It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to inform you of Hierald Osorto's upcoming departure from Ithaca College. Hierald has accepted a calling to become the senior pastor of St. Paul/San Pablo Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am overjoyed for the incredible opportunity that awaits Hierald in Minneapolis, but also very saddened to see him leave our South Hill community.
Hierald joined the college in September 2018, as our first director of Religious and Spiritual Life. He later was also named executive director for Student Equity and Belonging overseeing the Center for IDEAS and the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach and Services, thereby expanding and deepening his original role on campus.
In his three years at IC, Hierald has made a significant and lasting impact on our community, working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community partners alike to foster belonging, make meaning of the human experience, and advance equity, inclusion and diversity at the college.
We plan to launch a nationwide search for a successor to Hierald. More information will be shared shortly about who will be leading the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Student Equity and Belonging in Hierald’s absence.
Hierald has written a personal message to the campus community, expressing his gratitude:
“In Muller Chapel you can hear Ithaca College’s heartbeat. As your first director of Religious and Spiritual Life, it has been my privilege to listen to our collective heartbeat, to hold space for our community’s grief, to acknowledge our essential connection to each other. Thank you for trusting me with your stories, your sorrows, and your questions. I honor your resilience, your dreams, and the commitment you have to make a difference in Ithaca and beyond. As you move forward, keep your senses open to feel for IC’s heartbeat; may it bless you as it has blessed me.”
Hierald is among the warmest and most genuine souls with whom I have served, someone who positively touches the heart of each and every person he encounters. We have been fortunate, indeed, to have such an innovative and inspirational leader as Hierald join us as a cherished member of the IC community. We will miss him deeply, and we wish him the very best.
Hierald’s last day at the college will be Monday, November 8. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life is hosting a gathering in Hierald’s honor during the noon hour on Tuesday, November 2. There will be a 15-minute formal program at 12:30.
Sincerely,
Rosanna Ferro, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life