The Friends of Ithaca College Deliver $817,000 Campaign Gift

12/6/2007

 

 

 

The Friends of Ithaca College presented the College with a check for $817,107 as its contribution to the Campaign for Ithaca College. The Friends of Ithaca College – or "The Friends” as the Ithaca-area organization is affectionately known on campus – is a group of local leaders and businesspeople who have generously supported Ithaca College and its students over the past 50 years.

“This gift represents a tremendous commitment on the part of the Friends and each individual Friends member,” said Elayne Nicholas, IC director of special gifts. “As the Friends organization enters a second half-century of support of the College, all of us who have been privileged to work with these community volunteers, alumni, faculty, and staff are most grateful for the strong bond between the College and the community.”

The gift, far surpassing a formal goal of $500,000, was delivered to IC President Peggy R. Williams at the group’s annual dinner on December 2, 2007.  The origin of the Friends of Ithaca College dates back to 1958, when members of the Ithaca community came together to assist the College during a time of financial crisis. The group also played a key role in the 1960s during the College's relocation from downtown Ithaca to a beautiful nearby promontory on South Hill.

The Friends have a distinguished history of supporting Ithaca’s students, most notably in the form of scholarship assistance. To date, some 300 students from Tompkins County have benefited from scholarship funds contributed by the Friends organization. A few students who have benefited from FIC scholarships were on hand at the dinner to show their appreciation for the great work done by this committed community organization. Entertainment at the Friends dinner included musical performances by the Ithaca College Brass Choir and the Ithaca College Jazz Workshop.