Whalen Memorial Service Slated

The campus community is invited to attend services on Friday, October 12, for president emeritus James J. Whalen, who passed away in Boston on September 6 after a brief illness. A memorial mass is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ithaca. Former Ithaca College chaplain Father John DeSocio will officiate, and music will be provided by School of Music faculty and students. A campus reception will follow at 4:30 p.m. in the Craig McHenry Lobby of the James J. Whalen Center for Music.

During Whalen’s presidency from 1975 to 1997, the College experienced unprecedented increases in academic and cocurricular programs, in the size and caliber of the faculty, in the number and quality of the students, and in physical and fiscal resources. In addition to significantly enhancing Ithaca College’s reputation and visibility, Whalen was a leader in higher education at the national level.

Whalen is survived by his wife, Gillian Hamer Whalen; brothers Robert, Frank, and Jerome; sister Mary Noel; and their families. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Whalen’s name be made to support the Turtle Bridge Scholarship, which was established by James and Gillian Whalen to annually honor academically outstanding seniors who are actively involved in the campus and/or local communities. Donations should be sent c/o Shelley Semmler, vice president for institutional advancement, Ithaca College, 237 Alumni Hall, Ithaca, NY 14850.