 On the occasion , Ezra Cornell delivered a brief speech . He said , " I hope we have laid the foundation of an institution which shall combine practical with liberal education . ... I believe we have made the beginning of an institution which will prove highly beneficial to the poor young men and the poor young women of our country . " His speech included another statement which later became the school 's motto , " I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study . " 
