Yudelka Ivory ’04, a nurse practitioner at Cornell Health, was motivated to go back to school at Cornell and pursue a post-master’s certificate in psychiatric mental health, to meet the needs of a changing patient population.

“By obtaining this additional license,” Ivory said, “I hope to be a more competent and compassionate provider for the Cornell community.”

Credit: Sreang Hok/Cornell University

Ivory was among the more than two dozen staff members who earned degrees at Cornell or other institutions this year while also working at the university. On June 10, the administration celebrated its 2025 staff graduates at a gathering held at the East Hill Office Building. Hosted by the Division of Human Resources and the Employee Assembly, the recognition ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement but the resilience, purpose and community spirit that define Cornell staff.

“This is my favorite part of the job,” said Hei Hei Depew, MBA ’25, employee-elected trustee, financial compliance analyst and recent graduate of Cornell’s Executive MBA program. “Every time I attend one of these staff graduations, I am amazed by what staff can accomplish. They’ve all sacrificed time away from family and friends to commit to their own growth.”

The degrees employees earned ranged from bachelor’s to doctorates across a wide variety of fields. From aquaponics technicians to public safety directors, these graduates exemplified how Cornell’s educational benefits – the Employee Degree and Tuition Aid programs – support lifelong learning.

Throughout the ceremony, many graduates reflected on the motivations behind their academic journeys. Anthony Coffin-Schmit ’25, a research technician in the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Cassandre Pierre Joseph, director of workforce engagement, were driven by a desire to make a greater impact in their current fields.

Cornell leaders in attendance emphasized the value and perspective staff gain when balancing their roles as both employees and students.

“It is truly a unique opportunity to experience Cornell through the lens of both an employee and a student,” said Kathryn Burkgren, associate vice president of organizational development and effectiveness in the Office of Human Resources. “I hope you find ways to weave that new experience and empathy into your work as we continue to support our educational mission. Today is proof that the best staff choose Cornell and use their benefits to expand themselves and their opportunities. Congratulations on a job well done.”

For more information, visit the Staff Graduate Reception website.

Grace DePaull is communications assistant in the Department of Inclusion and Belonging in the Division of Human Resources.