The more than 1,500 members of Ithaca College’s Class of 2023 will spend at least four years learning and doing on South Hill. In that time, IC will doubtlessly change many of their lives, as they pursue an education steeped in the philosophy of “theory, practice and performance.” Some will leave a lasting mark on the college itself. So, who are they? Meet the members of the Class of 2023.
Meet the Class of 2023
By Dan Verderosa, August 28, 2019
Ithaca College’s newest cohort of students arrives on South Hill.
The Class of 2023 received special pins at Convocation on August 27.
The Class of 2023 received special pins at Convocation on August 27.
A Dedicated Group
Some of the words used by those who know them are service-minded, focused, curious, conscientious, compassionate and determined. Their applications included stories of success, leadership, perseverance and achievement. Students in this cohort have started organizations in their communities, traveled and lived abroad, and worked on a variety social issues.
One student interned as an athletic trainer for a minor-league basketball team. Another created a tennis clinic for young people with autism. One student worked to create solar-powered ovens for their high school.
Becky Andrews ’23 channeled her passions for tennis and community service into a tennis clinic for children with autism she created in her hometown of Goshen, New York. At IC, she’ll major in clinical health studies while pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. She’ll also play for the IC tennis team and continue doing charitable work.
“Community service is something that I have done all my life and do not plan on stopping anytime soon,” Andrews said. “While here I hope to participate in Service Saturdays and Relay For Life.”
Academic Profile
The Class of 2023 boasts an average high school GPA of 3.33. Most — 84% — attended public high schools, including 15 students from Ithaca High School.
Merit-based aid was distributed to many members of the Class of 2023, including the 67 students who received a Leadership Scholarship for their demonstrated record of leadership and academic achievement. The class also includes 15 Martin Luther King Scholars, seven Park Scholars and 318 President’s Scholarship recipients.
One hundred and thirty four students are enrolled in the Honors Program.
Massaran Cisse ’23, an integrated marketing communications major from the Bronx, New York, is one of the 15 MLK Scholars. She also received a prestigious Dell Scholarship from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. She chose IC because she wants to stretch her limits academically. “I wanted a college that was going to push me to be successful,” she said.
Geography
Members of the Class of 2023 gathered for a community picnic to start the fall semester. (Photo by Dave Burbank Photography/Ithaca College)
Members of the Class of 2023 hail from all over the globe, and from nearly every state in the U.S.
More than 44% of incoming students come from New York, including 44 students from Ithaca and Tompkins County. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are also well represented. In all, this year’s cohort includes residents of 47 states.
Eighty-eight members of the Class of 2023 are international students, representing 45 countries or territories. Most of those students are citizens of India, Canada and China. Ten students are U.S. citizens who attended high school abroad.
One of those international students, Ryan Lee ’23, spent two years performing mandatory military service in the South Korean army before enrolling at IC, where he’ll be studying accounting. Visiting campus was key to his decision to come to Ithaca.
“I drew pictures in my mind of students passing on their way to class,” Lee said. “It was a great chance to think back on what I have done to be here at Ithaca College.”
Demographics
Students of color compose over 26% percent of the incoming class, a 1% increase from the previous year. Many of the students will be the first in their families to go to college: 248 students identified themselves as first-generation college students.
For most of the Class of 2023, this is just the start of their relationship with IC, but some already have a connection. The new cohort includes 51 children of alumni, 36 siblings of current students and 29 children of IC employees.
2019 Convocation
Read what IC’s leaders told the Class of 2023 at the 2019 Convocation ceremony.