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Dear Ithaca College Community, 

As many of you are aware, the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network has been an important part of our Ithaca College community since its establishment on our campus during the 2017-18 academic year. I share this message to notify you that, in consultation and advisement from the program’s sponsoring Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, Ithaca College will be placing a pause on the new cohort selection process for the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network, and therefore will not be selecting a new cohort during the Spring 2023 semester.  

A variety of factors weighed into this difficult decision. Placing a pause on opening the BOLD program to additional scholars was ultimately decided as the best strategic plan to ensure alignment with the collective of BOLD partner institutions, the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, and the future vision of BOLD during this time of transition. 

I would like to share that Ithaca College remains committed to providing ongoing support for all students currently in the BOLD program, which includes the graduating fifth cohort of current seniors (2021-23) and sixth cohort of rising seniors (2022-24). This includes support for the Fellowship opportunities for the graduating fifth cohort, as well as providing a modified program and ongoing Scholarship and Fellowship support for the rising senior cohort. 

Ithaca College will continue to work in partnership with the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation during the coming weeks. I look forward to sharing additional updates about the future of the BOLD program, which includes updates on filling the Program Director position, as Sam Elebiary, current Program Director, moves on to her new position within Ithaca College’s Center for Career Exploration and Development. 

Given the timing of this announcement, I would like to take a moment to recognize the time and effort of all students, faculty, and staff who have submitted applications or recommendations this spring. We empathize with the disappointment this announcement may bring and thank you for your understanding. For additional questions regarding this decision and future plans for the BOLD program please contact studentaffairs@ithaca.edu. 

Sincerely, 

Bonnie Solt Prunty 
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life