by Carl Sgrecci '69

Jim often commented that you could tell a lot about people and organizations by the company they keep. These remarks were usually made when he was addressing one of the College’s many constituencies, such as a group of students, faculty, staff, alumni, or benefactors. After expressing his appreciation for the many fine qualities and contributions of those assembled, he would close by saying that Ithaca College was in "good company" because of them.

In judging what made "good company" for the College, I think Jim looked for some of the same qualities that governed his day-to-day activities as president --- of which first and foremost was commitment. He felt very strongly that the president’s presence at as many student and faculty functions, athletic events, concerts, and lectures as humanly possible was important to show his and the institution’s support for the fine work and accomplishments of everyone associated with the College.

Jim’s primary goal was advancing Ithaca College, and this took many forms. Whether it was physical improvements to the campus, the level of the endowment, the many contributions of the faculty, staff, and administration, or the quality of the students --- to Jim all were critically important to enhancing and advancing the institution. These advances didn’t always come easily. Jim frequently had to make decisions that he felt were critical to moving the institution forward but that would not necessarily endear him to members of the campus community. When that was the case, he took the heat and did what he thought best for the College.

Most college and university presidents use planning retreats as a tool for plotting their institutions’ future. Jim refused to use that term; instead we held planning "advances," because, he said, that was their purpose: planning the advancement of the College. Jim Whalen’s record will stand for itself; by any measure, Ithaca College made tremendous strides under his 22 years of leadership.

Jim had one outstanding characteristic for which he rarely got enough credit, and that was compassion. When a student, employee, or other friend of the College had a personal problem or just needed someone to talk to, Jim was always available; any personal differences he might have had with the person relating to College business were forgotten. Jim came from very humble beginnings and, in spite of his personal success, he never forgot whence he came. Add to this his formal training in psychology, and you had a superb listener and counselor who could relate well to people from all walks of life.

Ithaca College lost "good company" in the passing of Jim Whalen --- the company of a compassionate man who committed a major portion of his life to advancing this institution.

Carl Sgrecci, Ithaca’s vice president and treasurer, has worked at the College since 1969.