For their PhD thesis, every student has to solve a mathematical problem that no one has solved before. This is very challenging and interesting. It requires a lot of hard work, very strong analytical skills, and a lot of creativity.
In addition to conducting research, the graduate students participate in teaching and many outreach activities. Each year, the mathematics department gives several prizes and awards to outstanding students. We are very proud of our graduate students and their impressive achievements.
There are four graduate students who were unable to participate in this event. Today, we'll have four students-- Kimoi Kemboi.
[APPLAUSE]
Kimoi defended her thesis in May under the supervision of Professor Daniel Halpern-Leistner. The title of her thesis is "Full Exceptional Collections of Vector Bundles of Linear GIT Quotients."
She was awarded the Eleanor Norton York award in 2020 and given a Hutchinson Fellowship in 2022 for excellent work as a student and teaching assistant. In the fall, Kimoi will be a postdoc at Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Studies.
[APPLAUSE]
KIMOI KEMBOI: Thank you. I'd like to thank my advisor, Dan Halpern-Leistner, for a lot of mentorship and teaching me a lot of math. I'd like to thank a lot of my friends in the grad program for teaching me math and also making grad school fun. I'd like to thank my parents, who are here, for their sacrifice that enabled me to get an education and also to Max and the Helgren family for their support.
[APPLAUSE]
IRENA PEEVA: Max Lipton.
[APPLAUSE]
He defended his PhD thesis in April under the supervision of Professor Steven Strogatz. The title of his thesis is "Dynamical Systems in Pure Mathematics." He was awarded the Robert John Battig Graduate Prize in 2020 for demonstrating excellence in mathematics. In the fall, Max will be an NSF postdoctoral fellow at MIT.
[APPLAUSE]
MAX LIPTON: I'd like to thank my advisor, Steve Strogatz. I would not have gotten to this point without his generous support, mentorship, and guidance. I'd also like to thank both my parents for showing up here for all the love and support and teaching that they've given me throughout my 28 years on Earth.
And, of course, I'd like to thank the love of my life and my fiancee, Courtney Walker. And I will just say that throughout my life, I have lived by one maxim-- institutions serve individuals, not the other way around. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
IRENA PEEVA: Elise McMahon.
[APPLAUSE]
She defended her thesis in May under the supervision of Professor Inna Zakharevich. The title of her thesis is "A Simple Issue Set Approach to Computing the Group Homology of Some Orthogonal Subgroups of the Discrete Group GONR." Her career plans have not been finalized yet.
ELISE MCMAHON: I would like to thank my advisor, Inna Zakharevich, for her guidance, both mathematically and personally. I would like to thank every math teacher I've had. I would not be here today without them-- and my first math teachers being my parents, Beth and Jeff. And I would also like to thank all the friends in the math department for building an excellent community.
[APPLAUSE]
IRENA PEEVA: Peter Uttenthal.
[APPLAUSE]
He defended his PhD in May under the supervision of Professor Ravi Ramakrishna. The title of his thesis is "Density of Selmer Ranks in Families of Even Galois Representations." In the fall, Peter will be a visiting assistant professor at Cornell University.
[APPLAUSE]
PETER UTTENTHAL: I would like to say thank you to Professor Ravi Ramakrishna for working with me for the past seven years, for showing me lots of interesting mathematics, and for his generosity in sharing his ideas. I'd like to thank Professor Dan Barbash for his support and being an inspiring mentor.
I am grateful to the staff and the math department for always helping me out through my time at Cornell and to the mathematical community at large at Cornell for creating such a friendly atmosphere.
I am thankful to my friends who are here today who came a long way to celebrate with me and to my parents, Eric and Anita, for helping me succeed. And, finally, I'm grateful to my sister, Maria, for being a supportive and amazing friend. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
IRENA PEEVA: The mathematics department is very proud of our graduate students and their impressive achievements. Congratulations to the students graduating this year.
[APPLAUSE]
TARA HOLM: Thank you, Irena, and congratulations to all four of you. I'm now pleased to introduce Dan Barbash, the Director of our math major, who will present our class of 2023.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: So welcome, all, to this festive occasion. A few words about the undergraduate major-- I'm reiterating what our chair has said. So the Cornell Mathematics Department has a large undergraduate program, as you can witness, including our 106 graduates for this year.
Our students have to pass challenging courses with high marks in linear algebra and multivariable calculus to be admitted to the major. Once they are admitted, they are assigned an advisor, and they have to pass advanced undergraduate courses to earn the degrees in mathematics.
The students choose one of several areas of concentration-- applied mathematics, computer science, economics, mathematical biology, mathematical physics, operations research, statistics, and just mathematics with all of its varied subsubjects.
An unusually large number of our students earn more than one major. The other majors that I counted this year-- computer science, physics, applied mathematics, applied and engineering physics, astronomy, environment and sustainability, chemistry, economics, and English.
Many of our students distinguished themselves in very advanced graduate courses. They write senior thesis. They participate in and excel at national and international competitions. We are very proud to have had the opportunity to interact with such an excellent group of students.
So I will now present the 2023 bachelor's recipients. As mentioned, you come up for the photo opportunity, and you can say a few words. So Alexander Albert. Alexander graduates with majors--
[APPLAUSE]
--in mathematics and physics. And he will enter the physics PhD program at Caltech this fall.
