Meet IC Students Studying Communications, Film, Journalism, and Media

Ithaca College student Abby Sevegny, Media Literacy Major

Abby Sevegny
Hometown: North Smithfield, RI
Majors: Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing Communications; Integrative Studies (retail merchandising concentration)
Clubs: American Advertising Federation; Women in Communications; IC Flute Ensemble; Campus Band; Leadership Scholar Program

Why did you choose IC?
I liked the idea of a program that combined creativity with strategy and provided me with a wide variety of career options, which was important as someone who had no idea what I wanted to do! Since being here, I discovered a niche interest in a different subject matter that IC didn't have a formal program in and was actually able to create my own double major specializing in that! I also loved how IC encouraged students to get involved outside of the major and school, which resonated with me as playing the flute was something I wanted to continue in college.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at asevegny@ithaca.edu.

Ithaca College student Baneet Pukhrambam, Cinema and Photography Major

Baneet Pukhrambam
Hometown: Imphal, India
Major: Cinema and Photography
Minor: Computer Science
Clubs: ICTV - Assistant Director, Location Manager, Line Producer and Editor; VIC Radio – DJ;
Park Productions (various projects, including Production Assistant for the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films Commercial); Leadership Scholar Program; International Student Club; Campus Affairs Committee
Internship: Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival

Why did you choose IC?
I chose IC because of the generous financial aid I was offered and the hands-on approach I would be able to learn from during my first semester.
Advice
Explore all your options and make a decision that seems right to YOU.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at bpukhrambam@ithaca.edu.

Ithaca College student Ally Lemon

Ally Lemon
Hometown: Harleysville, PA
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Minor: Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing Communication
Clubs: Ithaca College Television (ICTV); Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Television and Digital Media Classroom Assistant

Research and Internship Opportunities
I am a Classroom Assistant for the class Intro to Studio Production. I love working with the professor and helping the younger students have a positive experience in the class, just like I did.

Why I Chose IC
I chose Ithaca College for so many reasons! They have an amazing program for communications, which will prepare me for a future career. The location, town, and campus are beautiful, and the atmosphere is so welcoming and joyful!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at alemon@ithaca.edu.

Ithaca College student August Donato

August Donato
Hometown: Malvern, Pennsylvania
Major: Emerging Media
Minor: Animation
Clubs: Campus Canter Operations Staff; Men's Club Rugby; LGBTQ+ Center for Education and Outreach
 

Why I Chose Ithaca College
I chose Ithaca College because I liked the Exploratory Program. I liked how LGBTQ friendly they are and the opportunities that came along with that.

Advice
Do not stress too much about finding the perfect fit right away. I have found a wonderful community here. There is a diverse group of people here, so whatever your niche is, you will be able to find someone else who shares your interests.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at adonato@ithaca.edu.

Ryan Harmon, Ithaca College Television and Digital Media Production major

Ryan Harmon
Hometown: Milltown, New Jersey
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Minor: Politics
Clubs: ICTV (anchor/producer/assistant news director), VIC Radio (voice actor/podcast host), Ithaca Club Golf

Why I Chose Ithaca College
The incredible reputation of IC’s Park School of Communications and the ability to be hands on day one was a big part of my decision to go to IC. I also met some professors online and it showed how much they care about the students here.

Advice
Ithaca College has so many great opportunities for people with many different interests. I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have received.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at rharmon@ithaca.edu.

Sophia Maiello, Ithaca College Television and Digital Media Production major

Sophia Maiello
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
Major: Television and Digital Media Production:
Minor: Dance
Clubs: IC Defy Dance Company (co-chair of Promotions); ICTV (on-air talent for Looped In and The Directors Chair); WICB (specialty DJ)

Why I Chose Ithaca College
Hands-on opportunities in the Park School of Communications were a big factor in my decision. I’ve always wanted to end up in LA, and the LA program gives me the opportunity to test out the waters before I go!

