Ithaca College commencement speaker DeLand reminds graduates to 'seek learning every day'

Jason DeLand graduated from Ithaca College over 25 years ago and reminded the 935 students receiving their diplomas on Sunday that the world can change in a quarter of a century, and that they have the power to shape it.

“Some see a place of conflict, division, strife and struggle,” DeLand said, according to information provided by the college. “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!”

In the past quarter-century since DeLand donned a grad cap at the college in 1998, his advertising work for beer-giant Budweiser has been shown during one of the nation's largest sporting events, the Super Bowl, and he’s built one of the largest advertising agencies in the nation, Anomaly.

He called on the 2024 graduates during the college's 129th commencement ceremony to “do the right thing,” and “fill your mind, body and soul with good, healthy things that love you back.”

“Seek learning every day,” DeLand said. “Listen and observe before you speak and act. Work your [butts] off. Be decent, informed, aware, empathetic citizens, and most importantly, don’t ever give up.”

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 — a gesture that would have been impossible just four years ago at the height of the pandemic — reminding the graduates to make the most of the time they have.

Students are prepared

College President La Jerne Terry Cornish assured this year's grads that the challenges they’ve been through have prepared them for the years ahead.

“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.”

A total of 477 of Ithaca College’s 935 grads achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher, with the class of 2024 hailing from 26 different countries and 39 states, according to an article by Assistant Director of College Communications, Patrick Bohn.

Despite their varying grades, disciplines and origins, each student graduating Sunday was given a medallion engraved with an inspirational quote. This year, students wore a quote from poet Amanda Gorman, that read: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to SEE it, if only we’re brave enough to BE it.”

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

Cornish then awarded the Ithaca College Presidential Medal to longtime youth advocate Nick Moore ’80, in recognition of his commitment to service and sustainability and his embodiment of the values of Ithaca College.

Senior address

Graduating senior Mikayla Tolliver, a writing major selected to represent the Class of 2024, asked her classmates to write their own success stories rather than be defined by the setbacks they’ve faced.

“Hold onto that thing that sparks your passion, and brings fire and joy within,” she said. “Think of what that is. That is what will bring you to tomorrow. Here at Ithaca College, I became me. I’m a storyteller, and I hope I’ve told our story today. I hope you keep writing your story and never let anyone tell it for you. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.”

The deans of Ithaca College’s five schools then stepped forward to present their students. With this, the graduates lined up to cross the stage and receive their diplomas, along with the customary fist bump from Cornish.

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

“I encourage you all to lean in today and soak in the moment,” said Engelsman. “Have confidence that your time here at IC has prepared you for the journey that lies ahead. Ithaca will always be a second home for you, a place that will forever hold a special spot in your minds and in your hearts.”

This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Ithaca College 2024 commencement: More than 900 students graduate