We are incredibly thrilled to introduce the HCIC 100, a brand-new initiative by Her Campus at Ithaca College dedicated to recognizing 100 phenomenal graduating seniors who have spent their college careers breaking boundaries, leading with purpose, and leaving a lasting footprint on our campus. From creative innovators and fierce advocates to student leaders who kept our community thriving, we are celebrating the monumental achievements of these inspiring change-makers with dedicated feature profiles right here on our site.
To kick things off, we are diving straight into the brilliant minds from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, and trust us, their post-grad plans are nothing short of spectacular. These graduates are transitioning directly from undergraduate triumphs into elite medical schools, intensive doctoral programs, and frontline healthcare roles. We’ve got future physicians preparing to launch their medical school applications, trailblazing physical therapists moving straight into Doctor of Physical Therapy tracks, and public health leaders heading off to top-tier graduate programs at Boston University and Northwestern University. Plus, you’ll get an inside look at how our national champion student-athletes balance elite athletic execution with advanced research, and how our future occupational therapists are diving headfirst into intensive clinical fieldwork.
These seniors represent the absolute best of IC, and their stories are guaranteed to give you a major dose of inspiration. Grab your favorite iced coffee, settle in, and dive into our full feature to celebrate their legacies and see exactly how the Class of 2026 is getting ready to change the world!
Anushri Sukumaran
Major: Public & Community Health, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Anushri is moving to Boston to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) at Boston University, where she will specialize in Global Health.
Anushri left a profound institutional footprint centered on public health advocacy, first-generation student empowerment, and campus leadership during her career on South Hill. Her academic foundation emphasizes systemic wellness and community care frameworks. Her exceptional civic engagement and dedication to equity earned her an array of prestigious campus honors, including the Peggy Ryan Williams Award, the Gloria L. Hobbs Inspiration Award, and selection as both an IAP Scholar and a BOLD Scholar. As a trailblazer in her family, her distinct impact was celebrated with the First-Generation Leadership Award and the First-Generation Senior Impact Award. Her academic excellence was further recognized by induction into Alpha Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for first-generation college students.
In her organizational and employment roles, Anushri dedicated her time to fostering inclusive spaces and supporting campus infrastructure. She managed organizational logistics, cross-cultural programming, and communications as the Administrative Coordinator for the International Club. Additionally, she provided vital customer service, administrative support, and resource management to the campus community by working as a Circulation Desk Assistant at the Ithaca College Library.
Aysia Louis
Major: Occupational Science, BS
📍Post Grad: Aysia is embarking on her Level 2 Clinical Fieldwork Experience in General Outpatient Rehabilitation before returning to Ithaca this fall to pursue her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.
Aysia integrated clinical excellence, diversity advocacy, and campus leadership during her career on South Hill. Her exceptional civic dedication and academic impact earned her a wide collection of top-tier honors, including the Peggy Ryan Williams Award, the Campus Life Award, the Julian Thomas Euell Mind, Body, and Spirit Award, and the Occupational Therapy Department Service Award. Recognized early for her executive potential, she served as an Ithaca College Leadership Scholar and a BOLD Scholar, stepping into an elevated role as the BOLD Student Program Manager.
In her clinical and cultural leadership, Aysia focused heavily on equity and community building within the healthcare space and the broader campus. She served as the 2026 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Representative for Ithaca College Occupational Therapy, co-founded and managed finances as the Treasurer for IC Occupational Therapy Students of Color, and drove institutional strategy as the President of Sister 2 Sister. Additionally, she re-developed the Students of Color Coalition, managed promotional outreach as the Director of Marketing for the Senior Class Council, and mentored peers as a Student Leadership Consultant.
Celia Couse
Major: Health Sciences, BS (Planned Clinical)
Minor: Neuroscience
📍Post Grad: Celia is attending an accelerated Master’s program in Anatomy at Colorado State University before applying to Medical School.
Celia balanced clinical preparation, artistic expression, and organizational leadership during her career on South Hill. Her academic path coupled a major in Health Sciences on the Planned Clinical track with a minor in Neuroscience, building a strong foundation in human biology and neurological function.