[APPLAUSE]
ALEXANDER ALBERT: I'd like to thank my friends for all the wonderful memories and all the great times that we've had and my parents for their incredible support at every step of my academic journey.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: And I apologize for mispronouncing some of your names. I'll do my best. Akash Aryal.
[APPLAUSE]
Akash has completed majors in mathematics and computer science, and he has accepted a position with Amazon as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
AKASH ARYAL: Honestly, it feels very strange coming up here. It really makes you realize how fast the past four years have flew by. I'd like to thank my friends and family for helping me along this journey, and I wish everyone here the best of luck in their future endeavors.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Jeffrey Backus.
[APPLAUSE]
Jeffrey is a mathematics and physics double major who will pursue a PhD in physics at Princeton.
[APPLAUSE]
JEFFREY BACKUS: I'd just like to thank my family, many of whom are here, for their support and guidance over the course of the last four years and throughout my whole life and also for my friends for making me laugh for the past four years. So thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Ritwick Bhargava.
[APPLAUSE]
Ritwick is a double major with computer science, graduating summa cum laude in mathematics. He will continue his studies at the University of Michigan in their mathematics PhD program. On a personal note, I'll add he is engaged in a research project under supervision from his advisor, which may result in publishable papers.
RITWICK BHARGAVA: I'd just like to thank my parents for their constant support, my roommates, also for their constant support, particularly Khari and Aaron for many interesting mathematical discussions. Also, I'd like to thank all the professors in the math department, particularly Professor Yuri Berest, [INAUDIBLE], and John Hubbard for their inspiration and encouragement. Thanks.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Steven Booth.
[APPLAUSE]
Steven is a double major with physics. He completed the math major with a concentration in computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
STEVEN BOOTH: I'd just like to thank my family, my wonderful parents and brother, for their support, without whom I wouldn't be here today, obviously. And to all of my fellow graduates, warm wishes that you find fulfilling paths.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Christian [INAUDIBLE].
[APPLAUSE]
Christian has completed majors in mathematics and economics, and his future plans include a position with Barclays as an investment banking analyst.
CHRISTIAN: I'd like to thank my mom, my dad, and my sister for all their support. I love you guys so much. My mom actually dropped the math major in college, so this one's for you, Mama. Also, shout out to Dee for all the help with math, even though she's not a math major.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Lu Cao.
[APPLAUSE]
Lu graduates with majors in mathematics, computer science, and statistical science, and she has accepted a position with Goldman Sachs as a quantitative strategy analyst.
[APPLAUSE]
LU CAO: I'd like to thank my family and friends for all the support along my journey, and hope everyone love my cap.
[LAUGHTER]
[APPLAUSE]
TARA HOLM: Congratulations.
DAN BARBASH: Amy Chen.
[APPLAUSE]
Amy has completed majors in mathematics and physics.
AMY CHEN: I'd like to thank my family, my friends, and my professors for this incredible opportunity and for supporting me throughout all of it. I'd also like to thank Dick Furnas and Kelly Delp for all the hard work they put into the Math Support Center, which has been an integral part of my math experience here at Cornell.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Darren Chen.
[APPLAUSE]
Darren is a mathematics and physics double major. He will continue his education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he has been accepted into the physics PhD program.
[APPLAUSE]
DARREN CHEN: I'd like to thank my family for supporting me my entire life and also showing up here. I'd also like to thank my friends for just being with me throughout my Cornell journey.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Kaitlyn Chen.
[APPLAUSE]
Kaitlin graduated in December with a double major in mathematics and computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
KAITLIN CHEN: I'd like to thank my friends and family, but especially Derrick, Kevin, and Xander. I couldn't have done it without you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: [INAUDIBLE]
[APPLAUSE]
[INAUDIBLE] completed his degree in December with majors in mathematics and computer science and distinction in all subjects. He accepted a position with Optiver as a software engineer.
SPEAKER 2: I'd like to thank all my professors for gifting me with all this mathematical knowledge, all my friends for help with P sets and all the good times, my parents for their emotional and financial support. And, lastly, my mom for teaching me mathematics at a very early age and to my current interest in mathematics and, largely, all my success can be attributed to. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: [INAUDIBLE]
[APPLAUSE]
[INAUDIBLE] is a mathematics, computer science, and philosophy triple major, graduating cum laude in mathematics. He has accepted a position with Google as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
SPEAKER 3: Thank you. I would just like to thank Cornell for this opportunity, my family for helping me avail this opportunity, and my friends for making Cornell the experience it was.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Matthew Choy.
[APPLAUSE]
Matthew graduates with a concentration in mathematical physics. He has accepted a position with Vanguard as an investment management analyst.
[APPLAUSE]
MATTHEW CHOY: I would like to thank the Math Department, my friends, and my loved ones for all the love and support for the past four years. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Felipe Conte Cortez Martins.
[APPLAUSE]
Felipe is a mathematics and computer science double major.
FELIPE CONTE CORTEZ MARTINS: I'd like to think my family. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
Thank you very much.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Gregorio de la Fuente Simarro.
[APPLAUSE]
Gregorio graduates with majors in mathematics and physics. And after a long break at home in Spain, he will enter the PhD program in physics at MIT.
[APPLAUSE]
GREGORIO DE LA FUENTE SIMARRO: I would like to thank my first math teacher, my grandmother, Elisa Grande, and my family and friends for being my joy and strength during my time at Cornell. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Dong Shan Deng.
[APPLAUSE]
Dong Shan completed his degree in December with a major in mathematics and a minor in computer science.