Advice
Get involved no matter where you end up! Getting involved is how I met so many incredible people. I have gotten so many opportunities through the friendships and connections I’ve made!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at smaiello@ithaca.edu.

Ithaca College student Blake Beeler

Blake Beeler
Hometown: Kenilworth, IL
Major: Cinema and Photography
Clubs: Ithacappella (marketing manager, social media manager)

Why I Chose Ithaca College
I was looking for a school with both a great film program and the ability to pursue all my other interests at the same time. I also am a huge fan of nature!

Advice
Get involved with everything you can! That’s how I’ve met all of my closest friends.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at bbeeler@ithaca.edu.

Carly Kuriger, Ithaca College student

Carly Kuriger
Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Minor: Journalism
Clubs: ICTV (I work on four shows across the News Department as both talent and a producer.)
 

Why I Chose IC 
I chose Ithaca College because of the hands-on aspect of the Park School. Starting from day one, I was able to take classes in my major, which was very beneficial for me as someone who had no prior experience with TV production. I could decide early on if my major was the right fit, and I was very grateful for that!

Internship
I had an internship this summer with 69 News, my hometown’s local station. I wrote stories, shadowed reporters, did stand-ups, and practiced making packages. I learned a lot during this time and had a really positive experience!

Advice
Get involved on campus as early as you can! My closest friends are people who I have met at clubs and organizations, and becoming involved really made Ithaca feel like home!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at ckuriger@ithaca.edu.

Eve McDougall, Ithaca College student

Eve McDougall
Hometown: The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Major: Writing for Film, Television and Emerging Media
Minor: English
Clubs: Delta Kappa Alpha (professional cinematic society), ICTV, Orientation Leader

Why I Chose IC 
I chose Ithaca for the strong sense of the community and the opportunities provided for hands-on learning early in my college education.

Advice
Try and stay cool, calm, and collected. Everything will work out eventually, and you’ll know if a place is right for you.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at emcdougall1@ithaca.edu.

Gavin Keller, Ithaca College student

Gavin Keller
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Major: Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing Communication
Minor: Theatre Studies
Clubs: Marketing Director for BOC, marketing help for Attired Fit

Why I Chose IC 
I chose Ithaca because it offered exactly what I wanted—the ability to find myself within the school, the clubs, and the students. It's been one of the best decisions I could have made.

Advice
Stay open-minded and you will be just fine

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at gkeller@ithaca.edu.

Graceann Mattair, Ithaca College student

Graceann Mattair
Hometown: Easton, Pennsylvania
Major: Writing for Film, TV, and Emerging Media
Clubs: ICTV; IC BomberTHON (dance marathon to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals); New York Film & Television Student Alliance; 
Connecting Creatives Club; Catholic Community

Why I Chose IC 
I chose Ithaca because they offered me a clear path in the major of my choosing, and it felt like a place I could grow and be independent, yet still felt homey. At many other schools, my best academic option would have been double majoring in writing and film, but Ithaca's Park School was extremely appealing because they had a major for me and professors with industry experience to guide me. I'm from a small city and an even smaller high school, and knew I didn't want a really big college, but I also wanted to broaden my horizons. Ithaca was perfect in this regard. The downtown area reminds me of where I'm from, but with even more to explore from new cuisine to swimming at waterfalls. The size of the school itself is also a great sweet spot—big enough that I am always meeting new people but small enough that I run into friends often. Class sizes were also a huge factor for me. I love that my professors commit to getting to know their students and forming a sense of classroom camaraderie, even in larger intro classes. My favorite professor went around our 80-person lecture last spring and asked to take a photo of each of us holding a sheet of paper with our name on it. By the next class he had studied up and knew every single one of us! That is my favorite example of the kind of unique place Ithaca College is.

