To All Participants in Commencement:

CCH Pounder — cofounder of Artists for a New South Africa and an actor with numerous film, television and theater credits, including the Na’vi spiritual leader Mo’at in “Avatar” — returned to IC on Sunday, May 23, as the guest speaker at her alma mater’s 115th commencement. Though her audience held some 1,300 new graduates and their guests, Pounder said she came back to the institution where she had earned a degree in theater arts because there was someone in the assembly she wanted to talk to.

The Ithaca College community is invited to the 43rd annual Commencement Eve Concert on Saturday, May 22, at 8:30 p.m. in the Ben Light Gymnasium. You are also welcome at the dress rehearsal on Friday, May 21, at 8:30 p.m. -- less traffic and a smaller crowd, but the exact same show.

The dress rehearsal is a polished performance that is attended each year by hundreds of people, and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the concert in a more relaxed setting.

Admission is free. Directed by Professor Dana Wilson, this year's theme is "The Blues in the Night" and features the symphony orchestra, choir, marimba band, jazz ensemble, and soloists in an exciting and entertaining one-hour program.

As we prepare for this year’s Commencement on May 23, 2010, I wanted to share with you some exciting news for 2010 graduates.  A workgroup was formed last spring semester by President Tom Rochon to make some recommendations about how the College could enhance the academic focus of the Commencement ceremony. The workgroup members included:

Brian McAree, Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life, Chair

Brian Scholten, Registrar

Deb Mohlenhoff, Assistant Director for Community Service and Leadership Development

Greg Woodward, Dean, School of Music

Janet Wigglesworth, Interim Assistant Provost

Chris Lee’10, Student Trustee