The CMD—Leadership Link
Kylie Burnside '10 transferred into the communication management and design (CMD) program from a major she describes as "a great field, but one I discovered that I didn't have a passion for." Stephen Lovell '11, who double majors in Performance Voice, also transferred into CMD after finding one of his majors did not inspire "passion" in him.
Both Burnside and Lovell heard about the CMD major from colleagues at the IC Center for Student Leadership and Involvement (CSLI), where they are Student Leadership Consultants (SLC). Lovell explains, "So many of my co-workers were either CMD majors, or had great things to say about the program, that I set up a meeting with the Strategic Communication Department chair. It was love at first in-depth discussion!"
Burnside, who minors in Women’s Studies, concurs. "I loved the type of work I was doing as an SLC and definitely saw how Josh's [Keniston '08] and Megan's [Bauer '08] courses helped them in their positions in the CSLI."
According to its mission, CSLI is "dedicated to cultivating citizens of character and integrity by offering purposeful opportunities and resources that complement the academic experience. By participating in programs and services students are challenged to explore their leadership potential through student centered programming, service and experiential opportunities."
As two of 15 Student Leadership Consultants for 2008, Lovell and Burnside provide program and event assistance for student organizations across campus, and also take on special projects. "For example," says Burnside, "I worked on logistics for the JumpStart program including Community Plunge, ECHO, Lead-In, and Sustainable Community Challenge, while also planning SLC training for the start of the year."
Last semester, Lovell helped coordinate and implement the Peggy R. Williams Legacy of Service day, along with developing Leadership Weekend and hosting sessions for the Student Leadership Institute, a series of leadership seminars for students to develop their skills and knowledge. "Our number one priority is to serve as a resource for all students," says Lovell.
How can students get involved with the Center? "This is my favorite question," says Lovell, "because all they have to do is ask! Everyone in our office gets excited about finding the perfect opportunity for each student who wants to contribute."
Both Burnside and Lovell hope that their work will leave a mark at IC. "I hope to be seen as a role model to other students and really make a difference," says Burnside. "Since becoming an SLC, opportunities to do this have really emerged, and many relate to my CMD major, where we learn professional-level communication skills which enable organizational success. The SLC unit functions very well and though we are still in school, we pull off projects professionally."
Lovell agrees. "I want to leave my footprint on Ithaca College, and my job as an SLC gives me the perfect opportunity. I work in a professional environment doing exactly what I love. I feel like I am getting the best here, with the CMD major and SLC position—I learn in the classroom and outside it too."
To become a SLC, students must submit an application and be interviewed. Burnside actually navigated the process while studying in Australia fall 2007. "I applied and interviewed by email," she explains. "I wasn't sure what to expect when I came back for training, but right away I realized that this is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The SLCs I work with are all amazing individuals. We work hard, yet we are always laughing and having fun at the same time."
"When I worked at the CSLI desk last spring,” she remembers, "Stephen would always come into the office singing. I can't tell you how many times I told him that he made my day!"
Burnside and Lovell both plan to attend graduate school eventually. Burnside claims her major and work experiences have helped her narrow her focus on public relations. "I had not really considered PR before now, but I think it would be a great fit for me. My dream job would be to work at Google, doing PR or employee relations."
Lovell would like to continue to pursue vocal performance and perhaps something in higher education. "I sing to survive," he says, "though I cannot remember a day when I have not used strat comm in some form."
CMD students have a long tradition of leadership on the IC campus. Along with Lovell and Burnside, CMD seniors Sarah Hathaway and Maggie Kates, are also Student Leadership Consultants for the 2008-09 academic year. CMD senior Cornell Woodson is the Student Government Association president this year, and A.J. Mizes was elected Senior Class president.
1 Comment