Retirements

Frank Darrow
Chemistry, 1966-2004

Ithaca College is a place of promise. We promise our students that we will do our best, we ask them to do their best, and we share in the joy that comes with doing good work. And we get to do it again and again. From the day I came to the College in 1966 I have felt honored to be a part of its most important resource, its faculty -- and to have participated in its most important work, the work done in the classroom, laboratory, and studio. Now I have begun this next part of my life with a promise to myself to continue learning and to find satisfaction in experiencing all that is around me. Like most, I will travel. I will enjoy each day as it comes. And I will keep the College, and especially its faculty, among my most cherished memories. I promise.

Charles Spencer
Physics, 1973-2004

During my 30 years at Ithaca College I especially enjoyed teaching Science and Society and all of my physics major courses. My early research in solid state physics was quite rewarding, but not as much as my later work developing computer instruments and instructional materials in electronics and computers. The high points of my career were publishing a book on digital design, publishing my physics plot software, and, with Peter Seligmann, obtaining a $1 million NSF grant to train high school teachers to use computers in their teaching laboratories. But the single most rewarding part of my job was engaging physics majors in research, especially during the summers. Time and again they reported back to me on the value of the experience -- to their education and careers. From my retirement home in Hawaii I salute my students and thank them for giving me such wonderful experiences.

Glenn Vogel
Chemistry, 1970-2004

Thirty-plus years ago when I arrived at Ithaca College, the seniors in my first class were only a few years older than I, and about the same age as my wife. Last year it was interesting to note how the seniors of the class of 2003 had aged considerably, while I remained the same young guy who started at IC in 1970. Well, at least that's how I felt. And that is the beauty of teaching: the body may age but the students keep your mind and spirit young. This perceived lack of aging, coupled with the fact that many of my former students have become lifelong friends (some even like family), is icing on the cake. Retirement plans? I'll let you know when I have time to think about them.

Rich Wodzinski
Biology, 1968-2004

After 35 years teaching microbiology, biochemistry, biology, and nutrition, Rich Wodzinski is exchanging a life of collegiate education for one of culinary exploration. A talented, enthusiastic teacher -- one of the best in a department full of good teachers -- Rich is remembered both as a gifted educator and an amazing cook. Many students fondly remember visiting his home where Rich prepared meals both tasty and unusual. Along with food, Rich served academic advice as a research mentor to countless biology and biochemistry students, many of whom went on to graduate and medical school. He provided them focused and straightforward projects, helped them prepare for departmental presentations, and always provided great food for their weekly meetings. An active community volunteer, Rich spent many Tuesday afternoons cooking at Loaves and Fishes, Ithaca's local soup kitchen. This summer he moves his culinary adventures farther afield, once again working as a chef at a remote resort in Alaska. Bon appétit!