Advice
The college search process is SO daunting, and I used to hear people say I would know a school was for me “from the second you step foot on campus.” This is true for some people, but it doesn't have to be for everyone. My advice is to really pay attention on your tour, explore all your options, and go with the place that you could realistically see yourself going tomorrow. It doesn’t have to feel like home right away, it just has to be a place you could see yourself becoming comfortable at. You will find your way!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at gmattair@ithaca.edu.

Janelle Harris, Ithaca College student

Janelle Harris
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Clubs: New York Film and Television Student Alliance; Women in Communications; National Association of Black Accountants; Nutrition Club; Disney Club; ICTV; Park Scholar Program

Why I Chose IC 
I chose Ithaca because this is a place where I can be all of who I am. I can be in 7 different on-campus organizations, have an on-campus job, volunteer twice a week, and maintain a 3.9 GPA. I can explore various career paths within my major, pick up interests outside of my major, add a minor or two, study abroad, and still graduate on time, which is the most important part of going to college.

Conference
I had the pleasure of attending The New York Film and Televison Alliance's annual trip to NYC this past April break. I learned all about the film and television industry in New York State and New Jersey. I was able to network with various IC alumni who work for the likes of NBC and ESPN. I was also able to go on exclusive tours of MSNBC as well as the set of You (Netflix) season 5. I also had the opportunity to be a part of The View on ABC’s live studio audience!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at jharris12@ithaca.edu.

Kristen Yezzi, Ithaca College student

Kristen Yezzi
Hometown: Lansdale, Pennsylvania
Major: Communication Strategy and Design
Minor: Live Event Design and Management
Clubs: Club Cheerleading; YMAA (Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's); Orientation Leader; Jumpstart Leader; Leadership Scholar

Why I Chose IC 
I chose Ithaca College because of the many opportunities in the area of communications, the professors, the area, and the people. The Roy H. Park School of Communications offers so many opportunities to explore passions, take on large- scale projects, and connect with professors and other professionals in the field. Ithaca College’s mission of “theory, practice, performance” aligns with my learning style and allows me to thrive. I also love the nature surrounding Ithaca and the wonderful people who make up the Ithaca community.

Advice
The college admission process can be daunting! Always set aside time to take a breath and practice self-care. Do not let college decisions define you. You are your own unique person with so many amazing things to offer. During tours, truly envision yourself on campus, and ask the small questions. You got this!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at kyezzi@ithaca.edu.

Kristina Dillon, Ithaca College student

Kristina Dillon
Hometown: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Major: Journalism
Minor: Politics
Clubs: Ithaca College Television (ICTV): Reporter, Anchor, and Producer in the News Department; Admission Host

Why I Chose Ithaca
I chose Ithaca because I liked the distance from home: close enough to where I could go home if I needed to but far enough away I'd have my own space. Also, I chose the Park School for all the hands-on opportunities—like equipment checkout, TV studios, and student-run extracurriculars!

Advice
Get involved in anything and everything that interests you, even if you’re nervous, just go for it! Not only are some of the opportunities ways to advance your career but there are so many wonderful people that you will meet and forge friendships with!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at kdillon@ithaca.edu.

Lillian Goodin, Ithaca College student

Lillian Goodin
Hometown: Hartford, Connecticut
Majors: Documentary Studies and Production; Religious Studies
Minor: Audio Production
Clubs: Resident Assistant (student employee); Women in Communications; Park Productions; ICTV; Internship with American High; Planned Parenthood Generation Action

Why I Chose Ithaca
My mom originally wanted to go to Ithaca, so she pushed for it in the application process. My teenage self rolled my eyes until I saw the campus for myself. I immediately fell in love. The people here are kind, and there is a true sense of community. I believe this is one of the most special places—a true hidden gem.

Internships
I am currenty doing an Internship with American High as an executive assistant on a feature length film. I am commuting to Syracuse Tuesdays and Thursdays to be on site and on set working directly with cast and crew. Additionally, I'm doing remote work during the rest of the week. Through Ithaca College I am getting a credit!

