IC News

Community emerged throughout Commencement. From reflections by our students on what shaped their IC experience to words from our esteemed speakers, community rose to the top of what it means to be an IC student and alumnus:

Parents and family members hope their students find community when they leave home to embark on college careers. At Commencement, they articulated that their grads had found it:

“The athletic community here is very tight-knit. Because of that, Darren has formed bonds that will last a lifetime. He’s still friends with the teammates who were his roommates on his first day here. " -Kristie Brunner, mother of Darren Brunner, Business Administration

“My son played lacrosse, and I loved going to the games and meeting all these other lacrosse moms. We became a family watching our sons get close with each other.” Francesca Gillam, mother of Michael Gillam, Business Administration

Excellence is something members of the Class of ’25 have learned to discover in themselves: excellence in the academic programs they joined, in what they could demand of themselves, and in what to take into the world with them.

In her commencement address, Jasmine Williams encouraged her peers lean on each other and the people in the room to help them maintain their excellence: “Look at them and trust that your excellence does not have to stand on its own. You’re sitting in a room of over a thousand excellent scholars and in them you have a home. Lean on us. We will carry you when you need rest. We will celebrate you. We will remind you of your why.”

“One word to describe my experience at IC … it felt authentic. The professors and the learning experiences felt authentic. Using the top-of-the-line equipment felt like learning an authentic version of TV. And I always felt comfortable coming back to professors I’d had classes with in other semesters for tips and advice.”  Owen Donahue, Television and Digital Media Production

Achievement is what we all know commencement recognizes. There is the personal achievement to endure academic rigor and earn a college degree. There is also the achievement in realizing that dream and knowing there are more to come.

Bob Iger shared some wisdom after being awarded his honarary degree:

“Have dreams. And if they do not come true, have others. My dream graduating college was to be a network news anchor person. David Muir fulfilled that dream. I did not. But I developed another dream. I wanted to become a television production executive. I can check that box. I did that. It's a lesson. Have dreams and if they don't come true, create new ones. To all of you, remain hopeful and always optimistic. Those traits will fuel you. I promise. And they will create opportunities.”

 

“I’m proud that she’s already achieved so much and is already using everything she’s learned in her classes at Ithaca College to help the community and those in need. She works with the Youth Bureau now. I’m really proud of her for not only obtaining her education, but all that she’s done for the community.” Lisa Spontak, mother of Hannah Pond, Psychology