Ithaca - May 2007

Ithaca - May 2007
Jeremy accompanied me to Cornell in early May for my Ph.D. defense. My dear friend, Ro, also flew out for moral support and to help me with my defense talk. I passed! It was terrific to see so many people who are practically like family to me.

Jeremy booked a stay at Cornell's exceptional Statler Hotel, run by the school of hotel management (pretty much the best in the country). It was remarkably quiet... perfect for my late night edits to my slides and practice talks.

After I passed my defense, Ro walked with me on the beautiful campus. She needed to get familiar with the layout since she was going to be a professor there in less than a month! The cherries were all in bloom and it was wonderful to walk with my good friend after such a stressful event.

Ro's other reason to visit was to see her fiancé. Matt is also on my committee and was instrumental in getting me to finish my doctorate. Best committee member EVER. You're looking at some serious brain power in those two!

Bryan, my advisor, threw a party for me later that evening at his house. I don't think Bryan ever ages, he looks the same as the day I met him 11 years ago. Matt, Ro, and Bryan.

Oh, but who are we kidding? Marjorie, Bryan's wife, was behind the whole party! Marjorie ranks up there with the 10 most amazing people you will ever meet in your life. I adore her.

Jeremy, Stephanie, Jack, and Carrie at the party. Stephanie and Jack are senior graduate students who also work in the Andes - really great individuals. Carrie is one of my best pals.

After the party, Ro, Matt, Carrie, and Mike joined us for a late dinner at Madelines. Of course, we all indulged in some dessert! Here are Carrie (super science teacher) and Mike (vet extraordinaire). I love these guys. It meant a lot to celebrate with the people who are special to me.

	Jeremy booked a stay at Cornell's exceptional Statler Hotel, run by the school of hotel management (pretty much the best in the country). It was remarkably quiet... perfect for my late night edits to my slides and practice talks.
	After I passed my defense, Ro walked with me on the beautiful campus. She needed to get familiar with the layout since she was going to be a professor there in less than a month! The cherries were all in bloom and it was wonderful to walk with my good friend after such a stressful event.
	Ro's other reason to visit was to see her fiancé. Matt is also on my committee and was instrumental in getting me to finish my doctorate. Best committee member EVER. You're looking at some serious brain power in those two!
	Bryan, my advisor, threw a party for me later that evening at his house. I don't think Bryan ever ages, he looks the same as the day I met him 11 years ago. Matt, Ro, and Bryan.
	Oh, but who are we kidding? Marjorie, Bryan's wife, was behind the whole party! Marjorie ranks up there with the 10 most amazing people you will ever meet in your life. I adore her.
	Jeremy, Stephanie, Jack, and Carrie at the party. Stephanie and Jack are senior graduate students who also work in the Andes - really great individuals. Carrie is one of my best pals.
	After the party, Ro, Matt, Carrie, and Mike joined us for a late dinner at Madelines. Of course, we all indulged in some dessert! Here are Carrie (super science teacher) and Mike (vet extraordinaire). I love these guys. It meant a lot to celebrate with the people who are special to me.