Advice
It is NOT about the campus, the classes, the program..it is about the PEOPLE. What matters the most is the kind of people and the culture.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at lgoodin@ithaca.edu.

Lucia Iandolo, Ithaca College student

Lucia Iandolo
Hometown: Hartford, Connecticut
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Minors: Journalism; Education Studies
Clubs: The Ithacan (assistant photo editor)

Why I Chose IC
I knew when I toured IC that Ithaca College would turn my passion for photography, journalism, and education into a profession. Everybody was so kind and helpful, and I was given so many opportunities before even getting on campus my first year.

Advice
Make sure that you are organized with your college decision process, and be sure to speak with advisors to help you apply to schools and for scholarships.

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at liandolo1@ithaca.edu.

Lyra Fontanilla, Ithaca College student

Lyra Fontanilla
Hometown: Nyack, New York
Major: Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications
Minor: Live Event Management and Design
Clubs: American Advertising Federation; Asian American Alliance; Tone Cold (a cappella)

Why I Chose IC
I have traveled to Ithaca many times over the last few years. The more I learned about Ithaca, the more I fell in love with it. Overall, the campus, community, and opportunities at Ithaca College are the reasons I am here now.

Advice
Don’t be afraid to be involved! Make sure to get yourself out there and take advantage of all the great aspects of Ithaca College, such as community events, clubs, sports, professor open hours, and so on. It will help you be more successful in the long run, as well as have fun!

Let’s Connect!
Email me anytime at lfontanilla@ithaca.edu.

Naomi Sessler, Ithaca College student

Naomi Sessler
Hometown: Edison New Jersey
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Minor: Theatre Studies
Clubs: Leadership Scholar; IC Defy Dance Company (dancer choreographer and eboard member); ICTV (producer and anchor)

Study Abroad
Ithaca College London Center

Why I Chose IC
I chose Ithaca because of the incredible television production and theatre programs and their connection to the alumni network. I knew going into my college search that I wanted to be able to study both of those subjects, and Ithaca has made that process so easy. I feel like I have learned so much in both of my fields of interest, and I have been able to make connections with alumni that have helped me gain insight into life post-graduation.

Let’s Connect! 
Email me anytime at nsessler@ithaca.edu.

Owen Keefe, Ithaca College student

Owen Keefe
Hometown: Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Minor: Psychology
Clubs: Ithacappella; ICTV; NYFTSA; DKA; Hillel

Why I Chose IC
The communications program and the people! Ithaca has a great school for communications and the people in said school are passionate, kind, and curious. You can be whoever you want to be at Ithaca, and that has helped me take risks that I otherwise wouldn’t have taken.

Advice
Be curious! Try new things, and don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t work out. Throw a whole bowl of spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks. If anything sticks, eat that up with so much love!!

Let’s Connect! 
Email me anytime at okeefe@ithaca.edu.

Rhiannon Strazisar, Ithaca College student

Rhiannon Strazisar
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Clubs: Tau Sigma National Honor Society; Macabre Theatre Ensemble; ICTV

Why I Chose IC
The access to equipment, opportunities to gain experience, and connections to alumni are unmatched. You are truly set up for success when it's time to enter the career field.

Advice
Determine what aspects you value most about your college experience, and make sure those match with what you saw on your tour! Don't be afraid to reach out to us and ask questions if you're unsure about anything.

Let’s Connect! 
Email me anytime at rstrazisar@ithaca.edu.

Romeo Maslin, Ithaca College student

Romeo Maslin
Hometown: Oaks, Pennsylvania
Major: Television and Digital Media Production
Minor: Italian
Clubs: ICTV; Women’s Club Rugby

Why I Chose IC
I really loved the community here and the opportunities the Park School offers to students.

Conference
I attended the NYFTSA summit, a day-long networking event!

Advice
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything related to college!

Let’s Connect! 
Email me anytime at imaslin@ithaca.edu.