Athletics: Competing for Students

5/23/2007

Athletics play a vital part in a comprehensive and well-rounded Ithaca education, yet supporting athletic programs may not be the first choice that comes to mind when donors consider where to devote gifts.

Academics, justifiably, are the highest priority in the college experience. Yet athletic activities make a large contribution, too – especially at a residential college like Ithaca. Far beyond simple recreation and much more than a game, collegiate athletics add a necessary and vital aspect to a comprehensive and balanced education.

Athletics provide essential lessons in discipline and commitment, and offer valuable opportunities to experience leadership and teamwork. What’s more, the quality of a college’s athletic facilities can make the crucial difference in persuading prospective students where they will choose to spend four very important years of their lives.

“If we want to continue to enhance our academic reputation, we need to provide [athletic] facilities that are at least as good as those at the high schools our students are leaving,”  says Mike Serventi ’72, Ithaca College trustee and chair of the Athletics and Events Center Campaign Committee. “Outstanding students are attracted to Ithaca College for its excellent academic programs; they participate in sports because of their love of the game.”

Ithaca’s athletics and events center will bring significant improvements to Ithaca’s athletic facilities, along with enhancements to the overall quality of student life. To learn more about the center, and to make a gift to help bring this exciting new facility to campus, please visit the A&E CENTER web site.

Also, wonder how your favorite Bomber team is doing? View a summary of the BOMBERS week in sports.