Bree McPhatter

2026-2027 Academic Year

MLK Headshot

Center for Career Exploration and Development Headshot from 2026-2027

Bree enters Ithaca College with a spirit of exploration, curiosity, and a desire for personal growth. As a first-year student and MLK Scholar, she is committed to stepping outside of her comfort zone, building meaningful connections, and embracing new experiences that will help shape her future. Through these opportunities, Bree hopes to discover where her passions and talents can make the greatest impact.

Majoring in Film (B.F.A.), Bree is eager to expand her creative horizons and learn through both successes and challenges. She believes that growth comes from being open to new experiences and viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn. By taking advantage of the resources and opportunities available at Ithaca College, she hopes to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to make a positive difference in her own life and in the lives of those around her. Her caring nature and commitment to supporting others are central to her goals, and she aspires to build a career that combines her passion for storytelling with creating positive and inclusive environments.

During high school, Bree was an active member of her school’s Students of Color Club, where students came together to discuss issues, challenges, and experiences affecting people of color. Through these conversations, she gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of community, dialogue, and understanding diverse perspectives. She also played an important leadership role in her school’s performing arts productions, managing one side of the stage and helping coordinate performances. In this role, she learned the value of leadership through service, collaboration, and supporting others behind the scenes.

Bree’s passion for filmmaking began before college when she enrolled in a filmmaking course at the University of the Arts, an experience that helped launch her creative journey and deepen her interest in visual storytelling. Her dedication to academics was also recognized at graduation, where she received an academic award for her strong academic performance. Drawing on these experiences, she arrives at Ithaca College ready to learn, grow, and build upon the foundation she established in high school.

To be an MLK scholar is to learn from the experience of the past. Understanding the story of people lets us document history to carry on and make it better. The scholars must keep and protect those events and stories from ruining the future. As a community, they have to work together to help out the best they can by creating equality and understanding.

Bree McPhatter, 2026