99 Cornell Staff Graduate While Working Full-Time

Imagine studying for a nursing degree while working night shifts, or completing an MBA between managing campus programs and raising a family. That's exactly what 99 Cornell University employees accomplished this year.

The graduates celebrated at a special reception in June after earning degrees in fields ranging from forestry and hospitality to library science and neuroscience. They balanced coursework with full-time work thanks to Cornell's Employee Degree and Tuition Aid programs, which cover education costs at Cornell or other universities.

Nadia Miller, a licensed practical nurse at Weill Cornell Medicine, earned her associate degree in nursing from Excelsior University while working. "I chose nursing because of one nurse who took care of me," Miller said. "That nurse made me feel seen, heard and cared for during a very difficult time."

Lauren Zehner, associate director at Cornell Tech, pursued an executive MBA at Cornell to strengthen her leadership skills. "The experience challenged me, strengthened my business knowledge and introduced me to an incredible group of classmates," she said. She learned not just from faculty but from peers across different industries and backgrounds.

The celebration brought together graduates from both Cornell's Ithaca campus and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. This marked the first year Weill Cornell Medicine employees were formally included in the program, representing 59 of the 99 graduates.

Why This Inspires

These graduates didn't just earn degrees. They showed up for their jobs every day, supported students and patients, and still found time to complete assignments and take exams.

Many credited supportive supervisors who offered flexible schedules, colleagues who covered shifts, and family members who took on extra responsibilities at home. Their success reflects not just individual determination but the power of workplace cultures that truly invest in employee growth.

President Michael Kotlikoff praised the graduates' commitment: "Your degrees are a testament not only to your academic accomplishments but to your commitment to our academic mission."

The program demonstrates how employers and employees both win when companies remove barriers to education. Workers gain new skills and career opportunities while staying employed, and institutions benefit from more educated, engaged staff members who bring fresh knowledge back to their roles.

These 99 graduates proved that it's never too late to pursue a dream, and the right support can turn what seems impossible into reality.