President Whalen greets special guest and College president emeritus Ellis L. Phillips Jr. during the recent gala celebration convened in Whalen's honor. Phillips preceded Whalen as president, serving from 1970 to 1975. He was a member of the board of trustees from 1976 to 1986, and continues to serve as an honorary trustee.

Assemblyman Marty Luster presents formal resolutions of appreciation to President Whalen from the state legislature. The citation commended Whalen's leadership enabling "significant enhancements . . . in the academic quality of the student body, the superior credentials and quality of the faculty, and the diversity and quality of (Ithaca's) academic programs."