DONG SHAN DENG: I would like to thank my family for their support and my friends for grinding through all the classes and, of course, the professors for always been inspiring and opening up my horizons. Thank you, everyone.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Roei Dery.
[APPLAUSE]
Roei is a mathematics and physics double major, and he will enter the physics PhD program at MIT in the fall.
[APPLAUSE]
ROEI DERY: I'd just like to thank all my family and friends who are here today for the unconditional love and support. You really made Cornell a very special place to me. And congratulations to all the graduates.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Riley Dorian.
[APPLAUSE]
Riley is a mathematics and physics double major, and he will continue his education at Caltech in their physics PhD program.
[APPLAUSE]
RILEY DORIAN: Of course, I want to thank my family and friends for constantly supporting, uplifting, and believing in me, even though they don't understand my love of math. And I also want to give a shout out to the MSC. The math department wouldn't be the same without it, and tutoring there was one of the most fulfilling parts of my Cornell experience. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Matt Dreyer.
[APPLAUSE]
Matt is a mathematics and computer science double major. He is graduating magna cum laude in mathematics, and he has accepted an analyst position with Goldman Sachs.
[APPLAUSE]
MATT DREYER: I'd like to think of my family, even though they're not here right now, for all the love and support that I've been given over the course of my Cornell journey. I'd like to think my friends in the math major and outside for all the help-- some of the math major friends, with the P sets. Thank you, everyone. Good luck with your journeys.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Eric Eng.
[APPLAUSE]
Eric has completed a concentration in computer science and will continue his education at Cornell in the computer science master of engineering program.
[APPLAUSE]
ERIC ENG: Yeah. Thank you, dad and Maley, for coming out, and go, Big Red.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Ellie Fassman. I'm sorry?
TARA HOLM: I think we may need the whole second row in the middle to stand up and form a line so that Ellie can then cycle back to her row-- seat.
[APPLAUSE]
Ellie Fassman is a mathematics and computer science double major. She'll remain at Cornell to pursue a master's degree in computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
ELLIE FASSMAN: Yeah, so I just want to thank the mathematics department for challenging me and enriching my education. I'm pursuing computer science, but I'm so glad that I also pursued math at Cornell. It's such a wonderful program.
I'd also like to thank my parents for always being supportive of me as a young woman in STEM, even when I had my challenges. So thank you. [NON-ENGLISH]. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Sahil Fatehpuria.
[APPLAUSE]
Sahil graduates cum laude in mathematics with a concentration in operations research and a second major in computer science. He will continue his education at Cornell in pursuit of a master's in engineering in computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
SAHIL FATEHPURIA: I'd like to thank my friends for a great four years here at Cornell and, of course, my family for all their support, without which I would not be able to graduate. Best of luck, everyone.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Nikhil Gaddam.
[APPLAUSE]
Nikhil is a mathematics and computer science double major, and he has accepted a position with [INAUDIBLE] as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
NIKHIL GADDAM: First off, congratulations to all the graduates here today. I'd like to thank my friends and family for the constant support and also the incredible teaching staff here. This wouldn't have been possible without you guys.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Zachary Gelfond.
[APPLAUSE]
Zachary graduates cum laude in mathematics with a concentration in applied mathematics and a major in computer science. His future plans include a position with Voloridge Investment Management as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
ZACHARY GELFOND: I'd like to I'd like to thank my family, my friends, and my girlfriend for helping me out through my four years at Cornell and, of course, all of the professors that provided a wonderful education here. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Joshua Gitman. Joshua is a mathematics and physics double major, and he will remain at Cornell to pursue a master's of engineering in engineering physics.
[APPLAUSE]
JOSHUA GITMAN: I'd like to thank my family, my friends, Rochelle, and all of my professors. Thank you very much.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Itamar Greenfield.
[APPLAUSE]
Itamar is graduating with a mathematics major concentrating in pure mathematics.
[APPLAUSE]
ITAMAR GREENFIELD: First, I want to thank my fam. [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
You guys are the best, so a huge thank you there. Then thank you also to all my friends and everyone else along the way. Good luck to everyone.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: William Guo.
[APPLAUSE]
William graduated with a mathematics major concentrating in mathematical physics and a computer science major.
[APPLAUSE]
WILLIAM GUO: I'd like to thank my family, friends, and Mikki Klinger for always responding quickly to my emails.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Benjamin Huang. Benjamin graduates with majors in mathematics and physics, and his future plans include a PhD in physics.
[APPLAUSE]
BENJAMIN HUANG: Firstly, I'd like to think my parents and my siblings for their unconditional love and support over the past 22 years of my life. I'd also like to thank my friends who have been an integral part of my experience here at Cornell. And congratulations to all the graduates, and I wish you best of luck.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Ian Huang.
[APPLAUSE]
Ian graduates with a mathematics major concentrating in computer science and an economics major.
[APPLAUSE]
IAN HUANG: I just want to thank my parents and my sister for coming here. And majoring in math is one of the best decisions of my life.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Shiyuan Huang.
[APPLAUSE]
Shiyuan graduated in December cum laude in mathematics with a second major in computer science. She accepted a position at MathWorks with their engineering development group.
[APPLAUSE]
SHIYUAN HUANG: I'd like to thank my friends for all the great memories, especially the people of Orange Walls, and also my parents for their love and support.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Kaya Ito Alpturer
[INAUDIBLE]
Kaya is a mathematics and computer science double major graduating cum laude in mathematics. He will go on to pursue a PhD in computer science at Princeton.