In her campus leadership roles, Celia drove the administrative operations and community engagement of multiple student organizations, moving from financial management into executive positions. She served as the Co-President of the Ithaca College Tap Co. after previously managing the organization’s finances as its Treasurer. Similarly, she applied her organizational skills to the pre-medical community, transitioning from Treasurer to Co-President of the Pre-Health Society, where she supported peers navigating clinical career pathways.
“In her time with Tap Co, Celia has always stepped up and led with poise! She loves Tap Co, and it really shows in her leadership and the work she puts towards our company. Celia never backs down from a challenge and is so awesome! I’ve been so lucky to work with her.” – Elena High, IC Tap Co. Co-President 2025-26
Claire Johnson
Major: Public & Community Health, BS
Claire combined community health advocacy, academic excellence, and public service during her career on South Hill. Her exceptional civic dedication and professional promise in her field earned her the prestigious Peggy Ryan Williams Award, alongside the Department of Health Sciences & Public Health Professional Excellence Award. Her academic rigor across her public health studies was further recognized by inductions into the Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Eta honor societies, as well as the Tau Sigma national transfer honor society, where she also served as the organization’s Secretary.
In her community-facing roles, Claire focused on supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing local public health infrastructure. She gained valuable hands-on field experience working with the Tompkins County Office for the Aging and dedicated her Friday mornings to hands-on public service as a volunteer for the Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard food pantry. Outside of her academic and service commitments, she balanced her schedule and fostered team camaraderie as an active member of the Kweezy Ultimate Frisbee team.
đź“ŤPost Grad: Claire is moving to Boston to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Boston University, with a concentration in infectious disease.
Elke Beaumont
Major: Clinical Health Studies, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Elke is staying at Ithaca College to serve as a TA for the Summer Human Anatomy course while continuing her clinical education to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT).
Elke balanced athletic leadership, academic excellence, and educational mentorship during her career on South Hill. Her commitment to leadership and achievement earned her recognition as an Ithaca College Leadership Scholar, alongside being named a Scholar-Athlete for her dedication to both academics and sport. Her academic rigor across her clinical studies was further recognized by inductions into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi and Oracle honor societies.
In her athletic and campus-wide roles, Elke served as a prominent voice for the student-athlete community. She demonstrated team-building acumen and executive skills as the Captain of the varsity Swimming team and drove strategic peer advocacy as an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Additionally, she applied her knowledge of human biology and supported the next generation of clinical students by working as an Anatomy & Physiology Teaching Assistant.
Ella Graper
Major: Exercise Science, BS (Strength & Conditioning)
📍Post Grad: Ella is pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport Science and Kinesiology to begin a career in performance testing, data collection, and strength coaching for elite athletes.
Ella combined athletic achievement, tactical performance, and academic consistency during her career on South Hill. Her academic path focused on a major in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning, aligning her classroom studies with high-level physical performance. Her ability to maintain high standards both on the court and in her coursework earned her multi-year recognition on the Liberty League All-Academic team and selection to the prestigious Academic All-District team.
On the court, Ella anchored the varsity Volleyball team as a dominant Middle Blocker, putting together a highly decorated competitive career. Her individual impact was highlighted during the 2023 season, where she earned spots on the Wid Guisler Invitational All-Tournament Team, the All-Liberty League Second Team, and the AVCA All-Region III Honorable Mention Team. She carried that momentum into the 2024–25 season, capturing multiple Liberty League Performer of the Week honors, a spot on the Liberty League Honor Roll, and the distinction of being named the 2024 Most Outstanding Performer in the Liberty League Volleyball Championship. Renowned for her defensive presence at the net, she continued her athletic execution into her final year, recording 113.0 total blocks during the 2025 season.
Ella Meoli
Major: Occupational Science, BS
📍Post Grad: Ella is staying at Ithaca College to complete her Master’s in Occupational Therapy with the long-term goal of working as a pediatric OT in various clinical settings.
Ella integrated clinical studies, student organization leadership, and community service during her career on South Hill. Her academic foundation focused on a major in Occupational Science, preparing her for advanced clinical training and client-centered healthcare strategy.
In her campus and community-facing roles, Ella dedicated her time to service-dog training and professional development within her field. She directed operations, managed logistics, and drove public awareness as the Co-President of the Ithaca College chapter of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, while also acting as the Co-Raiser for service dogs in training, Wendy and Ichabod. Additionally, she supported her peers and advanced professional growth within her major by serving as the Vice President of the Ithaca College Student Occupational Therapy Association (ICSOTA).
