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 keep the celebration rolling, we are shifting our spotlight to the brilliant minds and bold visionaries from the School of Humanities and Sciences, and trust us, their post-grad plans are nothing short of spectacular. These graduates are transitioning directly from undergraduate triumphs into competitive law schools, intensive doctoral programs, and impactful global fields. We’ve got future lawyers preparing for the LSAT and diving into international law, trailblazing researchers heading off to prestigious graduate tracks from Fordham to the University of Glasgow, and dedicated advocates preparing to champion health equity, mental health access, and social justice both locally and abroad. Plus, you’ll get an inside look at how these seniors balance complex scientific research with community-building, creative arts, and grassroots activism.
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!
Abby Lange
Major: Psychology, BA
đź“ŤPost Grad: Abby will be working as an outpatient rehabilitation aide with Valley Health System during her gap year before applying to occupational therapy graduate programs.
Abby has built a fantastic college experience by finding a unique balance between healthcare and the creative arts. On the science side, she paired her psychology major with a neuroscience minor, even working as a Teaching Assistant for a course on neurotransmitters and behavior. Her interest in patient care also took her abroad, where she spent a semester in London as a Stroke Services Intern, working one-on-one with clients and co-running a weekly support network called “The Stroke Cafe.” Back on campus, she channeled her empathy into volunteering as a dog sitter for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Alongside her clinical interests, Abby became a major creative leader for the IC Defy Dance Company. As their Chair of Performance and Promo Video Director, she discovered a real passion for filmmaking and visual storytelling. She successfully co-directed and directed major promotional video shoots like Next Step and Starstruck, collaborating with choreographers and dancers to bring her artistic visions to life from start to finish. She leaves campus with a unique blend of skills, showing she is just as comfortable managing a creative production crew as she is diving into neurological rehabilitation.
Anabel Pimenta Velloso
Major: Legal Studies, BA
Minor: Spanish
đź“ŤPost Grad: Anabel is traveling to Brazil to explore international law opportunities before attending USMC Officer Candidate School and applying to law school to become a Judge Advocate (JAG).
Anabel has been an incredibly active leader on campus, successfully balancing organizational leadership, the creative arts, and military discipline. Her deep commitment to her community earned her a major sweep of campus honors, including being named an MLK Scholar and winning the Dr. Julian Thomas Euell Mind, Body, & Spirit Award, the First-Generation Leadership Award, and the First-Generation Senior Impact Award.
An inductee into the Alpha Alpha Alpha honor society, Anabel kept busy across several different areas of campus life. She managed organizational finances as the Treasurer for the First Gen Club and shared her love for public storytelling as the President of the IC Stand Up Comedy Club. Her dedication and leadership extend well beyond student organizations, as she was also selected as a United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate.
April Cascante
Major: World Languages & Cultures, BA
📍Post Grad: April is earning their TEFL certificate and returning to Costa Rica before pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations abroad to continue their mission of fostering global social change.
April has spent their time on campus focusing on language, political education, and storytelling to help bring people together. Driven by a strong creative spirit, they made an impact on the campus media scene by founding Tinta Libre, a platform designed to amplify multilingual and diverse voices.
They have also been deeply committed to equity and student mentorship across campus. April served as the Political Education Chair for CULSAR, where they led educational campaigns and drove student engagement. In addition to their organizational leadership, they supported their peers’ academic success as an H&S Pathways Peer Coordinator and gained hands-on experience in grassroots advocacy as a Sue-Je Lee Gage Intern.
Asata Rothblatt
Major: Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, BA
Minors: History / Legal Studies / Writing
📍Post Grad: Asata plans to gain professional experience for a year before pursuing a Master’s in Social Work (MSW).
Asata has been a dedicated advocate and community organizer on campus, focused on using historical analysis and legal theory to champion human rights. Her campus impact and dedication to elevating marginalized communities earned her a sweep of major honors, including the Campus Life Award and the Chung/Thorpe Leadership Award, which recognized her significant contributions to increasing the profile of the community of color on campus.
An inductee into the Phi Alpha Theta history honor society, Asata also took on significant roles in campus governance. She served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Student Governance Council (SGC) after representing her peers as a Class of 2026 Senator. Alongside her work in student government, she dedicated her time to promoting student wellness and health equity as a Student Health Ambassador.