[APPLAUSE]
KAYA ITO APTURER: First of all, I would like to thank all my professors and the department for teaching me so much. And I want to thank my parents for supporting me for four years. I want to thank [INAUDIBLE] for being there for me for four years and my friends, Arun, Amu, and Ritwick. And special thanks to Ritwick for explaining so many things to me and enduring all my questions. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Jeremy Jung.
[APPLAUSE]
Jeremy graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science. He will remain at Cornell to pursue a master's of engineering in computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
TARA HOLM: Final test.
[LAUGHTER]
[APPLAUSE]
JEREMY JUNG: So I would like to thank my family, as well as my friends, Andrew, Lincoln, and Jay, for a great four years. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Roger Kim.
[APPLAUSE]
Roger is a mathematics and computer science double major. He has accepted a position with Amazon as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
ROGER KIM: I'd just like to thank my family and friends, especially my mother, who's here, for supporting me throughout my college experience. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Yunwoo Andy Kim.
[APPLAUSE]
Andy Completed his degree in December with majors in mathematics and computer science, a minor in East Asian studies, and distinction in all subjects. After graduation, he will be doing investment banking at JPMorgan in New York.
[APPLAUSE]
YUNWOO KIM: Thank you to my parents for making it all the way out here from Korea. Thank you for your unrelenting support for 22 years. I really appreciate it. My sister, of course. Thank you to Jason, Eric, and Rashad for all the help.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Matthew LaFontaine.
[APPLAUSE]
Matthew has completed majors in mathematics and economics.
MATTHEW LAFONTAINE: I would like to thank my friends and family for all their support and the professors of the math department for their challenging yet fulfilling coursework. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Jeffrey Lantz.
[APPLAUSE]
Jeffrey graduates magna cum laude in mathematics. His academic achievements include a senior thesis on implementing the spider algorithm, supervised by John Hubbard.
[APPLAUSE]
JEFFREY LANTZ: I would like to thank my parents for nurturing my love of math from a young age, John Hubbard for his guidance during my thesis, and my friends, in particular, Riley, Matt, and Noah, for being there along the way. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Derek Lee.
[APPLAUSE]
Derek graduates cum laude in mathematics as a double major with computer science. He has accepted a job with Roblox as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
DEREK LEE: I'd just like to thank my friends and family and a special shout-out to Kaitlyn and Xander for being awesome roommates.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Jonathan Letai.
[APPLAUSE]
Jonathan is a mathematics and physics double major graduating magna cum laude in mathematics. His academic achievements include a senior thesis titled "The Danilov Khovanskii Algorithm for Computing Hodge-Deligne Polynomials of Hypersurfaces in Toric Varieties," supervised by Michael Stillman. He will go on to pursue a master's degree in mathematics and physics at Cambridge University.
[APPLAUSE]
JONATHAN LETAI: I would like to thank my family, as well as my friends and all the professors and student mentors in the math department. I'd also like to extend a special thank you to John Hubbard and Professor Michael Stillman for their guidance and sharing their knowledge very generously. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: James Li.
[APPLAUSE]
James completes his degree with majors in mathematics and computer science and will remain at Cornell to pursue a master's in computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
JAMES LI: I'd like to thank my parents for their unconditional love and support, as well as all the professors I've had the pleasure to meet who have challenged and inspired me.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: David Lin.
[APPLAUSE]
David is a mathematics and computer science double major graduating magna cum laude in mathematics. He has accepted the position with Google as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
DAVID LIN: I'd like to thank my friends and family, and I would like to thank all the teachers I've had at Cornell, especially John Hubbard who has really taught me mathematics.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Yen-Chen Lin.
[APPLAUSE]
Yen-Chen is a mathematics and computer science double major. She has accepted a position with the Cutler Group as a quant trader.
YEN-CHEN LIN: I'd like to thank my professors and friends for the inspiration support and fun that you are and to my family for always being there. I'm so happy you're here today, and I love you very much.
[APPLAUSE]
TARA HOLM: Third row. I'll hang on to this.
DAN BARBASH: Kelly Lu.
[APPLAUSE]
Kelly has completed the math major with a concentration in computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
KELLY LU: Thank you, mom, dad, and Kevin. Thank you to all the friends I've made here at Cornell, especially Michelle, Jen, Franny, and Hannah. Thank you to all the great clubs I've been a part of, especially the Cornell Concert Commission and the Assorted Aces dance team. And shout-out to the university that I transferred from, the Cooper Union, where I first really discovered the joys of math. Thank you all, and we out.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Llorenz Meliton.
[APPLAUSE]
Llorenz graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
LLORENZ MELITON: Shout-out on mom, for real. She taught me times tables, and that's where I figured out my love for mathematics. Shout-out my dad. He taught me-- he helped me a lot with Kumon-thank.
Thank you for the Learning Strategies Center, the Math Support Center. My math department would not have been the same without these two institutions. Thank you to all my friends and family for your empathy and generosity. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Ethan Orlowsky.
[APPLAUSE]
Ethan completed his degree in December with majors in mathematics and computer science, cum laude in mathematics and with distinction in all subjects. During his time at Cornell he was a winner of the 2022 Cornell Mathematical Contest in modeling, and he has accepted an analyst position with Sage Analysis Group.