Emily Kobusky
Major: Occupational Science, BS
📍Post Grad: Emily is remaining at Ithaca College to complete her Master’s in Occupational Therapy, with the long-term goal of serving as a pediatric OT at a Children’s Hospital on the East Coast.
Emily combined elite athletic performance, clinical studies, and community building during her career on South Hill. Her academic path focused on a major in Occupational Science, providing a foundation in human movement and rehabilitation. Her exceptional execution as a student-athlete earned her national distinction as an Academic All-American, alongside a nomination for The Bomb Award, which recognizes excellent performance in Ithaca College sports.
On the competition floor, Emily anchored the varsity Gymnastics team as a premier specialist, putting together a historic tenure on the balance beam. She holds the Ithaca College school record on beam with a score of 9.875, set at the Harriett Marranca Invitational in 2024. During her 2026 senior season, she maintained remarkable consistency by scoring over 9.550 seven times, including a season-best 9.850 in a home dual meet against Cortland on February 11. She capped off her competitive career as an NCGA National Qualifier on beam, ultimately capturing All-American honors and placing fourth in the nation with a 9.775 at the NCGA Championships. Beyond gymnastics, she applied her leadership skills to faith-based athletic community building as the Co-Founder of the Ithaca College Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Esther Hong
Major: Clinical Health Studies, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Esther is continuing her doctoral studies at Ithaca College to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Esther excelled in clinical health preparation, organizational leadership, and community mentorship during her career on South Hill. Her exceptional scholarship and campus impact earned her the Chawla/Ochoa Academic Achievement Award and the First-Generation Leadership Award, alongside selection as an IAP Scholar. Her academic performance was further recognized by induction into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi honor society and Alpha Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for first-generation college students, where she also served as the organization’s Historian.
In her campus and community roles, Esther directed initiatives centered on peer mentorship, cultural representation, and applied scientific research. She provided guidance and outreach to local underrepresented youth through the IC Me mentorship program and managed organizational operations as the Vice President of Asian Students in America (ASIA). Shifting her focus to hands-on sustainability and product management, she contributed to both the South Hill Forest Products team and the Aquaponics Research Team. Additionally, Esther built professional, technical, and administrative experience by working as an IT Service Desk Consultant on campus and through her past role as a Medical Receptionist.
Grace Murray
Major: Health Sciences (Planned Clinical), BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Grace is embarking on a clinical gap year to gain hands-on experience before applying to Physician Assistant (PA) school.
Grace pursued clinical healthcare preparation alongside a historic, elite athletic career on South Hill. Her academic path focused on a major in Health Sciences on the Planned Clinical track, building a strong foundation in human biology and medical sciences. Her exceptional dual dedication to academics and athletics earned her recognition as an NCGA All-American in Academics, while her dominant competitive performances led to her being named the Ithaca College Winter Athlete of the Year.
On the competition floor, Grace established herself as one of the premier gymnasts in Division III history, cementing her legacy through an array of regional and national honors. She was named both the NCGA East Region Gymnast of the Year and the WCGA East Region Gymnast of the Year, alongside earning NCGA Specialist of the Week honors. Throughout her final season, she achieved remarkable consistency, finishing in the top five 18 times across vault and floor, winning seven event titles on floor, four titles on vault, and scoring over 9.700 a total of 18 times between the two events.
As an elite floor specialist, Grace captured the NCGA National Championship on floor exercise with a score of 9.850, matching her career-best mark originally set at the West Chester Invitational in 2024, and secured WCGA First Team All-American honors with a 9.840 average. On vault, she made program history by becoming the first Ithaca College gymnast to compete a highly specific, top-tier vault variation, making her the only athlete in Division III actively performing the maneuver. She executed this vault to perfection at a dual meet against Brockport, scoring a career-best 9.800 to tie the Ithaca College school record, earn NCGA East All-Region Second Team honors, and ultimately place fifth at the national level to secure another NCGA All-American medal. Outside of academics and athletics, Grace gained hands-on, clinical care experience working as a Direct Support Professional at Unity House.
