Congratulations to the Latina/o Studies undergraduate and graduate minors and graduates of the class of 2024!
On this festive weekend the Latina/o Studies, Latine Student Success Office, and the Cornell Latino Alumni Association celebrated with families, students, faculty and staff the accomplishments of 17 undergraduate students of the class of 2024. The celebration began with a welcome by Latina/o Studies director, Maria Cristina Garcia followed by presentation of minors. "You began your studies during the early stages of a global pandemic, and you courageously stepped into the unknown. Over the next four years, you experienced many other challenges that also required courage, adaptability, and open-mindedness."
We announced several awards and recognitions throughout the morning. Award for outstanding work in the Latina/o Studies undergraduate minor, community engagement and academic achievements, nominated by faculty, was given to Olivia Ochoa and presented by Professor Maria Cristina Garcia, Director of Latina/o Studies; and Simon Velasquez presented the Latine Student Success Office certificate of appreciation recognizing outstanding dedication and service to Cornell's Latinx student community to Juliette Ramírez Corazón, Academic Advising Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and former LSSO advisor.
Latina/o Studies student intern, Olivia Ochoa '24 was recognized for her years of dedicated support to LSP and LSSO and was presented by Zucy Ortega, LSP events coordinator/program assistant.
Latina/o Studies faculty and staff spoke about the many accomplishments of the minors and graduates who had worked with them over the years, and students and alums who were present shared their memories.
Our special guest, Cornell alum, Kety Esquivel ’97, ILR addressed the attendees and ended with, “Always remember who you are, never forget. Cornell University chose each one of you for a reason. You are special, brilliant, uniquely you. And when you fail because you will, get up and try again. Never give up. Pa’lante! Keep moving forward and come back to Cornell to inspire those that come after you.”
As is customarily declared at commencement ceremonies, welcome to the Latinx Studies community of scholars. Remember to live out your life with the expectation that your best days will always be ahead of you and keep in touch with us as you move forward into exciting futures.
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