[APPLAUSE]
ETHAN ORLOWSKY: First, I'd like to thank my parents for their support-- who are probably watching on live stream right now, so, hi-- Professor Vladimirsky for sharing his passion for math modeling and also sparking that interest in me, and, finally, Anna and Mike for making the modeling competition a highlight of my time here at Cornell.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Eric Osband.
[APPLAUSE]
Eric graduated in December cum laude in mathematics as a double major with computer science. He accepted a position with Bridgewater Associates as an investment engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
ERIC OSBAND: I'd like to thank my parents for their support, especially my dad, my first math teacher whose Saturday morning calculus classes in middle school made me first realize I did not want to be a math major and then Professor Strogatz freshman fall for changing my mind. Also, I'd just like to thank my friend Dylan Starker over there, with whom I earned my worst P set grade at Cornell but who also made sure I did not drop the major and make it to now. Thanks, Dylan.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Brian Pacula.
[APPLAUSE]
Brian completes the mathematics major with a concentration in economics. His future plans include a research analyst position with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
[APPLAUSE]
BRIAN PACULA: I want to thank my family, my roommates, my friends. I love you all. I couldn't be here without your unconditional positivity and support. And I want to give a special shout out to Professor Hubbard for showing me just how special and beautiful math can be. Thank you, and good luck.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Jason Park.
[APPLAUSE]
Jason graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
JASON PARK: Thank you to my family who traveled all the way here and for all the love and support. And thank you to all my friends for all the help, and thank you to all the professors who taught amazing courses. Good luck to everyone in their prospective paths. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Frank Gus Petito.
[APPLAUSE]
Gus graduated in December with majors in mathematics and computer science and cum laude in mathematics and with distinction in all subjects. He accepted the position with Amazon as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
FRANK GUS PETITO: Thank you to my parents, my brothers, my friends. I love you all. Thank you to the Cornell faculty, staff, and administration. I love math, and I'm happy that that will always be a part of me.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Brendan Polo.
[APPLAUSE]
Brendan graduates cum laude in mathematics. His academic achievements included a senior thesis on the Kodaira embedding theorem under the supervision of John Hubbard. Brendan will continue his education at Colorado State University in the mathematics PhD program.
[APPLAUSE]
BRENDAN POLO: I want to thank the entire mathematics community at Cornell and my friends and family for all of the support. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Thomas Porter.
[APPLAUSE]
Thomas graduated in December cum laude in mathematics with a second major in computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
THOMAS PORTER: Thanks to all the inspiring math professors I've had here and to my family and partner for being here and supporting me.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Jackson Prybil.
[APPLAUSE]
Jackson is a mathematics and computer science double major. After graduation, he plans to do some traveling.
JACKSON PRYBIL: I'd like to express my sincere and utmost gratitude to the math department for giving me free food an hour ago.
[LAUGHTER]
Friends, family, professors, loved ones in general-- yeah, y'all were pretty OK, too.
[LAUGHTER]
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Noah [INAUDIBLE].
[APPLAUSE]
Noah is a mathematics and physics double major. He will enter the PhD program in physics this fall at Boston University.
[APPLAUSE]
NOAH: I'd just like to thank my mom, dad, and sister for coming out and supporting me, as always, and then a big thanks to all my friends here at Cornell who have made it feel like such an excellent and fun home.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Daniela Rodriguez-Chavez.
[APPLAUSE]
Daniela completed the math major with an applied mathematics concentration and also graduates with an environment and sustainability major. She has received the National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship and will pursue a PhD in environmental science policy and management at the University of California Berkeley.
[APPLAUSE]
DANIELA RODRIGUEZ-CHAVEZ: Hi. I'd just like to thank my friends, family and professors who have supported me over the past four years. Could not have done it without you. And best of luck to everyone in their future endeavors.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Charles Sherk. No? That's what I have.
[APPLAUSE]
Charles graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science, and he has accepted a position with Hudson River Trading as a core developer.
[APPLAUSE]
CHARLES SHERK: I'd like to thank my family for making all of this possible, my friends who have been with me through the math major and otherwise, especially Andre for a lot of time on P sets together, my girlfriend Emily for help with anything remotely related to probability, all of my professors, especially John Hubbard for all of his guidance.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Zoutong Shen.
[APPLAUSE]
Zoutong completes his degrees with a major in astronomy and in mathematics and a minor in Asian studies, and he will pursue astronomy research in China.
[APPLAUSE]
ZOUTONG SHEN: I just want to say thank you for my family to come here from China, also, on a 9:00 AM from math department for me to being a morning person. And also special shout-out to Yamatai to be the best club here for me. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Benjamin Shwartzman.
[APPLAUSE]
Benjamin graduates with majors in mathematics, economics, and biological sciences and has completed the computer science concentration for his math major.
[APPLAUSE]
BENJAMIN SHWARTZMAN: Thank you the professors for sharing their knowledge with me for the past four years, and thank you to my family for making the trek out here. Special thank you to my dad who used to teach me algebra at late nights when he definitely didn't have to. So I appreciate it. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Kevin Souhrada.
[APPLAUSE]
Kevin is a mathematics and physics double major. He will continue his education at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in their applied ocean science PhD program.
[APPLAUSE]
KEVIN SOUHRADA: I would like to thank my friends for being the only reason I passed most of my classes and my family and my girlfriend Alexa for the love and support and for being here today.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Dylan Starker.
