Campaign for Ithaca College
News
Campaign for IC: Athletics Strengthens Academics
7/21/2007
Learn more about the rich contribution athletic programs provide to the Ithaca College experience by reading the athletic profiles of these IC students:
Brandi Bossinger ’07: Basketball
David Simoni ’07: Downhill Skiing
Quality athletics programs contribute to every aspect of student life: they round out a full residential experience, provide a social setting to galvanize the campus community, and can even make the winning difference in attracting the best students. Revitalizing athletic resources is one of the lead priorities of the Campaign for Ithaca.
Collegiate athletics delivers much more than recreational diversion, especially at a residential college like Ithaca. Participating in sports presents a natural opportunity to develop uniquely personal skills, such as leadership, goal-setting, and personal commitment. Not to mention learning first-hand the fine art of being a supportive teammate.
In the ever-competitive business of attracting new students, athletics also plays an important role in the recruitment process. Students look to find the same sports opportunities in college as they knew in high school. As a result, when students must choose between colleges with similar academic opportunities, the quality of athletic programs and facilities can make a crucial difference.
Athletics is an integral part of Ithaca's culture and requires support, too. Yet sports programs often fight an uphill battle for funding on campus. Academics, of course, is the traditional top priority – and rightfully so. Nonetheless, athletics makes a broad contribution and serves a valuable role in developing competent and capable individuals.
IC athlete Kelly Kessler has a few thoughts on the subject. Read what she has to say in Making the Most of Athletics.