Brianna Crystal
Major: Environmental Science, BS
Minor: Biology
đź“ŤPost Grad: Brianna is staying in New York to launch a career in wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy, leveraging her background in field research and local ecosystem protection.
Brianna has built a well-rounded college experience by balancing her passion for field ecology and scientific research with a love for music. Her strong academic work and commitment to environmental stewardship earned her the distinction of being named the Oscar Raymond Mayer Inaugural Intern. Her academic achievements are further highlighted by her induction into the Phi Kappa Phi, Oracle, and Sigma Xi scientific research honor societies.
Brianna’s research and fieldwork have focused heavily on wildlife protection and local ecosystems. She has worked as a Conservation Bridge Research Assistant for the Amphibian Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia, and helped protect regional biodiversity as a volunteer with the Tompkins County Amphibian Migration Patrol. In addition to her field research, she supported her peers as an Environmental Science Teaching Assistant. Outside of science, Brianna was an active instrumentalist on campus, performing as a member of both the Jazz Rep Ensemble and the Jazz Lab Band.
Caitlyn O’Dell
Major: Biochemistry, BS
Minors: Environmental Science / Media Literacy
đź“ŤPost Grad: Caitlyn has accepted an offer to the University of Glasgow in Scotland to earn her BVMS, a doctoral-level degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
Caitlyn has put together a remarkably diverse college experience, finding success in advanced scientific research, veterinary medicine, and competitive sports. Her strong academic focus in the life sciences earned her Departmental Honors in Biochemistry, and she expanded her studies globally as a recipient of the competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Outside of her coursework, Caitlyn brings that same focus to archery, where she captured the title of NFAA Indoor States 2026 State Champion.
An inductee into the Alpha Alpha Alpha first-generation honor society, Caitlyn has been highly active in the campus scientific and pre-professional community. She served as the President of the Beta Beta Beta national biological honor society and helped guide fellow students interested in animal medicine as the Pre-Vet Chair for the Pre-Health Society. She also gained extensive hands-on clinical experience working directly with animals as a Veterinary Assistant at Spencer Animal Hospital.
Delaney Jacobson
Majors: English, BA / Sociology, BA
Minor: Theatre
đź“ŤPost Grad: Delaney will be continuing her work in retail while taking a gap year before pursuing graduate studies.
Delaney has put together a versatile college experience by connecting literary analysis, social structures, and performance art. Her academic work across multiple disciplines earned her induction into both Sigma Tau Delta (the international English honor society) and Alpha Kappa Delta (the international sociology honor society), highlighting her ability to look at human narratives from both creative and structural perspectives.
Delaney’s leadership has been a great asset to both academic organizations and Greek life on campus. Within Sigma Tau Delta, she drove community engagement as the Social Media Manager as well as serving as the First & Second-Year Liaison. She also balanced financial management with creative projects for Gamma Delta Pi, serving as the chapter’s Treasurer and Merchandise Chair. Additionally, Delaney helped welcome and guide incoming students through their academic transitions as an ICSM Peer Leader Coordinator.
Destynee St. AGathe-Faure
Major: Architectural Studies, BA
Minor: Business Administration
📍Post Grad: Destynee is launching a career in interior design and the art business before pursuing a Master’s in Architecture and Ecological Design to become a licensed architect.
Destynee has been a dedicated leader and organizer on campus, finding a meaningful balance between academic mentorship, the cultural arts, and community service. Their leadership and commitment to supporting their peers across campus earned them the prestigious Gloria L. Hobbs Inspiration Award and the First-Generation Leadership Award.
An inductee into the Alpha Alpha Alpha first-generation honor society, Destynee has been heavily involved in student success and achievement, serving as the Head Peer Success Coach and an Academic Strategist in the Office of Academic Advancement (OAOA). Her creative vision and organizational skills were also on full display as the Co-President of Pulse Hip-Hop, where she helped coordinate campus performances. Additionally, Destynee dedicated their time to community service and advocacy as an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Emma Heinze
Major: Psychology, BA
📍Post Grad: Emma is moving to New York City to pursue her Master’s and PhD in School Psychology at Fordham University, focusing on evidence-based practices for student well-being.