[APPLAUSE]
Dylan has completed the applied mathematics concentration for the math major, and she has accepted an actuarial position with AON.
[APPLAUSE]
DYLAN STARKER: Thank you mom and dad for all your love and support. Thank you to my brother Ryan for making sure I don't take life too seriously. And thanks, Eric, for getting me through 4710.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Michael Tyrrell.
[APPLAUSE]
Michael graduated cum laude in mathematics with an applied math concentration and a second major in English. While at Cornell, Michael was a winner of the Cornell Mathematical Contest in Modeling. He has accepted a position with Composable Analytics as a research software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
MICHAEL TYRRELL: Thank you, mom and dad. And thank you, Professor Vladimirsky and also my MCM partners and friends, Anna and Ethan. Thanks.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Nicola Tysall.
[APPLAUSE]
Nicola graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science.
[APPLAUSE]
NICOLA TYSALL: Hello. I'm going to do this alphabetically because I love everyone. I just want to thank Aushang, Charlotte, dad, mom, and Vertica. I love you all so, so much. And I also want to thank the math department for all the fancy numbers and the really big mug.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Daniel Vebman.
[APPLAUSE]
Daniel is a College Scholar also majoring in mathematics, computer science, and economics.
[APPLAUSE]
DANIEL VEBMAN: I feel like I've said too much already, but thank you to my friends and the faculty and my family who are probably somewhere between the Palisades and Scranton right now. But they'll make the other ceremony, so it's OK.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Partha Vemulapalli.
[APPLAUSE]
Partha graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science. His future plans include working on a trading startup in Chicago.
[APPLAUSE]
PARTHA VEMULAPALLI: Hi, everyone. I just want to say that I'm excited for the future, and good luck to all the graduates here. I would like to thank my family and friends. I wouldn't be here without them. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Amanda Vialva.
[APPLAUSE]
Amanda graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science. She has accepted a job with Hewlett-Packard as a software engineer.
[APPLAUSE]
AMANDA VIALVA: I'd like to think all my friends and my professors making the last four years a really fulfilling experience. And I'd like to thank my parents, my mom and dad, and my whole family for their love and support. I wouldn't be able to do this without them.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Arun Visvanath.
[APPLAUSE]
Arun is a mathematics and economics double major. He has accepted the position with Neuberger Berman as a high-yield credit research analyst.
[APPLAUSE]
ARUN VISVANATH: I'd like to thank my parents, [INAUDIBLE] and my sister, [INAUDIBLE]. They're on their way. They're gallivanting in New York right now. I'd like to thank my family at 608 East Buffalo Street, Amo, Kaiya, Frederick, Palin. There's few things that are as humbling as being roommates with these guys.
And, finally, I'd like to thank my high school math teacher, Mr. [INAUDIBLE] for instilling in me a love for mathematics. I'm extremely grateful for everything you've done for me. And thank you to the Department of Mathematics. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Alexander Wang.
[APPLAUSE]
Alexander graduated in December with majors in mathematics and computer science and a concentration in applied mathematics. He has accepted the position with Amazon as a software developer.
[APPLAUSE]
ALEXANDER WANG: I'd like to thank my parents, Victoria and [INAUDIBLE], for their guidance, support, and love. In particular, I'd like to thank my mom for setting me upon this path by teaching me systems of equations since third grade. I think I finally got it last year.
[LAUGHTER]
I'd like to thank my professors and advisors for their guidance and inspiration in both the computer science and math departments. And, lastly, I'd like to thank my friends for the wonderful times with a special shout-out to Derek and Kalen for being the best roommates I could have asked for. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Andrew Wang.
[APPLAUSE]
Andrew is a mathematics and computer science double major. He will continue his education at Cornell in the computer science master's of engineering program.
[APPLAUSE]
ANDREW WANG: When I come to Cornell, I can count to five. But when I leave Cornell, I can count to 10--
[LAUGHTER]
--in no doubt thanks to the excellent education I received here from the world-renowned professors and friends and the faculty. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Melissa Wei.
[APPLAUSE]
Melissa graduates cum laude in mathematics, and her future plans include pursuing a doctorate degree in mathematics.
[APPLAUSE]
MELISSA WEI: I first want to thank my family. You will always be in my heart. And, also, thank you so much to the amazing mathematical community here at Cornell for being so incredibly supportive and for inspiring me and who will continue to inspire me as I pursue my studies in math. Thank you so much.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Jason Wilson.
[APPLAUSE]
Jason graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science. He has accepted a job as a software engineer with IXL Learning.
[APPLAUSE]
JASON WILSON: I would first like to thank my grandparents, my mom, and my Aunt Stephanie who have flown here from California to support me today. To all of my family who are watching back home in California, to all of my friends who I've made at my four years at Cornell, many of whom are in the audience here today, and to all of my amazing professors who have instilled me with knowledge and inspiration, I feel so grateful and blessed to have been afforded such an amazing education at Cornell University. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Brandon Wolf.
[APPLAUSE]
Brandon is graduating with a mathematics major concentrating in pure mathematics.
[APPLAUSE]
BRANDON WOLF: I'd just like to thank my wonderful parents and girlfriend for being here and my sister for the love and support these last four years. I couldn't have done it without you guys, and thank you. And congratulations to everybody else in the class of 2023.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Jeffrey Wu.
[APPLAUSE]
Jeffrey completed the mathematics major with a computer science concentration. He has accepted a position with Susquehanna International Group as a quantitative trader.
