Meet Chad De Luca '11
Where do you live?
Stamford, CT
What do you do for work currently?
I am currently a Director, Twitch Properties at Twitch. My responsibilities include putting together integrated marketing programs for companies on Twitch and on partner platforms and educating companies and agencies on Twitch, gaming, and esports.
What did you learn at IC that helped you get to where you are today (personally or professionally)?
My professors at IC helped me better understand the sports and entertainment industry and the internships and experiences that were available to me through IC aided in my ability to gain experience in sponsorships and sports marketing. From my internship with the Boston Celtics' minor league team in Maine, to my internship with the NBA offices in London, to my internship with the New Jersey Nets and Barclays Center project... I gained the experience and knowledge I needed to help me with the jobs I had later especially the one I have now. Most of my job experiences were as a result of connections with IC alumni and I'm extremely grateful for that.
How did you get involved with IC after graduating (did you volunteer? Did you speak in a classroom? Attend events?)
Ever since I graduated IC I have always shared my experience and stories with students from the Sport Management program via Zoom or on-campus visits. Additionally I have guest lectured and presented in multiple classes. On campus I facilitated a two-day seminar on esports with experiential learning for students. Whenever there have been accepted student events in NYC I try to make it and have spoken on panels at some of them. Twitch purchased a suite for the Cortaca Jug at MetLife Stadium and we invited alumni in our industry to catch up with and network: alumni from multiple generations. Most recently I served as a co-instructor with Dr. Annemarie Farrell for a course we created in a remote learning environment: Digital Marketing in Sport. Students learned about the fundamentals of digital marketing and advertising, heard from industry expert guest speakers, and participated in an real-world experiential learning project to help launch the new McDonald's plant-based "McPlant" menu through a sponsorship with the Brooklyn Nets. Additionally I have been serving as the Chair of the Class of 2011 Ten Year Reunion Committee. For our class gift we are raising money for an endowment fund to help students from underserved areas with an emergency scholarship resource in order to create a more equitable and diverse student body.
Why do you LOVE IC?
IC is a true family for me. My professors and former classmates and mentors have always been there for me even almost 10 years later. We show up for each other, help each other when we can, and come together for a greater good. Ithaca College taught me so much and expanded my world. IC has a blue collar mentality and our students and alumni aren't afraid to get our hands dirty and do the hard work that other schools might feel they are above. I'm proud to be an alumnus of IC because of our reputation and the type of people we produce.
Anything else interesting/pertinent that you’d like to include: (Are you close with other alumni? A professor you loved? Student orgs you were involved with?)
Dr. Annemarie Farrell and I speak almost daily/weekly. She has become one of my best friends and confidants and we taught Digital Marketing in Sport together in the Spring Semester of 2021. She is so supportive and is always finding ways I can help the students and alumni and we also are there for each other through the good times and the bad. Annemarie is truly like family to me. While she is not currently an IC professor, Dr. Ellen Staurowsky is another professor I have a very close connection with. Dr. Staurowsky helped me during one of the toughest times of my college experience early on and helped pick me up and jumpstart my career. She has always been one of my biggest supporters and I always raise my hand when she needs help. Chris Lee is one of the first people I met at IC within the Sport Management program. He was an orientation leader and was someone I could relate to. Chris has become one of my best friends. We've been there for each other through everything and we talk every day. We serve on multiple committees together and it's been great to work with him on ways to add value back to students and alumni.
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