Ithaca College

On September 16, renowned actor and activist and Ithaca College alumna CCH Pounder (‘75 Drama) (NCIS: New Orleans, Avatar, Bagdad Cafe) was a guest in Professor Kathleen Mulligan's course Advanced Voice and Speech for the Stage. 

Ms. Pounder spoke to students about her work in voice over, television, film, and theatre, as well as her commitment to social activism. Ms. Pounder's visit was a part of the course's unit on voice over, animation, and audio book narration.

Junior BFA Acting majors Eliana McCoy and Julia Zoratto wrote "CCH’s insights on acting and the industry were captivating and inspiring. In unprecedented times such as these, it can be hard to think to the future with hope, and to remember the passion for the craft we (acting and musical theater majors) have all dedicated some portion of our life to. Having CCH speak to us with such honesty and wisdom from her years of professional experience was invigorating as well as uplifting."

Senior BFA Acting Major Jahmar Ortiz remarked "CCH pounder reminded me that as an artist, you must maintain your integrity. You must read the room and know what part your role plays in the story at-large. You must show up, and you sometimes have to make a role for yourself when others don't see it in you."

The actor's visit was supported by a grant from the Leesa Noury Guest Artist Fund in the Department of Theatre Arts. A donation has been made in honor of Ms. Pounder to Ithaca College's Betsy Endowed Fund for Student Breaks, created by the actor in honor of her mother. The Betsy Fund supports student participation in alternative summer, fall, or spring breaks that are sponsored by the college.

If you would like to assist IC students in the theatre department or students participating in college-sponsored alternative spring break, please click here