[APPLAUSE]
JEFFREY WU: I'd like to thank all my math professors for the super fun problems and teaching me the entire Greek alphabet. But, also, of course, thanks to my mom and dad and my two younger sisters. I couldn't have done it without you, and congrats, everyone.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Justin Xu.
[APPLAUSE]
Justin completed his math major with an applied mathematics concentration and also graduates cum laude in chemistry. He plans to take a gap year working as a hospital pharmacy technician before starting pharmacy school.
[APPLAUSE]
JUSTIN CHU: I want to say thank you to my parents and friends for their continued support, to the professors in the math department for inspiring and challenging me, and also to everyone at the Math Support Center, which was a big part of my time at Cornell. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Andre Yao.
[APPLAUSE]
Andre is a mathematics and computer science double major graduating cum laude in mathematics. He will continue his education at the University of wisconsin-madison where he has been accepted to the computer science PhD programs.
[APPLAUSE]
ANDREW YAO: I'd like to thank my parents for their supports, all the math professors here, especially Professor Hubbard, for their wisdom and inspiration, and also my friends for hustling with me through problem sets and also discussing topics like CFC.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Rishab Yeddula.
[APPLAUSE]
Rishab graduates with majors in mathematics and economics.
[APPLAUSE]
RISHAB YEDDULA: I'd like to thank my parents, first of all-- my dad, especially, for teaching me math at a young age, my sister for her support, as well, the math department for all the interesting classes I've taken the last few years, and, finally, my friends for all their support. There have been many 2:00 AM nights where I thought about transferring to Dyson.
[LAUGHTER]
I'm glad to have stuck it through.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Fatima Yousuf.
[APPLAUSE]
Fatima is a mathematics and physics double major, and she will continue her education at the University of California Berkeley in the physics department PhD program.
[APPLAUSE]
FATIMA YOUSUF: I'd like to thank my family. Their unconditional love and support means everything to me. And I'd like to thank the faculty here and all my professors for educating, supporting me these past four years. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Stephen Yu.
[APPLAUSE]
Stephen graduated in December with majors in mathematics and computer science and distinction in all subjects. He plans to travel to Spain for the summer and then start a position with Susquehanna International Group as a quantitative trader.
[APPLAUSE]
STEPHEN YU: Thank you to all my friends and family for being here today. I appreciate them traveling all this way and for the love and support. And thank you to all my TAs and professors for the office hours and for lenient grading.
[LAUGHTER]
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Qwan Yan Zeng.
[APPLAUSE]
Grace Zheng.
[APPLAUSE]
Quan Yan graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science, while Grace is a mathematics and economics double major, graduating cum laude in mathematics. She will continue her education at the University of Chicago's School of Business, where she will enter their PhD program.
[APPLAUSE]
GRACE ZHENG: I would like to thank Professor John Hubbard for his consistent encouragement and for allowing me to research under him, all the faculty, staff, and TAs for making the math major very smooth, especially Professor David Zywina, who is my advisor, Professor Healey and Mikki. And I would like to thank my parents for all their love and support. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Max Zhang.
[APPLAUSE]
Max graduates with majors in mathematics and computer science. He has accepted a position as a quantitative researcher in Chicago.
[APPLAUSE]
MAX ZHANG: Yeah, just thank you to my family and friends for all their support along these four years. And thanks, Cornell, for all the opportunities you guys have given me.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Patrick Zhang.
[APPLAUSE]
Patrick completed his degree in December with majors in mathematics and computer science. He accepted a position in software development at Amazon.
[APPLAUSE]
PATRICK ZHANG: Yeah, I'd love to thank my family-- my mom, dad, sister, grandma who are currently driving up from New Jersey. I'd like to thank my fourth grade math teacher, Mr. Heckman, for really giving me a passion in mathematics and, finally, all of my friends who have really helped me get across the finish line, especially Willie, Ben, Darren, and Roger for giving me a couch to sleep on at night after a long P set. Yeah. Thank you, everyone.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Kevin Zhou.
[APPLAUSE]
Kevin completed his degree in December with majors in mathematics and computer science, and he accepted a position with Maven Securities as a trader.
[APPLAUSE]
KEVIN ZHOU: I would like to thank my parents and my brother for all their love and support over the years and also my friends for the last four years of great memories and great experiences.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Yifei Zhu.
[APPLAUSE]
Yifei is a mathematics and computer science major graduating cum laude in mathematics. He will continue his education at the University of California Berkeley in the computer science PhD program.
[APPLAUSE]
YIFEI ZHOU: Thank you. I would like to thank the mathematics department for their flexible curriculum and all the amazing professors that have inspired me. I'd also like to thank my friends and family for the incredible love and support and special shout-out for my girlfriend Zilou for making Cornell a lovely place for me.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: So do I do the-- so we now turn to our prize winners. We have three prize winners this year. And as evidence of our numerous pathways for achieving success in mathematics, these three graduates completed eight math classes this spring with no overlap. However, two of the three students did take Introduction to Wines together.
[LAUGHTER]
So the Transcendence Award recognizes mathematics majors who have contributed to the spirit of excellence and who have made extraordinary contributions to the Cornell Mathematics Department community. The recipient this year is Anna Asch.
She graduates summa cum laude with a concentration in applied mathematics. She earned only the As and A-pluses for all of her major coursework. Anna studied abroad in Budapest has won the Cornell Math Modeling Contest and represented Cornell at two international competitions in modeling.