Emma has successfully balanced collegiate athletics, student governance, and advanced clinical research. Her widespread contributions to the university community earned her a major sweep of top institutional honors, including the Peggy Ryan Williams Award, the Campus Life Award, the Dr. Julian Thomas Euell Mind, Body, & Spirit Award, and recognition as a Leadership Scholar.
An inductee into both the Sigma Xi scientific research honor society and the Psi Chi psychology honor society, Emma earned Departmental Honors in Psychology and supported her peers as a Psychology Teaching Assistant. Her academic work includes extensive Honors Research focusing on the social intersections of regulatory focus, ambition, passion, and extremism. Outside of the classroom and lab, Emma demonstrated great leadership as the Captain of the Women’s Swimming Team, while also managing financial operations as the Director of Finance for the Senior Class. Additionally, she brought energy to campus life as the President of IC After Dark, helping to plan late-night student programming, and worked to promote health equity as a Student Leader for Alcohol & Other Drugs Prevention.
Gemma Colasanti
Major: Writing, BA
Minors: Italian Studies / Live Event Design & Management
đź“ŤPost Grad: Gemma is moving home to launch a career in book publishing, where she plans to utilize her background in writing and event management to shape the next generation of literary voices.
Gemma dedicated her time on campus to bridging her passion for writing and narrative storytelling with live production management and dance. Her strong commitment to her academic work and creative pursuits earned her recognition with induction into the Oracle honor society.
Gemma’s leadership and organizational skills have left a distinct mark on both the literary and performing arts scenes on campus. Merging her writing background with event coordination, she served as the Assistant Student Director for the New Voices Literary Festival, where she managed logistical operations to help celebrate contemporary authors. Her creative talents also extend into dance and choreography; she handled administrative duties and shared her technical artistry as the Secretary and Jazz Teacher for IC Defy, while regularly showcasing her performance skills as a member of IC Unbound.
Hanna Pitts
Majors: Legal Studies, BA / Politics, BA
Minors: Philosophy / Anthropology
đź“ŤPost Grad: Hanna is dedicating her time to anthropological research and exploration, continuing her quest to understand the intersection of social structures and the law.
Hanna focused on investigating the intersection of social structures, philosophy, and the law during her time at the college. She has built a strong pre-law foundation, which includes completing the Cornell Law School Pre-Law Summer Program and gaining hands-on legal experience managing casework as an intern at The Law Office of Serenna L. McCloud, Esq.
Her leadership and organizational skills have also left a mark on campus culture. Hanna served for two years as the President of Gamma Delta Pi, where she oversaw all organizational operations. Her interest in global advocacy and structural governance was reflected in her active participation with the Legal Studies Society as well as the Global Model UN and EU teams. Additionally, she dedicated her time to helping peers navigate their academic pathways as a Peer Success Coach.
“Hanna Pitts’ impact on this campus and to the Gamma Delta Pi sisterhood is nearly immeasurable. She is one of the most driven, hardworking, dedicated and responsible women I have ever met, and I’ve seen firsthand from living together and working alongside her in GDPi that no one does it like Hanna. She is truly ‘that girl,’ and we should all aspire to be more like her.” – Callie Kozak, Gamma Delta Pi Vice President 2025-26
Lauren Leighow
Majors: English, BA / Sociology, BA
Minor: Spanish
đź“ŤPost Grad: Lauren is returning to Omaha, Nebraska, to attend Creighton University School of Law, where she will pursue a concentration in International and Comparative Law.
Lauren spent her time on campus exploring how literature, social structures, and global languages connect. Her academic work across these different areas led to her induction into both Alpha Kappa Delta (the sociology honor society) and Sigma Tau Delta (the English honor society), where she also took on an executive role as the Administration Chair.
Beyond her coursework, Lauren kept busy with a mix of creative projects and community education. She founded and served as President of the Mimi Collage Club to bring students together through art, and she managed grassroots communications as the Newsletter Chair for CULSAR. Lauren also took on advanced academic responsibilities, working as a Spanish Teaching Assistant to support bilingual education and earning a selection as an H&S Summer Scholar to conduct independent undergraduate research.