Kate Staron
Major: Clinical Health Studies, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Kate is continuing her doctoral studies at Ithaca College to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Kate directed her time toward clinical healthcare preparation, performance choreography, and instructional leadership during her career on South Hill. Her academic path coupled a major in Clinical Health Studies with a minor in Dance, merging an advanced understanding of human anatomy and movement with the creative arts.
In her campus artistic and leadership roles, Kate managed the administrative operations and creative direction of prominent student performance groups. She oversaw rehearsals, coordinated showcase logistics, and provided technical dance instruction as the President and Ballet Teacher for IC Defy Dance Company, having previously developed her executive skills within the organization as its Junior President. Additionally, she applied her movement expertise to the campus a cappella scene, collaborating with student vocalists to design and teach staging routines as the choreographer for Ithacappella.
Lauren Russell
Major: Exercise Science, BS (Medical Science)
đź“ŤPost Grad: Lauren is working as an Optometric Technician and an EMT while applying to Physician Assistant programs to begin her clinical career next year.
“Lauren, I am so incredibly proud of you, and am so thankful that I got to watch you grow into a confident, driven young women who’s purpose in life is to help others. From playing lacrosse by your side for over 15 years to watching you found Med-Life and make a difference in the world, I cannot believe how much you’ve accomplished already. I can’t wait to see where you go next!” – Kaitlyn Russell ’25, Sister
Lauren pursued medical sciences, student-led health initiatives, and athletic leadership during her career on South Hill. Her academic path focused on a major in Exercise Science with a concentration in Medical Science, providing an analytical foundation in human performance and pre-clinical training. Her civic engagement and institutional impact earned her the prestigious Peggy Ryan Williams Award, while her academic performance was recognized by induction into the Sigma Delta Pi national collegiate Hispanic honor society and selection to the All-Liberty League Academic Team.
On the field and within the campus medical community, Lauren took on significant organizational roles. She competed as a student-athlete on the varsity Lacrosse team and sharpened her executive skills as a member of the Ithaca College Leadership Academy. Shifting her focus to global health and clinical preparation, she served as the Co-Founder and President of IC MEDLIFE, leading student initiatives centered on medicine, education, and development for low-income communities. Additionally, she engaged with peers navigating healthcare tracks as a member of the Pre-Health Society. Lauren further built out her clinical background by gaining practical patient-care experience working as an Optometric Technician and serving as a hospital volunteer.
Maddy Kim
Major: Clinical Health Studies, BS / Chemistry, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Maddy is continuing her doctoral studies at Ithaca College to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Maddy maintained dual scientific pathways, cultural organizational leadership, and financial stewardship during her career on South Hill. Her academic performance spanned majors in both Clinical Health Studies and Chemistry, earning her early recognition through the Outstanding First Year Chemistry Award and the Drago Chemistry Award. Her broader institutional impact and civic engagement were recognized with the prestigious Peggy Ryan Williams Award and the Campus Life Award. Her scholarship across both fields of study was further distinguished by inductions into the elite Phi Kappa Phi and Oracle honor societies.
In her campus executive roles, Maddy managed the financial operations and strategic direction of multiple student organizations. She served as the Treasurer for the Chemistry Club and applied those same fiscal management skills to the physical therapy community as the Treasurer for Physical Therapy (PT) Students of Color, where her dedication earned her the title of Outstanding Executive Board Member of the Year. Additionally, she directed cultural advocacy, inclusive programming, and community building as the President of the Asian-American Alliance.
Margo Pouliot
Major: Speech-Language Pathology, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Margo is heading to Northwestern University to pursue her Doctor of Audiology (AuD).
Margo finished an accelerated academic track in speech-language pathology, peer education, and clinical practice during her career on South Hill. Demonstrating intense focus, she completed her foundational studies to graduate in just three years. Her academic performance was recognized by induction into Alpha Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for first-generation college students.
In her campus and clinical roles, Margo dedicated her time to health education, fiscal management, and patient care. She managed the financial operations and budgeting logistics for the Ithaca College chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) as the organization’s Treasurer. Professionally, she built foundational fieldwork experience as a Student Clinician within the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, providing clinical support and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, she engaged with her professional field through membership in the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and fostered community camaraderie as an active member of the Running Club.
Mia Emmi
Major: Occupational Science, BS
📍Post Grad: Mia is completing her first Level 2 Fieldwork this summer before returning to Ithaca College to earn her Master’s in Occupational Therapy and serve as an Assistant Coach for IC Cheer.
