Alumni who participated in Industry Day included (top row, from left): Dylan Rocke, Ruchatneet Printup, Dan Blaushild, Danielle Lewis, Stefanie Stretch and Tony Caio; (bottom row, from left): Alyssa Sgambati, Jiana Curcio, Cassandra Araujo, Jennifer Liebeskind, Stacy Lilien, Natalie Weaver and Alison Scherr.
A record number of College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) students attended the college’s annual Industry Day on Friday, Oct. 24, in Schine Student Center.
Hosted by VPA’s Office of Academic and Career Advising in partnership with Syracuse University Career Services, Industry Day connects alumni from various areas of study across the college with students for a full day of career development opportunities, including panel discussions, a networking lunch and one-on-one sessions. This year, 437 VPA students attended, a 69 percent increase from 2024.
“The record-breaking turnout at Industry Day demonstrates the incredible power of our alumni network,” says Caitlin Albright G’16, VPA career development and immersion specialist. “Seeing so many students eager to learn from our graduates reaffirms that these meaningful connections are essential to our students’ career development.”
Fifteen alumni returned to campus to share their expertise and advice, including:
- Cassandra Araujo ’22, assistant buyer, designer shoes, Bloomingdale’s
- Salehe Bembury ’09, founder, Spunge
- Dan Blaushild ’14, freelance illustrator (“Saturday Night Live”)
- Tony Caio ’83, animation director and professor, Grand Canyon University
- Jiana Curcio ’24, freelance audio engineer/live music employee
- Danielle Lewis ’14, interior design specialist, Labella Associates
- Jennifer Liebeskind ’00, vice president, marketing, film & TV, Sony Music Masterworks
- Stacy Lilien ’02, president, LoveShackFancy
- Corrinne Perrotti ’20 G’22, general manager/marketing coordinator, Landmark Theatre
- Ruchatneet Printup ’23, independent filmmaker, producer, actor, and screenwriter
- Dylan Rocke ’14, vice president of systems and licensing, City Winery
- Alison Scherr ’94, artist, painter, and creator, Alison Scherr Studio
- Alyssa Sgambati ’23, interior designer, LEED Green Associate, Phinney Design Group
- Stefanie Stretch ’11, senior design manager, Pepsi U.S.
- Natalie Weaver ’18, independent marketing consultant
Panel discussions focused on the topics “Networking in the Creative Fields: How to Build and Maintain Professional Connections,” “Rebounding with Confidence: How to Handle Career Obstacles,” “From Passion to Profession: Navigating the Non-Linear Journey of Creative Careers” and “Stand Out from the Crowd: Tips on Resumes, Cover Letters, Portfolios, and Interviews.” Panels were offered twice to accommodate students' schedules.
"I really enjoyed the topic of the panel—especially as someone who doesn't have a lot of experience in networking—and I liked how there was a morning and afternoon session, since I was only able to attend events in the afternoon that day," says Carolina Motta Khauaja '29, a film major who went to the "Networking in the Creative Fields" panel.
Alumni who are interested in participating in the 2026 VPA Industry Day should contact Albright at cealbrig@syr.edu.