She has been awarded a National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship, which she will pursue as an applied math PhD at the University of Chicago.
[APPLAUSE]
We will bestow upon Anna the Transcendence Prize for academic excellence and impressive mathematics modeling endeavors. Her work spans a range of real-world problems-- fairness in food distribution, placement of wind turbines, compliance with traffic laws, changes in biodiversity driven by global warming.
In addition to its beauty, mathematics is also a powerful, practical tool. We are proud of Anna for recognizing this and using her mathematical abilities to improve the world around us.
[APPLAUSE]
ANNA ASCH: So I'd like to thank my parents first for their love support, encouragement, and for always taking an interest in my research, as well. I'd like to thank the Math Department for offering so many interesting courses, and I'd like to shout-out my friends Daniela, Ethan, and Mike for making the math major a lot more fun.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: The Harry S. Kieval 36 Prize recognizes outstanding mathematics majors. Endowed through a bequest that also supports the Math Club's Kieval lecture series, this is the highest academic honor bestowed by the Mathematics Department to its graduating students. Our winners this year-- Riley Guyett.
[APPLAUSE]
Riley graduate summa cum laude in mathematics. He has earned top marks in his coursework, which included three of the four honors courses, three of the six core graduate courses, and 7 graduate courses overall. Under the supervision of John Hubbard, Riley wrote a senior thesis on [INAUDIBLE] theory.
He has given presentations in two graduate courses this spring that earned the praises of his professors. This fall, Riley will pursue a PhD in mathematics at Rutgers University.
[APPLAUSE]
In recognition of the rigor of his academic program and his all-around success, it is a pleasure to award Riley the Harry S. Kieval 36 Award.
[APPLAUSE]
RILEY GUYETT: You'd think with the 100 people before me, I'd have a more original speech. But I'll just say, I want to thank my friends, family, my wonderful girlfriend, and John Hubbard, who has really shaped my mathematical experience here at Cornell.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: Alejandro Maris graduates summa cum laude in mathematics. He has earned--
[APPLAUSE]
He has earned straight As in his major coursework, which included one of the four honors courses, three of the six core graduate courses, and seven graduate courses overall. Alejandro studied abroad in Paris and also served as an officer in the Cornell Math Club.
He pursued independent study projects with three different professors. One culminated in his senior thesis entitled, "On the Product of a Building as a Poset of Standard Cosets," supervised by Marcelo Aguiar.
This fall, Alejandro will pursue the Part III master's program in mathematics at Cambridge University. In recognition of his academic program and his all-around success, we are delighted to award Alejandro Maris the Harry S. Kieval 36 Prize.
[APPLAUSE]
ALEJANDRO MARIS: You're probably tired of thank yous by this point, but this is definitely the last one. I want to thank my parents for their love. I want to thank my friends for their company. I want to thank my professors for their guidance and, in particular, Professor Karola Meszaros and Professor Marcelo Aguiar, who have really shaped my experience here at Cornell. And one last thing-- I want to congratulate the PG students and tell you that you're truly an inspiration.
[APPLAUSE]
DAN BARBASH: A quote from Karola Meszaros, who was one of his advisors-- "Alejandro's leadership potential in mathematical research is tremendous. I look forward to hearing about his future mathematical successes." I assure you, the other two recipients got equally high accolades from the faculty who interacted with them.
[APPLAUSE]
TARA HOLM: Thank you, Dan. A brief reminder-- immediately after the ceremony, the graduates will assemble just outside on the stairs down towards Malott for a group photo-- in the breezeway under the Kennedy Breezeway, whatever-- yeah. Friends and families, please let the graduates recess out before following us to snap your own shots. So let's let the graduates all out and then follow.
I'd like to-- oh, sorry. Let me say a few closing words, a couple of closing words, and then I'll let you recess out. Sorry. I'd like to close by thanking the Math Department staff-- a few over here. I saw some up there.
[APPLAUSE]
They made this event and-- I'm sure some of you heard some of the shout-outs-- many of the facets of our programs run smoothly. They include Betsy Collins, Joy Jones, Mikki Klinger, Elly O'Brien, Heather Peterson, Nancy Walter, and Eleanor Willard. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
The global pandemic is certainly not what would have hoped would dominate so much of your time at Cornell. And yet you have persevered and faced this challenge. I honestly have never been so proud to be a Cornellian as when our community embraced an evidence-based approach to protecting one another while continuing our education and research missions.
The pandemic has laid bare the myriad challenges we face at this time, in this nation, and in this world. We, your professors, friends, parents, and mentors-- we are urgently counting on you to make the world better. Remember that every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow and learn. Every setback is a stepping stone to success.
Your greatest strengths lie not only in your mathematical prowess but also in your ability to adapt, to regroup, and to persevere. Watch our web page and your inbox for Math Department news, and please keep in touch. I look forward to seeing you when you return to the Hill for a visit. We will gladly post news items on our web page.
Congratulations, 2023 math graduates. The world eagerly awaits your contributions, and I have no doubt that you will leave an indelible mark on the paths you choose. I encourage each one of you to serve as an ambassador for mathematics, wherever like life takes you. Thank you, and may the beauty and elegance of mathematics forever guide your way.
[APPLAUSE]
Friends and family, please remain seated for just a moment while our graduates head out for photos.
[APPLAUSE]
