Class of ’42 Alumna Bequest Supports Women’s Athletics at Ithaca College

By Justin Lutes, April 14, 2022

All women's sports at Ithaca College are now endowed.

The $600,000 bequest has been split equally between 10 women's sports.

(Image courtesy of IC athletic communications)

An alumna from the class of 1942, who graduated with a degree in physical education, has provided an anonymous bequest of just over $600,000 to Ithaca College to support women's athletics. Investment in endowments is a priority for Ithaca College and for the Department of Athletics. The funds have been equally divided among 10 different women's sports programs to establish endowments to support activities and enhancements for each of the programs as determined by the respective head coach in consultation with the director of athletics. Receiving the funds will be the field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball teams.

"This is an incredible opportunity for Ithaca College Athletics and for our women's sports programs that have not previously had endowments," said Susan Bassett '79, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports. "The generosity and foresight of this one alumna has an immediate transformative impact on the success of these programs for perpetuity. I could not be more grateful or more delighted."

Join The Club

The new endowments join those that had previously been established to support the following athletics programs or facilities:

Men's Wrestling Fund
Jannette Bonrouhi-Zakaim Men's and Women's Cross Country Fund
Bernard Athletic Coaches Support Fund
John Fasolino Football Fund
Football Fund
Men's Lacrosse Fund
Men's Basketball Fund
Men's Club Rugby Fund
Stephen T. Guinan '86 Leadership Academy Fund
Dee Mayes Relph '78 & Bob Relph Women's Basketball Fund
Men's Swimming and Diving Fund
Kelsey Partridge Bird Natatorium Fund
George Valesente '66, M.S. '75 Baseball Fund
Crew Capital Endowment Fund
Men's Soccer Endowment Fund

“I am unable to adequately express my gratitude to this alumna who left this bequest to our women's programs here at Ithaca College,” said gymnastics head coach Rick Suddaby. “In 35 years of coaching women to be their best, both in the gym and as leaders of their own lives, I am honored to receive this endowment on behalf of the gymnastics program. This gift will help secure both the quality and longevity of the gymnastics team, and I am inspired by and grateful for the opportunities it represents.“

“We are truly thankful for this extraordinary and generous gift. Our alumna recognized the importance of supporting women's athletic programs, and her leadership supports IC's core values. In part due to this gift, future generations of student-athletes will benefit from higher standards of excellence.”

Wendy Kobler, vice president for philanthropy and engagement

“The generosity and vision of the woman behind this gift is truly amazing,” said head women's soccer coach Mindy Quigg. “This timely gift is greatly appreciated on many levels and will have a far-reaching impact on countless Bombers moving forward. This support will directly assist in our upward trend of growth we in women's athletics at Ithaca have worked so hard to achieve. This gift will help feed the competitive spirit of our student-athletes and coaches, as we continue to strive to compete at the highest possible level.”

“Securing endowments is a priority for Ithaca College and for the Department of Athletics, and we are truly thankful for this extraordinary and generous gift,” said Wendy Kobler, vice president for philanthropy and engagement. “Our alumna recognized the importance of supporting women's athletic programs, and her leadership supports IC's core values. In part due to this gift, future generations of student-athletes will benefit from higher standards of excellence.”

An excellent opportunity to support athletics—and all aspects of the student experience—will take place on Tuesday, April 26, with the annual Ithaca College Giving Day. During that 24-hour period, a series of challenges, matching funds, and leaderboard bonuses will all mean an opportunity to win extra funds for your favorite sport, school, department, or club. Visit givingday.ithaca.edu for more information on how to participate.

You're Up

If you are interested in contributing to any of the established sport endowment funds or want to create a new endowment, please contact Wendy Kobler at wkobler@ithaca.edu or 256-679-3178, or Susan Bassett at sbassett@ithaca.edu or 607-274-3209.