Mia centered her time on clinical healthcare preparation, spirit leadership, and pediatric cancer advocacy during her career on South Hill. Her exceptional civic engagement and service to the campus community earned her the prestigious Peggy Ryan Williams Award.
In her leadership and media roles, Mia directed the operations, public image, and community outreach of multiple campus organizations. She managed team logistics, structured practices, and fostered campus spirit as the President of the varsity Cheerleading team. Shifting her focus to philanthropic work, she guided the Ithaca College Pinky Swear PACK, an organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families, serving as the Media Manager to oversee digital strategy after previously leading the chapter as its President. Additionally, she advanced her professional development and connected with peers in her major as an active member of the Ithaca College Student Occupational Therapy Association (ICSOTA).
Sabrina Cheung
Major: Health Sciences, BS (Pre-Med)
đź“ŤPost Grad: Sabrina is applying to medical school this June, following a clinical gap year, moving toward her goal of becoming a physician and providing compassionate care to those in need.
Sabrina anchored her time on South Hill in advanced pre-medical preparation, varsity athletics, and hospital volunteerism. Her exceptional academic performance and leadership potential earned her recognition as an Ithaca College Leadership Scholar, alongside the Professional Excellence Award from the Department of Health Sciences & Public Health. Excelling equally in the classroom and on the court, she was named a Scholar-Athlete for her dual dedication to her sport and studies. Her academic rigor across her health sciences curriculum was further distinguished by inductions into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Eta, and Oracle honor societies.
In her athletic and clinical roles, Sabrina developed a strong foundation in teamwork and high-stress healthcare environments. She competed as a student-athlete on the varsity Tennis team, driving team camaraderie and athletic execution. Shifting her focus to hands-on patient care and medical operations, she built out an extensive clinical background by serving as an Emergency Department Volunteer and an Operating Room Volunteer, gaining direct exposure to acute medical procedures and hospital logistics.
Sammi Meyer
Major: Exercise Science, BS (Pre-Athletic Training)
📍Post Grad: Sammi is staying at Ithaca College for one more year to complete their clinical education and earn a Master’s in Athletic Training.
Sammi built a strong foundation in pre-professional medical training, varsity athletics, and diversity advocacy within sports medicine during their career on South Hill. Their academic performance focused on a major in Exercise Science on the Pre-Athletic Training track, earning them the Paul DeMartinis Memorial Scholarship. Excelling equally in the classroom and on the mat, they were named an NWCA Scholar All-American and an Ithaca College Scholar-Athlete for their dual dedication to their sport and studies. Their academic consistency was further distinguished by inductions into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi and Oracle honor societies.
In their athletic and professional roles, Sammi developed clinical skills and supported student-athlete health. They competed on the varsity Wrestling team during its historic 2025–26 inaugural season, driving team camaraderie and athletic execution. Shifting their focus to hands-on sports medicine and professional infrastructure, they gained practical field experience serving as a Student Athletic Trainer for the Ithaca College Women’s Soccer team and engaged with peers as a member of the Athletic Training Student Association. Furthermore, they extended their advocacy to the state level, contributing to the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association (NYSATA) as a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Team. Outside of their primary athletic and medical commitments, they broadened their campus involvement by participating in both Club Softball and the Outing Club.
Sasha Culver
Major: Speech-Language Pathology, BS
📍Post Grad: Sasha is staying on South Hill to pursue her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Ithaca College, continuing her clinical education to support the next generation of communication health.
Sasha prioritized campus-wide mentorship, executive leadership, and communication sciences during her career on South Hill. Her academic path focused on a major in Speech-Language Pathology, developing a foundational understanding of human communication and therapeutic frameworks. For her outstanding institutional contribution and civic engagement, she earned the prestigious Peggy Ryan Williams Award, alongside recognition as an Ithaca College Leadership Scholar.
In her leadership and advisory roles, Sasha dedicated time to guiding peers through academic, professional, and global transitions. She supported student development and retention as a Peer Success Coach and provided strategic resume and employment guidance as a Peer Career Advisor. Following a formative international experience, she also stepped into a global networking role as a CEA CAPA Alumni Ambassador. On campus, she promoted community wellness and organized group training logistics as the President of the Running Club.