CC Leadership

Fr. Carsten P. Martensen, S.J.

Director of Campus Ministry

How blessed I am to be Catholic chaplain at Ithaca College! 
 
Let me introduce myself.  I am a Jesuit (member of the Society of Jesus) priest. Before coming to Ithaca, I was the pastor of St. Anthony Church in Oceanside, NY, and prior to that I served in campus ministry at Northern Illinois University, Fordham Preparatory School and Saint Peter's College. 
 
The year ahead will be challenging and exciting. I look forward to celebrating and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with you--I look forward to praying, developing skills, building community and serving not only the students, faculty and staff of Ithaca College, but also the poor and lost and lonely all around us. 
 
Let me know how I might assist and serve you. And together, let us share who we are and what we believe--let us share God's love--with all whom we meet!

Steve Hill

Campus Minister

Hello!  My name is Steve Hill and I’m the full-time Lay Campus Minister here at IC.  I was raised in the small Hudson Valley town of Red Hook, NY.  I’m a proud recent graduate from Fordham University in the Bronx with a degree in theology…obviously going for the big bucks in life.  While at Fordham I really experienced the love of Jesus and this encounter was strengthened by the faith community, my course work, retreats, service in the Bronx and service projects to New York City and Nashville.  I am really excited about being here at IC to share the Good News of Christ Jesus in the ordinary of conversations, shared meals and relationships with students; as well as the extraordinary on retreat, service projects, and in prayer groups.

Michael Earley

Peer Minister

Hi there! My name is Michael Earley. I am a junior Economics major from Dunmore, PA (right outside of Scranton). I am a member of the Men's Rugby team on campus here at IC and I am also a part of the IC Ballroom team. I am one of the interns for the Catholic Community this year so if you stop by Steve Hill's office there is a good chance that I will be there. Feel free to stop in the office, whether you want to talk about faith, rugby, ballroom dance, or anything else that you may want to talk about. I hope to have a great year with all of you.

Bella Ciabattoni

Peer Minister

Hello! My name is Bella and I am a Junior Environmental Studies Major with a concentration in Plant Physiology and Invasive Species. I have been raised Catholic and have attended Catholic schools all my life, before coming to my new home, Ithaca. Here at the IC Catholic Community, I am responsible for the weekly bulletin and for scheduling the liturgical ministers and Longview volunteers, among other things. On campus, I am involved with IC Natural Lands, IC Organic Growers, Slow Foods, the Interfaith Council, and AGSA. I enjoy discussions on environmental issues, politics, and interfaith relations. Feel free to drop in and say hi!

Becca Neidle

Peer Minister

Hey y'all! I'm Becca Neidle. I'm from Midlothian, Virginia (right outside Richmond) and I'm totally kidding about the "y'all". I'm a junior Integrated Marketing Communications major and a Photography minor (try saying that one ten times fast). I like sunflowers, purple, and penguins. After spending a semester in Washington, DC last spring, I'm really excited to be back on campus and involved with my favorite thing at Ithaca - the Catholic Community. Within ICCC, I'm one of the interns as well as the Chair of the Visioning Team. Ousdie of ICCC, I'm involved with Tap Club (Ithaca's only all tap dancing club), ICTV's Pop Quiz, Toms, and Students Today Alumni Tomorrow. I'm in the chapel a lot, so feel free to say hello, and to use me as a resourse if you want to know more information about the Catholic Community, IC, or just need someone to talk to about anything under the sun (or the rain, sleet, and snow). Peace!

Ian West

Peer Minister

My name is Ian West.  I grew up in Newark , DE outside the University of Delaware. I am currently a sophomore at Ithaca college where I study film. I am an RA for the 3rd floor of Clarke Hall and the Vice President of CircleK
International.  I love to play video games, watch and make movies, listen to music, and make people laugh.

Emily Backus

Muller Chapel Student Assistant

Hello, my name is Emily Backus. I am a senior Physics and Business Administration double major and a saxophone and mathematics minor. I’m from Binghamton, NY and I love physics, Latin music, and the color orange. This year Katie (the other Co-Chair) and I are trying to plan some great events, so if you want to get involved in the planning or just want to show up—you’re always welcome!

Christina Santoro

Music Ministry Co-Chair

Hi! My name is Christina Santoro and I am one of the Music Ministry Co-Chairs. I'm a senior Music Education major and my main instrument is flute. This year we have some great music planned for the masses. All are welcome to sing or bring other musical talents to the Music Ministry! We rehearse one hour before each mass in the chapel. We would love to see you!

Emily Ball

Muller Chapel Student Assistant

Hi!  My name is Emily Ball, and I grew up in Syracuse, New York.  I am a junior Music Education major, and my primary instrument is flute.  I also love to sing and to participate in the Music Ministry.  As a student assistant, I get to prepare the chapel for mass every week, update our bulletin boards, and help Fr. Carsten, Steve, and the other chaplains with anything they need.