IC Goes All Out for the Millennium

Every New Year's Eve, Ithaca College gives its neighbors the gift of a light show. In late December each year since 1965, 100-foot-high numerals in the Ithaca College East and West Towers have spelled out the last two digits of that year's number in lights visible for miles around. At the stroke of midnight marking the new year, the lights change to that year's numerals.

This year thousands of area residents enjoyed an extra, surprise gift from the College to commemorate the dawn not only of the new year but of the new decade, century, and millennium. A fireworks display added to the festivities, and the traditional changing of the lights included all four digits on the two towers, with alternating displays of "20" and "00." Bruce Hatch, Ithaca College's director of physical plant, coordinated the efforts of nearly 100 staff members, who created the ceremonial light change. Others were on hand to ensure that campus systems continued to function properly with the arrival of the much-anticipated Y2K. The College's two-year planning in preparation for the potential meltdown paid off: Everything was fine — making the light show a double celebration.