Advanced Degree Graduates Encouraged to ‘Be the Light’

By Grace Collins '22, May 19, 2024

Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony celebrates master’s and doctoral degree candidates.

More than 250 students were honored during Ithaca College's 2024 Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.

(Photo by Simon Wheeler)

Ithaca College’s newest graduates felt years of hard work and dedication pay off as they received master’s and doctoral degrees in Glazer Arena on May 18 during the Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremony. The arena was filled with applause and cheers as the students, representing four of Ithaca College’s academic schools, crossed the stage and received their diplomas.

The ceremony was opened by associate professor Jennifer McKeon, graduate council chair and athletic training program director, who asked graduates to reflect on what brought them to Ithaca College in the first place.

“Soon you'll be immersed in new experiences, challenges, and opportunities,” she said. “Don't let that rationale of your decision fade. Grab hold of it, actively internalize it, and make it part of yourself—your past, present, and future.”

“I ask that you let choosing to be light become part of your routine, whether it is a kind word, a warm smile, or random act of kindness. And when you cannot muster even that, and this is perhaps even more important, please accept that light from someone else, somewhere else. Always remember that light is coming.”

President La Jerne Terry Cornish

President La Jerne Terry Cornish then shared her remarks, encouraging the graduates to be beacons of light in their communities, wherever their journey takes them next.

“I ask that you let choosing to be light become part of your routine, whether it is a kind word, a warm smile, or random act of kindness,” she said. “And when you cannot muster even that, and this is perhaps even more important, please accept that light from someone else, somewhere else. Always remember that light is coming.”

President Cornish urged graduates to be a light in their communities. (Photo by Simon Wheeler)

As is Ithaca College tradition, all graduates also received a medallion engraved with a quote chosen by the president. This year’s, from poet Amanda Gorman, reads: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

“You have already lived through darkness. And dare I say, you're still living through it still,” Cornish said. “You have seen disruption, upheaval, and war. Yet, the sun still rose, lives were lived, babies were born, romance still blossomed, and people did their best to support one another. Hope, along with love, are our most profound renewable resources, but they take effort to replenish and reignite.”

Featured speaker Amie Germain, associate professor and graduate program chair in the Department of Occupational Therapy, imparted her words of wisdom to the graduates.

She spoke to the achievements of the graduating class and called upon them to continue in their intellectual pursuit throughout their careers and personal lives.

“Never stop asking questions and never stop seeking answers, for the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey. Proximity breeds empathy. Take the time to journey in someone else's shoes, to experience the world through their eyes, to understand their hopes, their fears, and their dreams.”

Amie Germain, occupational therapy associate professor and graduate program chair

Graduates were in a celebratory mood during the ceremony (Photo by Simon Wheeler)

Germain then drew on some wisdom borrowed from the television series Ted Lasso.

“In one episode, a character advises others to ‘be curious, and ask questions,’” Germain said. “So never stop asking questions and never stop seeking answers, for the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey. Proximity breeds empathy. Take the time to journey in someone else's shoes, to experience the world through their eyes, to understand their hopes, their fears, and their dreams.”

Melanie Stein, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, took the stage to recognize the graduates. Faculty members from each academic program served as hooding officiants, presenting the graduates with colored regalia corresponding to their degree program as they crossed the stage.

“As much as I loved exploring as an undergraduate, I found the intense focus of graduate study extraordinarily fulfilling, and everything I learned in my graduate studies prepared me directly for the next step in my professional journey,” said Stein. “I hope that you also have found satisfaction and fulfillment during your graduate studies at Ithaca College and are excited to take that next step professionally.”

“I hope that you have found satisfaction and fulfillment during your graduate studies at Ithaca College and are excited to take that next step professionally.”

Melanie Stein, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs

After the ceremony, proud families and friends reunited with the graduates for a reception to take photos, say thank you to faculty mentors, and celebrate over refreshments.

Occupational therapy graduate Megan Gallagher ’23, MS ’24 says that the connections she made at Ithaca College are what carried her through the challenges of pursuing a graduate degree.

“My time here was absolutely amazing. The friendships that I made here were the most special part of the whole experience,” she said.

Whether by themselves, with friends, or with family, graduates celebrated their accomplishment.

(Photos by Simon Wheeler)

Kylie O’Shea ’23, MS ’24, also an occupational therapy graduate, echoed Gallagher’s sentiments.

“We spent five years with the same consistent cohort of people, which was awesome,” she said. “Now it's over and it's really sad not to see everyone every day, but it's nice that now they're colleagues or friends and we can still have this connection.”

“It's been a long ride, and I’m really proud of myself for getting this far, it means a lot to me. Getting a master’s is basically a culmination of everything I’ve achieved so far.”

Dylan Young ’23, MBA ’24

For Dylan Young ’23, MBA ’24, earning his degree in media and entertainment management came with a deep feeling of pride and accomplishment.

Graduates crossed the stage and got President Cornish's traditional fist bump. (Photo by Simon Wheeler)

“It's been a long ride, and I’m really proud of myself for getting this far, it means a lot to me,” he said. “Getting a master’s is basically a culmination of everything I’ve achieved so far.”

Doctor of physical therapy graduate Sarah Poingue ’22, DPT ’24 spoke to the resilience of her and her classmates in completing their six-year degree program.

“I can't believe that we made it this far,” Poingue said. “There were times where we were doubting ourselves, but to blink our eyes and be here now is amazing.”