IC News

The Ithaca College community got a chance to give thanks, spread cheer, and learn from alumni during I Love IC Week, which took place at the end of March. The series of events were hosted by the student organization Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT).

Kicking off the week was Kindness Day, which gave students the chance to write thank you notes to the classmates, faculty and staff members who make their time on South Hill special.

“It gives students an opportunity to reflect on who brings them joy on campus, who is their support network and to thank them,” said Julia Shuman ’22, vice president of I Love IC Week. “Especially since you have to have your own family in college, it’s important to thank them, and just know that you’re there for them and they’re there for you.”

In many cases, the letters were as simple as thanking someone for having a positive attitude.

“I wrote a note to my boss because she’s amazing, and a wonderful ray of sunshine who deserves to be appreciated,” said occupational therapy major Aliana Zabel ’23. 

Others, like Sara Boschwitz ’22, took the time to recognize the dedication of their classmates.

“I wrote a letter to my roommate because she’s working really hard and she deserves a lot of kindness and appreciation,” said Boschwitz.

STAT president Ronan Mayock ’22, believes in the value of messages like that.

“It doesn’t take much to be kind to one another, so if there’s a day where we can give people an opportunity to do that, then we absolutely should,” Mayock said.

The next night, the 5 Under 5 alumni panel gave current students the chance to hear from recent graduates about how their time at IC was not only meaningful but beneficial to their post-graduate careers.

The panelists were Molly Whitehead ’21, Lucy Hemingway ’20, Ashley Hilliker ’19, and Jamie Shum ’17.

For Shum, who is a diversity events specialist for PepsiCo and a freelance consultant, her coursework was a major contributor to her success.

“One thing that really attracted me to Ithaca College itself was not just the amount of majors and minors that they offered, but also their exploratory program,” she said. “It was just so different compared to all the other undecided or undeclared programs that the other colleges had. The different classes that I took, even if [they weren’t] related to what I’m currently doing right now, has benefited me in the different career roles I’ve held as well as where I am today.”

Whitehead highlighted the connections she made during her time on campus

“I think what's interesting, that I wasn't expecting to happen, was [connecting with] people that I wasn't really friends with,” she said. “I found that the Ithaca community is really warm and welcoming.”

Those connections persevered through the challenge presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We didn’t get to finish off that final semester in person, so I think that really sort of propelled and started early keeping in contact with your IC friends,” said Hemingway. “I would have tea times with friends I made while at the London Center and keep up with them on Zoom. I’ve carried that forward since then.”

Shuman hoped that the audience appreciated the advice the panelists gave.

“Especially as a graduating senior, it’s so valuable just to hear everyone’s experience of their transitions out of college and that even though everyone's experience is different, everyone's okay and happy,” she said.

During the Get the Scoop on Philanthropy event, students were given the opportunity to thank donors for their generous gifts to the college that make their time at Ithaca memorable and, in some cases, possible.

“I wouldn’t have gone to IC if it weren’t for donors,” said Alexa Bastardi ’22, a speech-language pathology major. “I got experience at the Sir Alexander Ewing-Ithaca College Speech and Hearing Clinic, and it wouldn’t be as beautiful as it is without donors and alumni. It’s a great resource to have as an undergraduate student.”

Erin Fader ’22, recalled the importance of classroom opportunities.

“As a first-year student I took part in a SPARK course that was very beneficial because we got to talk to alums who were in positions we were interested in,” she said. “These included alumni in high-profile positions like Bob Iger and David Muir, but also in more entry- and mid-level jobs. Opportunities like that wouldn’t be available if it weren’t for donors.”

Those opportunities aren’t limited to the classroom, either.

“I’m definitely grateful for the hands-on experience with equipment that I have in the Park school. We have two full studios which is really unique,” said Stephen Hechler ’22.

The ability to connect students to the donors who make their educations at IC enriching is incredibly valuable. “I think it’s important for students to know where their resources are coming from and to help them think about how their clubs, organizations, and classes benefit from not only the annual fund, but donors as well,” Shuman said.