Writing from the heart, I applaud all of you who are not only coping with a pandemic but also keeping up with your classmates and supporting them on their various journeys. The past two years have challenged us personally, professionally, academically, and emotionally. Don’t give up!
Change can be difficult, and we have missed opportunities to bring alumni together in person in an increasingly online world. That’s something our Alumni Events and Professional Development Committees are working to restore. I’m really excited about what the college is planning.
We also want to thank 2,200 of you who filled out our all-alumni survey. Your honest feedback helps to improve the way we connect with you and the way YOU want to connect with us. One alumnus wrote to me, stating that he never knew about all the volunteer opportunities available to alumni. That comment alone makes me realize we need to spread the word more effectively and create more opportunities.
Your alumni board also wants to get to know you. The survey was a first step, but we need your help to turn our baby steps into a fresh start. There are plenty of ways to do that: Help us sprint to Cortaca/Reunion ’22 by getting involved in your region and helping to recruit potential students in your neighborhood. Volunteer to speak to a class on campus or via Zoom to connect with current students. Become a mentor on the IC Career Network and join the IC Alumni Association LinkedIn group.
There are also nine committees that you could serve on, chaired by exceptional alumni who are giving their time and talent to connect with you where you are. The committees are as follows:
Alumni Awards, chaired by Doug Backelin ’78
Alumni Events, chaired by Sarah Richards ’89
Bylaws, chaired by David Sargoy ’79
Communications, chaired by Zack Ford ’07 and Stu Katz ’83
Diversity and Inclusion, chaired by Darlene Rodriguez ’17
Former Board Member Engagement, chaired by Arlene Wolff ’57
Membership, chaired by Arthur Catalanello ’90 and Erin DeMarco ’01
Philanthropy, chaired by Shamika Edwards ’11, MBA ’12
Professional Development, chaired by Chad DeLuca ’11
I thank them for their service, especially Arthur Catalanello, Ellen Israel, David Sargoy, and Madelynn Thompson, whose terms end this June.
Email Us: alumni@ithaca.edu
Follow Us: @icalumni
I have heard compliments and complaints since I took office last July, and I always pass them along to the appropriate parties. Our goal, as a board, is to make sure your ideas and concerns turn into action that sustains your pride in your alma mater and helps you to feel more connected to the campus that helped shape our lives.
We want to create positive change that inspires alumni wherever we live globally. I hope to see you in New York City November 10–13 for the Cortaca Jug at Yankee Stadium and IC in the City, including the Alumni Awards Celebration, an ICUnity event, and a Greek reunion.
Tanya Hutchins ’89 (TV-R)
President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
@TanyaHutchins