IC News

Speaking more than a quarter century after his own Ithaca College graduation, Jason DeLand acknowledged to the Class of 2024 how the world has changed since he crossed the stage in 1998, reminding graduates that they now hold the power to shape the future for all.

“Some see a place of conflict, division, strife, and struggle,” DeLand said. “Others know it as the most advanced, the most blessed, the most capable world in human history. Whatever view you try on, one thing is certain. Your generation, you in the seats here today, are being called on right now. And you have a mighty calling! It is you who will build the businesses, raise the families, create the ideas, do the work that will define your time. It is you who will solve the problems we humans face today and win the opportunities of tomorrow.”

DeLand was the featured speaker for Ithaca College’s 129th Commencement ceremony, held on Sunday, May 19, in the Athletics & Events Center on campus. For the more than 900 students who heard their names called in front of their families and other loved ones, it was a well-earned celebration, coming after a college career defined by a spirit of resilience.

Co-founder of the advertising agency Anomaly, best known for its work on iconic Super Bowl ads for Budweiser, Deland reminisced about his time at IC, where he says he learned the values and skills that took him from a small rural community to the top of the advertising industry.

In a gesture that would have been impossible just four years ago at the height of the pandemic, DeLand encouraged the graduates on the floor of the arena to put their arms around their neighbors, noting that they may not have the chance to do so again once they all go their separate ways after this day. He reminded the graduates to make the most of the time they have to the fullest.

“Do the right thing,” said DeLand. “Fill your mind, body, and soul with good, healthy things that love you back. Seek learning every day. Listen and observe before you speak and act. Work your asses off. Be decent, informed, aware, empathetic citizens. And most importantly, don’t ever give up.”

“The challenges you have overcome were unimaginable to the alumni who came before you,” she said. “But to all of you, the very fact that you are sitting here today is proof of your resilience. You have served as models for our community by demonstrating compassion, grace, and persistence. You have endured much and you have excelled greatly. You have places to get to, and we cannot wait to see where you go next.”

As per Ithaca College tradition, the graduates were each given a medallion engraved with an inspirational quote. 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.”

Cornish drew on this theme in her remarks to the students.

“Before you go forth into the world, remember that you are not just graduating from here, you are launching from here,” she said. “Wherever you go, please think of us often and know we will leave a light on for you.”

Next up to the podium was graduating senior Mikayla Tolliver, a writing major who had been selected to represent the Class of 2024. Rather than be defined by the setbacks they’ve endured, Tolliver called on her classmates to write their own stories of success as they move on from IC.

Rob Engelsman ’11, vice president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, was appropriately the final speaker, officially acknowledging the graduates as alumni.

“Today you begin your next chapter with a honed sense of curiosity that empowers you to ask the right questions in a world that’s moving faster than ever,” he said. “No matter where you go from here, I encourage you to hold onto that inquisitiveness with everything you’ve got, because you are entering the next phase of your lives in a global moment that requires smart questions and even smarter answers.”

Cornish concluded the ceremony with the magic words all graduates were waiting to hear: “By the authority vested in me by the Ithaca College Board of Trustees and the New York State Board of Regents, I hereby confer upon each of you the degree for which you been recommended by the faculty, with all the rights, privileges, and honors pertaining thereto.”