by Frank H. T. Rhodes

In 22 years of devoted leadership, Jim Whalen transformed Ithaca College. When he arrived in 1975, the College was an institution striving for self-definition. By his personal example and his sustained insistence on combining the highest academic standards with commitment to the well-being of students, he transformed what was already a good college into one of the very best of its kind in the country.

Jim’s skills as a fund-raiser and friend-raiser for Ithaca College were legendary; the skyline of the campus reflects the tremendous contributions that he made over the years. But colleges are not fundamentally physical structures, however splendid. They are living communities --- and this is where Jim excelled as a leader. With extraordinary dedication to the long-term interests and goals of the College, he forged a community among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and area residents that made the College remarkable. His goal of providing young people with a rigorous education in a caring environment inspired others to work with him in creating a college that was both excellent and distinctive and yet remained true to its heritage as a conservatory of music. The power of his vision can be seen in the lives of the thousands of students who graduated during his presidential years and are now making their marks across the country and around the world.

I was privileged to see Jim Whalen as a leader not only in the Ithaca community but also on the national scene. He and I met as frequently in Albany and Washington as we did in Ithaca. He was always in the front ranks as an advocate for the needs of colleges and their students and faculty. He was passionate in his concern, not only for the priority of education but also for effective leadership, for the integrity of intercollegiate athletics, for cooperation between institutions, and for the linkage between a strong nation and an educated nation. These passions led him to devote years of service as technical adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and to serve on the boards of visitors of Air University, the Marine Corps University, and the Army War College.

Beyond all this, I treasured Jim Whalen as a personal friend. I look back with the most affectionate memories of the times we spent together. In all his activities, Gillian was a wonderful partner and an extraordinarily talented and devoted first lady of Ithaca College. The College owes much to her as well for creating the flourishing institution it has become.

Jim Whalen’s commitment to Ithaca College was total, the impact of his leadership was exceptional, and the benefits of his presidency will be enduring. What an extraordinary legacy.

Frank H. T. Rhodes is president emeritus of Cornell University.