YourIthaca E-news
August 2007
President Williams Announces Plans to Retire in 2008
President Peggy R. Williams announced July 12 that she plans to retire at the end of the upcoming academic year, concluding 11 years at the helm of the institution. Williams took office on July 1, 1997, as the seventh -- and first female -- president of Ithaca College. Her retirement will be effective May 31, 2008.
Williams made the decision to announce her retirement now after carefully considering the timing for the College. "Among many things, by next May we will have concluded two significant milestones -- our $115 million comprehensive campaign and our 10-year reaccreditation review," said Williams. "This will provide an excellent platform for a new president to continue to advance Ithaca College's 'commitment to excellence.' "
"Peggy has provided Ithaca College with outstanding leadership through a period of immense change and challenge in higher education, and it would be impossible to list all of her accomplishments," said Bill Schwab '68, chairman of the Ithaca College Board of Trustees. "We are deeply appreciative of all that she has done to strengthen the College academically, administratively, and financially."
A Letter to Fellow Alumni
Dom Cottone '99, M.S. '00, recently attended several IC alumni celebrations. He writes to share the joyfulness, camaraderie, and sense of allegiance he found while reconnecting with classmates and reminiscing about Ithaca.
Dear Friends,
Occupational therapists, investigators, marketers, Homeland Security personnel, entertainment managers, higher education administrators, athletic trainers, financial advisers, hospital administrators, and speech pathologists. Mentors and employers.
Friends. My Ithaca friends.
This spring I attended the Campaign for Ithaca College kickoff in Chicago, where I live. After the formal speeches from President Peggy Williams and others from the College, I spent the rest of the evening reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. It was a wonderful time being surrounded by familiar faces who reminded me of the times we all shared.
The next day I flew to New York for the 30th birthday party of my friend and classmate Danielle Curry '99, M.S. '00. I knew many fellow Ithacans would be there.
But I wasn't really prepared for what a great reunion it would be, filled with stories of Ithaca: Prospect Street and Hudson, Simeon's, the reopening of Joe's Restaurant, the new Hilton, the College's acquisition of the Circles, our days of folly and joy in the Quads. We celebrated our accomplishments, and shared our stories of hardship and recovery. As we sat and talked, I felt like I was in the heart of Ithaca.
The combination of the Campaign for Ithaca College event and the reunion with my friends really illustrated the importance of memories. Sometimes I believe that the memories and friendships I made at Ithaca are more important than the education I received. They have made all the difference to me in my life.
Making a World of Difference
David Ackert '92: Mentor for At-Risk Teens
It's a showbiz cliché: Young aspiring actor moves to Los Angeles and takes a series of meaningless jobs until he gets that breakthrough role. Then there follows a single-minded pursuit of personal fame and fortune.
David Ackert has landed that big role -- and dozens of others -- but there the similarity ends. Wanting to direct his talents to the benefit of society, in 1995 he cofounded the nonprofit Voices in Harmony, which mentors at-risk L.A. teenagers.
The organization's theatrical program pairs inner-city youth with professional actors to create a one-act play around a topical theme, such as drugs, racism, or gang violence. At the end of six months they stage a production of the play. Another program helps high school sophomores develop their abilities in leadership and critical thinking.
"It's our intention to have an impact on these kids on every level," says Ackert. Indeed, the Voices in Harmony experience marks a significant turning point for many of the participants. Having learned the value of personal responsibility, integrity, and respect for boundaries, they work harder in school and exhibit much more self-confidence. "Some of the kids," he says, "swear we have saved their lives."
That kind of success brings its own reward. "One of the dangers of being an actor in Los Angeles is that your career and your focus can become all about you," Ackert says. "Getting involved in this program gave me the opportunity to contribute to others in a meaningful way."
And in the process put hundreds of young people on the road to self-esteem and academic achievement.
Homecoming: October 5-7, 2007
You may be drenched in sweat now, but in two short months it'll be time for fleece jackets, hot apple cider, and football. Join us for Homecoming Weekend, October 5-7, and see Ithaca at its best. Come take in the spectacular fall foliage from Butterfield Stadium while cheering on the Bombers as they face the Norwich Cadets.
Friday night we'll honor alumni who excelled in 
athletics. The 2007 inductees to the Ithaca College Athletic Hall of Fame are Robert Christina '62; James Wilson '63, M.S. '72; Donald McVeigh '83; Daniel Feldman '90; Karen Fischer '93, M.S. '94; Amanda Hope '97; Mary Obidinski '97; and professor emeritus Edward Pesaresi.
And in another Homecoming tradition, last spring's graduates will return to dedicate their class gift. Alumni from all classes will be on campus to network, visit classrooms, and cut loose at special events. There's no better place to spend a fall weekend than at IC!
Events
IC on the Road: Take Me Out to the Ball Game8/11/2007 1:00 PM to 8/11/2007
Join us for an afternoon of baseball, friends, and food at Camden Yards.
IC on the Road: Red, White and "Green" Wine
8/19/2007 2:00 PM to 8/19/2007 4:00 PM
You're invited to the Thirsty Owl Wine Company, owned by Jonathan Cupp '94, to sample wines and learn about sustainable wine making.
IC on the Road: An Evening with Alumni in Communications
9/6/2007 6:30 PM to 9/6/2007 8:30 PM
Come celebrate IC communications professionals who are working in New England.
IC on the Road: Virtual Realities -- When Film and Gaming Converge
9/10/2007 7:00 PM to 9/10/2007 9:00 PM
Join us for an evening of professional networking, great food, and an opportunity to talk about new developments in the convergence of gaming and film.
IC on the Road: A Look Ahead at 21st-Century Business
9/11/2007 6:30 PM to 9/11/2007 8:30 PM
Join IC's Raquib Zaman, Henry Mandel '67 of Peoples United Bank, and John Neeson '84 of Sirius Decisions for a discussion of business in the 21st century.
IC on the Road: From South Hill to Camp Hill
9/20/2007 6:30 PM to 9/20/2007 8:30 PM
You're cordially invited to the Camp Hill debut of the Campaign for Ithaca College. Join IC alumni, parents, and friends for a cocktail reception and a screening of the film A World of Difference: Five Stories from South Hill.
IC on the Road: Ithaca Then and Now -- A Decades Event for '70s and '80s Alumni
9/25/2007 6:30 PM to 9/25/2007 8:30 PM
Join Ithaca classmates from the '70s and '80s to hear firsthand how the campus has grown. Our guest speakers will be Bruce Beck '78, sports anchor and reporter at WNBC-TV, and Carl Sgrecci '69, IC's vice president for finance and administration.
IC on the Road: A Window onto the World -- An Evening with Janice Levy
9/27/2007 6:00 PM to 9/27/2007 8:30 PM
You're cordially invited to a look at the world through the lens of acclaimed photographer Janice Levy.
Featured Alumni Benefit
Liberty Mutual has partnered with the IC Alumni Association to offer up to a 10 percent discount on home and auto insurance. For more information or to get a free quote, call 888-609-5768 or visit Liberty Mutual online.
