Speaking From Experience

By Andrew Garoppo '24, May 11, 2023

I Love IC Week’s 5 Under 5 panel gives current students the chance to learn from recent graduates.

(L to R) Katie Sullivan ’22, Kerrianne Blum ’22; Sam Wheelwright ’21, Jeremy Timmins ’17, James Johnson ’22 spoke to current students about what they learned during their journeys at IC.

(Photo by Andrew Garoppo)

As a highlight of I Love IC Week, the student organization Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) hosted its annual 5 Under 5 Alumni Panel.

The presentation by alumni who graduated within the last five years provided them with the opportunity to share words of wisdom with current students.

This year’s panelists were Sam Wheelwright ’21, who now serves as the wrap around care manager and testing coordinator in the Ithaca College Office of Public Safety; television-radio graduate Jeremy Timmins ’17, who is now an endpoint administrator in IC’s Office of Information Technology; Kerrianne Blum ’22, currently an assistant director of donor relations at Ithaca College; business administration graduate James Johnson ’22, currently an events coordinator at IC; and politics graduate Katie Sullivan ’22, who is now an inside sales representative at Cantana Health Solutions.

During a Q & A session, moderated by STAT President Taylor Callis ’23, panelists were given the opportunity to reflect on their time at IC and think about what they might have done differently. For Johnson, that would have entailed slowing down.

“I would tell my past self to be more present,” he said. “Life is constantly changing, and [college] is a very special time you’ll never experience again.”

James Johnson ’22

“I was always so busy, working and taking classes, I would tell my past self to be more present,” he said. “Life is constantly changing, and [college] is a very special time you’ll never experience again.”

Wheelright, an exercise science and public and community health graduate, agreed.

“College is going to fly by, believe me,” she said. “Make an effort to enjoy it and try to make as many connections as you can. Get to know your professors too.”

Sullivan reminded the students that just because they’ll eventually graduate from IC, the support of the college will continue.

“IC has a fantastic alumni network with people who are really willing to be mentors for recent grads and help you find jobs,” she said. “The alumni are across the country, even the world.”

Students were pleased to have the opportunity to gain some insight from alumni.

“I was grateful to be able to gather a little bit of advice from recent graduates and learn how IC has shaped their career paths,” said Ester Moore ’23.

The goal of I Love IC Week is to increase student involvement in the college community by building traditions, seeking links between students and alumni, and encouraging pride at Ithaca College. The week also included additional panel discussions, competitions, and recreational activities for students.