Strategies for Success

By Grace Collins '22, March 29, 2022
IC hosts virtual event for accepted students.
All four speakers in a screenshot

(Clockwise) Traci Hughes '85, Christine Cruzvergara, Jeffrey Selingo ’95 and professor of literatures in English Elizabeth Bleicher spoke at the event.

(Photo by Grace Collins '22)

(Clockwise) Traci Hughes '85, Christine Cruzvergara, Jeffrey Selingo ’95 and professor of literatures in English Elizabeth Bleicher spoke at the event.

(Photo by Grace Collins '22)

On Wednesday, March 23, Ithaca College hosted an innovative virtual event for students who have been accepted into the incoming class of 2026 that empowered attendees with best practices and strategies to achieve success throughout their college careers. Titled “Proven Strategies to Ensure Your Success in College,” the program featured a panel of IC alumni and industry experts who shared stories from their college years along with advice for personal, professional, and academic success in college.

The event hosted 132 accepted students — from 19 states and four countries — and a total of 212 viewers, including parents and supporters.

“We want to support everyone's college decision-making,” said panel moderator Traci Hughes ‘85, a member of the board of trustees who served as a national and international leader for human resources at Colgate-Palmolive for more than two decades. “We do hope that you’ll come to Ithaca College, but what we're hoping for tonight is that you're going to walk away with real, actionable information that can help you through the next steps as you select your school.”

In Their Own Words

The virtual event was met with high praise from attendees.

  • “All four of the members of the panel had such great advice about choosing a college and getting the most out of experiences at college. [It] made us feel confident that my son has made the right decision in committing to IC.”
  • “I watched this program with my son and thought it was excellent. The moderator and panelists were outstanding. They were engaging and knowledgeable and gave really helpful advice and insights. Thank you for offering this and the other excellent programs for students and families.”
  • “This session was extremely informative – [I] wish I had this available 20 years ago when I was getting ready for college. My daughter and I discussed the benefits after the session.”
  • “I learned a lot of information on Ithaca College and how to adapt to the college life in general.”
  • “Your choice of presenters was exceptional -- each was great and provided so many great insights on the transition process from [high school] to college, as well as very helpful thoughts on choosing a major/exploring career options. Our whole family watched and it was VERY helpful!”
  • “I have [worked] in higher education (admission and career services) for my entire career and the topics this session touched on were perfect! We really appreciated all that was covered and your choice of presenters – each was very impressive! Thank you!”

The keynote speaker was Jeffrey Selingo ’95, also a member of the IC board of trustees, and a higher education expert. Formerly the top editor at the Chronicle of Higher Education, he’s the author of the 2020 book ​​”Who Gets In & Why: A Year Inside College Admissions,” named one of the notable books of the year by the New York Times.

“The thing that I really love about my Ithaca College education is this idea of theory and practice,” he said. “I learned the theory in our classrooms, and then that same day, I was able to go out and practice it ... Those opportunities to toggle between the right side of your brain and your left side of the brain, where you're applying what you learn in real-time, really benefit students over the course of their careers.”

Jeffrey Selingo ’95

Selingo talked about how his experiences as a journalism major at Ithaca College imparted to him life lessons and skills that have served him throughout his life and career, such as critical thinking, synthesizing information, and working on a deadline. Those skills also showcased the strong tenets of an IC education that have lasted for decades.

“The thing that I really love about my Ithaca College education is this idea of theory and practice,” he said. “I learned the theory in our classrooms, and then that same day, I was able to go out and practice it. I was a journalism major, but I was also editor of the student newspaper, I worked on the radio station, and I did work outside of the Park School. Those opportunities to toggle between the right side of your brain and your left side of the brain, where you're applying what you learn in real-time, really benefit students over the course of their careers.”

Watch the Event

If you weren’t able to attend last week’s virtual event, you have another opportunity.

Watch “Proven Strategies to Ensure Your Success in College” here

Selingo’s viewpoint, not only as an expert in the field but as a member of the Ithaca College community, was invaluable.

“Having a board of trustees member working with the college to create an admitted-students event focused on student success was a unique opportunity,” said Laurie Koehler, vice president for marketing and enrollment strategy. “It is evident from the participants’ feedback that the program left a lasting impact.”

Other panelists included professor of literatures in English and interim director of student success and retention Elizabeth Bleicher and Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, a job and internship resource for students that partners with Ithaca College.

It’s more important to us, it’s more important to you and your success to find a major that matches your values, your interests, your personality. That’s when you’re going to be academically successful and feel personally successful.”

Elizabeth Bleicher, professor of literatures in English and interim director of student success and retention

Bleicher shared with the students the importance of matching their academic pursuits to their passion and purpose — particularly with classes outside their major.

“Only 30% of people can trace a direct line from their major to their career. It’s more important to us, it’s more important to you and your success to find a major that matches your values, your interests, your personality,” she said. “That’s when you’re going to be academically successful and feel personally successful. And you’re going to take those successes out into the working world and become professionally successful.”

For Cruzvergara, the key is to think about what will truly spark a connection.

"I am overwhelmed with the response we received for this program. Participants learned so much from this engaging panel sharing thoughtful and relevant advice about achieving success in college.”

Nicole Eversley Bradwell, executive director of admission

“When you’re thinking about choosing a college, think about what your interests are, as of today,” she said. “Do you feel like you could find a niche, find a connection, and find a community at that institution? Because that’s ultimately what’s going to help you feel comfortable enough that you will be able to actually explore and step out of your comfort zone.”

Nicole Eversley Bradwell, executive director of admission at IC, said the event was a major success.

"I am overwhelmed with the response we received for this program,” she said. “Participants shared that they learned so much from this engaging panel sharing thoughtful and relevant advice about achieving success in college.”