Meet Ryan Zapolski '16

Where do you live?

Cleveland, Ohio

What do you do for work currently?

Manager, Development - Smile Train

What did you learn at IC that helped you get to where you are today (personally or professionally)?

In addition to the lessons in the classroom, I learned to put myself out there and make connections with people.  If there is something that you find interesting in life, work, or a hobby, there is always someone willing to talk to you about it.  You never know where these conversations will lead you.

How did you get involved with IC after graduating (did you volunteer? Did you speak in a classroom? Attend events?)?

After graduating, I have volunteered for the IC Office of Advancement, and I am excited to volunteer on the Alumni Board to perpetuate a positive alumni experience.  I also attend as many IC events as I can (primarily virtual), especially Cortaca. 

Why do you LOVE IC?

I love IC because it gave me so many great memories.  I met lifelong friends, learned valuable lessons, and found a home away from home.  I often talk about my first memory of Ithaca, when my family and I drove over South Hill from Danby and saw the lake for the first time.  That view is priceless!  I believe that the institution has yet to meet its potential, and I am excited about the future.

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?)

As a student, I participated in IC Rugby and Phonathon.  Both experiences were crucial to my time at IC, and I am glad that they are still going strong.  I have stayed close with many of my IC friends to this day.  If there is one thing that IC does best, it is bringing people together and creating lifetime connections.

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