Login Abudalla
Major: Politics (International Studies), BA
Minor: Finance
đź“ŤPost Grad: Login is moving to Boston, MA to pursue a double JD/MPH (Juris Doctor / Master of Public Health), preparing for a career at the intersection of law and global health equity.
After transferring to South Hill following the sudden closure of Wells College, Login quickly became a core leader in the campus community. Her resilience and academic dedication earned her the First-Generation Leadership Award, a selection as an IAP Scholar, and induction into the Alpha Alpha Alpha first-generation honor society.
Login focused heavily on helping other students adjust to campus life, serving as the Transfer Senator for the Student Governance Council (SGC) and as the President of the Transfer Club. Her involvement extended across several cultural and leadership initiatives, including active roles in the Black Student Union, Sister 2 Sister, Model UN, and positions as both a Student Leadership Consultant and a Jumpstart Leader. On top of her advocacy work, she gained hands-on operational experience running a campus business as the Student Manager at Scribe Cafe and regularly volunteered at the Brooktondale Community Center.
Lori Armstrong
Major: Biology, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Lori plans to work as a Nursing Assistant at Cayuga Medical Center and a Child Watch Teacher at the YMCA while preparing to apply to Physician Assistant school to become a Surgical PA.
Lori balanced a strong foundation in biology and chemistry with a deep commitment to peer mentorship and healthcare equity during her time on campus. Her leadership and academic dedication earned her a sweep of major institutional honors, including the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Scholarship, the Gloria L. Hobbs Inspiration Award, and the First-Generation Senior Impact Award.
As a first-generation student, Lori focused heavily on supporting her peers through their academic transitions. She served as the President of the Alpha Alpha Alpha national honor society and stepped into campus governance as the Humanities & Sciences (H&S) Senator for the Student Governance Council (SGC). Additionally, she worked directly with fellow students as an Office of Academic Advancement (OAOA) Peer Mentor and as a Unity Center Peer Educator, helping underclassmen navigate university life.
Maria Lesser
Major: Environmental Studies, BA / Psychology, BA
📍Post Grad: Maria is beginning a seasonal position as an Invasive Species Technician in the Catskills before pursuing a Master’s in School Counseling to advocate for mental health by decreasing barriers to outdoor recreation.
Maria focused her studies on the intersection of ecological conservation and human psychology. Her leadership across campus and her dedication to civic service earned her several major institutional honors, including the Peggy Ryan Williams Award, the First-Generation Leadership Award, and recognition as a Leadership Scholar.
An inductee into the Phi Kappa Phi, Oracle, and Alpha Alpha Alpha honor societies, Maria was highly active in the university’s outdoor and athletic communities. She served as the President of the Outing Club, where she coordinated wilderness excursions for students, and she worked with South Hill Forest Products to help manage sustainable, student-run agricultural operations. Outside of her campus activities, which included competing with the Kweezy Ultimate Frisbee team, she gained hands-on field experience managing consumer safety and ecological tracking as a trip leader for Paddle N More.
Mariana Contreras
Major: Screen Cultures, BA / Journalism, BA
đź“ŤPost Grad: Mariana plans to pursue journalism and media work that centers marginalized communities, with a particular focus on storytelling around migration, inequality, and social justice.
Mariana focused her time on campus on investigative journalism, visual media, and advocating for marginalized narratives. Her leadership and academic dedication earned her several major institutional honors, including the Chung/Thorpe Leadership Award, the First-Generation Senior Impact Award, and selection as an IAP Scholar.
An inductee into the Alpha Alpha Alpha national honor society, Mariana contributed to a wide variety of creative and media outlets across campus. She managed organizational finances as the Treasurer for Design Club, handled digital engagement as the Social Media Manager for the Leftist Study Club, and lent her storytelling talents to The Ithacan, Dispatch Zine, and Her Campus. In addition to her creative work, Mariana supported her campus community through several peer-facing roles, serving as a Resident Assistant, a Unity Center Peer Educator, and a TAES Learning Coach.
Meredith Waropay
Majors: Art, BA / Integrated Marketing Communications, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Meredith is moving to the Greater Philadelphia Area to launch a career in the marketing field, interning at Five Below.
