#commencement

#commencement

The class comprises 447 expected graduates - 108 medical doctors, 28 physician assistants, 86 with doctorates and 225 with master of science degrees. For the first time in the institution's history - and in reflection of a dramatic expansion in master's degree programs - the Weill Cornell Graduate School held a ceremony separate from Weill Cornell Medical College.

Anil Kochhar, a North Carolina State University donor, gave graduates of the school's Wilson College of Textiles a lot more than just words of wisdom when he delivered their keynote commencement address recently. The Indian American entrepreneur also announced that he would pay off any student loans taken out by the college's graduating pupils during their senior year. I hope that all of you leave today not only with a degree but with greater freedom to pursue your goals, take risks and build the lives that you've worked so hard to achieve, Kochhar said, prompting loud cheers, applause and a standing ovation from his audience.

Dean David Meyer noted that each member of the class had gained their sheepskin through extraordinary challenges beginning their studies as the world recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, and concluding them in a world at war and the nation facing deep political division. Yet as profound as these challenges have been, they each underscore the importance of your role as lawyers and the urgent need of your passion, your leadership and reason, and your commitment to justice and the rule of law, Meyer said.

City Council Speaker Julie Menin will have the honor of speaking to the graduating class of 2026 and their families at the New York Law School's 134th commencement ceremony next month.