Hello, Ithaca College Alumni!
I am excited and honored to write this note to you as the incoming president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. I take this responsibility seriously and appreciate the path paved before me by our past presidents including Tanya Hutchins ’89, who finished her term at the end of June 2023. Also starting July 2023, the IC Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomed five new members to serve on the board. It is an honor to have Christina (Chris) Croll ’93, Scott Lozea ’91, Lois Shofer ’67, Tiffany Valentin ’12, and Manisha Wolan ’04 join our ranks in service to the greater IC alumni community.
After reconnecting with so many classmates in New York City at IC in the City last November, I returned to South Hill in the spring to attend Commencement weekend. Speaking with the new graduates was such a rush as they expressed their feelings of accomplishment, excitement, and yes, a bit of trepidation regarding the future. Perhaps you can remember those feelings as well—I certainly can. How has your life been shaped by Ithaca College? In addition to lessons from thoughtful professors and books, the people I met through joining a sorority, working on campus as a resident assistant, and volunteering at the radio station all shaped my life.
I hope you had the opportunity to see your classmates during Alumni Weekend on campus this fall! The hard-working staff in Philanthropy and Engagement provided fantastic events to ensure a weekend full of memories for alumni and our families. Many of you know my fondness for the annual Ithaca College Alumni Awards Ceremony. The inspiring accomplishments of our graduates is a tonic to headlines in the news, which are not always so uplifting. In case you missed the 2023 awards ceremony, I encourage you to attend the next one during Alumni Weekend ’24, June 21–23. All alumni and their families are welcome to this wonderful event.
And speaking of headlines, I wish to speak up regarding the June Supreme Court ruling on race-conscious admission. I firmly believe representation matters. When people from diverse backgrounds are welcomed in all facets of life—college classrooms, medical research, political leadership, news outlets, financial institutions, orchestras, corporate boardrooms, athletic teams, courtrooms, live entertainment, and more—we all benefit.
The Alumni Association Board of Directors is here to foster your continuing connection to Ithaca College, and I welcome you to get involved with your local chapter, or as some Bombers have done, in the creation of a local chapter. Activities sponsored by these local chapters include cherry blossom viewing, hiking, visiting local points of interest, charity work, and the Bombers Breaking Bread events (brunch/dinner/ happy hour) held in multiple regions. I wish you all a wonderful year and thank you for your support!