Meredith built her time on campus around a mix of fine art creation and marketing strategy. Her academic work and creative projects earned her a sweep of major institutional and national honors, including being recognized as a BOLD Scholar, a Leadership Scholar, a Washington Media Fellow, and winning both the Peggy Ryan Williams Award and the Campus Life Award. Her work was also celebrated with the APRMC Department Award, Departmental Honors in Art, and selections for both the Provost’s Art Show and the Senior Art Show.
An inductee into the Phi Kappa Phi, Oracle, and Lambda Pi Eta national honor societies, Meredith took on significant leadership roles within the campus community. She served as the President of Women in Communications to help peers advance professionally, and she co-led large-scale philanthropic initiatives as the Co-President of BomberTHON. Through these roles, she developed a background that combines visual design, media relations, and event operations.
“Meredith is one of the most supportive and hardworking people I know.  Through her involvement on campus, she’s made such a difference at Ithaca and has proven she is truly a superstar. She leads with so much care and thought for the people around her, and I am incredibly proud to call her my sister.” – Mikayla Waropay, Sister
Mette Aarsheim
Major: Religious Studies, BA
đź“ŤPost Grad: Mette is pursuing work in community centers to serve local needs and foster mutual aid, continuing her mission of grassroots support and community advocacy.
Interfaith dialogue, spiritual diversity, and human rights advocacy formed the core of Mette’s time on campus. She served as a vital champion for inclusive communities by leading the Paganism & Witchcraft Community as its President and actively shaping programming within Hillel. In her role with Hillel, she spearheaded campus Interfaith Dinners and contributed her visual artistry as the 2024–2026 Seder Plate Designer. Her multi-disciplinary creative talents were also recognized when her original artwork was selected for display in the Senior Art Show.
Alongside her cultural and spiritual leadership, Mette established herself as an action-oriented advocate for systemic change. She demonstrated her commitment to grassroots human rights work by organizing a campus-wide ICE walkout to mobilize student solidarity. Moving forward, she plans to channel this passion for community care directly into professional roles within local community centers, focusing on managing resources, addressing regional needs, and fostering mutual aid networks.
Noeline Luyindula
Major: Biochemistry, BS
đź“ŤPost Grad: Noeline is returning to her local hospital to gain clinical experience while preparing for the MCAT, with the long-term goal of becoming a physician dedicated to health equity and community advocacy.
Noeline managed to split her energy between the heavy demands of a biochemistry major and a massive portfolio of student advocacy. Her dedication to building community and amplifying underrepresented voices earned her a sweep of major honors, including the Chung/Thorpe Leadership Award and the First-Generation Senior Impact Award.
On the leadership front, Noeline simultaneously took charge of two major campus organizations, serving as the President of both the African Students Association and the First Gen Club. She also stepped into campus politics to drive institutional change as the First-Generation Senator for the Student Governance Council and worked to support peer mentorship as the Community Chair Liaison for Sister 2 Sister. She leaves the university having successfully paired her technical, scientific background with a deep commitment to grassroots activism and equity.
Sarah Bowker
Major: Psychology, BA
Minors: Counseling / Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies
📍Post Grad: Sarah is returning to her home state to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, to become a licensed counselor, and plans to continue her advocacy work with Planned Parenthood.
Sarah focused her time on campus on mental health advocacy, reproductive freedom, and creating inclusive support networks after transferring to the college during her sophomore year. She paired her psychology major with minors in Counseling and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, a combination that allowed her to look at human behavior through a deeply intersectional lens.
As the Vice President of Planned Parenthood Generation Action, Sarah took on a lead role in driving reproductive health education and making vital wellness resources accessible to fellow students. Alongside her advocacy work and academic focus on mental health, she also connected with the campus creative scene by participating in student-led productions, including the IC Macabre shadow casts. She leaves the university community having consistently used her platform to champion bodily autonomy and build safe, empowering spaces for her peers.
“Sarah has been incredible in providing education and enthusiasm and has been instrumental in creating a safe space. She’s always so curious and excited to do a little extra research to share with the group. Her presence will be seriously missed next year.” – Addyson Wells, President of Planned Parenthood Generation Action