Ithaca College Names Chris LaCroix ’79 First Business Hall of Fame Inductee

By Sloan MacRae, November 10, 2026
Ithaca College also announces a new Business Hall of Fame Endowed Scholarship established by Thad Fortin ’81 and his wife, Mindy, for students pursuing business-related majors.
A man stands in front of a display case that reads "Business Hall of Fame."

Chris LaCroix ’79 and the new Business Hall of Fame display at IC's School of Business. (Photo by Chris Kitchen). 

Ithaca College inducted investment management executive Chris LaCroix ’79 as the inaugural member of its Business Hall of Fame on November 4, recognizing his career in finance and longstanding commitment to helping students build careers of their own.

The college also announced the creation of the IC Business Hall of Fame Endowed Scholarship, established through a gift from former trustee Thad Fortin ’81 and his wife, Mindy. Fortin earned a degree in business administration from Ithaca College. Beginning in fall 2027, the scholarship will be available to students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing a business-related major.

LaCroix was honored during a campus ceremony that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college.

“Your journey reflects the possibilities that an Ithaca College education can create, and your continued engagement reflects the difference our alumni can make when they choose to give back,” said Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish.

“It means a great deal to be the first inductee,” said LaCroix. “Ithaca gave me room to follow my curiosity about finance, and playing rugby taught me about teamwork and working with people toward a common goal. Those experiences mattered throughout my career. I see that same resourcefulness in today’s students, the willingness to figure things out and find their own way. That’s why I’ve stayed involved and why helping students gain experience in business and on the playing field is so rewarding.”

LaCroix graduated from Ithaca College in 1979 with a degree in business administration and was a member of the college’s rugby team. He built a career in investment management before joining LSV Asset Management in 1996, serving as a partner and managing director until his retirement in 2008.

His connection to Ithaca College continued through service on its Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2015, including as chair of the Investment Committee. He also serves on the Business School Investment Advisory Board.

Together, LaCroix and his wife, Kathleen, have supported student trading funds, investment education, scholarships, and athletics. Their philanthropy helps students gain experience managing real investment portfolios, connecting classroom learning with the decisions and responsibilities they will encounter in professional practice.

A man and a woman stand in front of a display that reads "Ithaca College Business Hall of Fame."

LaCroix with President La Jerne Terry Cornish. (Photo by Chris Kitchen.)

“At Ithaca College, we bring together theory, practice, and performance,” Cornish said. “For our students studying finance, that means moving from learning the principles of investing in the classroom to managing real portfolios, and evaluating the results of their decisions. They learn to defend a recommendation, respond to changing conditions, and take responsibility for an outcome.”

“The Hall of Fame celebrates what Ithaca College graduates can accomplish and contribute throughout their lives,” said Fortin. “Mindy and I wanted to help more students have the opportunity to pursue that education and build their own paths in business. We’re pleased to help launch this tradition with a scholarship that will support students for years to come.”

To learn more about the IC Business Hall of Fame Endowed Scholarship or make a contribution, contact Chad Tessier, interim vice president for advancement, at ctessier1@ithaca.edu.

LaCroix also unveiled the Business Hall of Fame display in the first-floor atrium of the Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise. Ithaca College’s Marketing Communications division designed the display, which will feature LaCroix and future inductees

“Prospective students visiting campus will see tangible examples of where an Ithaca College education can lead,” said Christina Moylan, interim dean of the School of Business. “Current students will discover role models whose journeys demonstrate the power of lifelong learning.”

LaCroix’s support extends across the college’s athletics program, including team endowments, training facilities, equipment, and opportunities for student-athletes to travel and compete.

“Chris is a serious, committed, engaged and knowledgeable supporter of Ithaca College School of Business and IC Athletics,” said Susan Bassett ’79, former director of intercollegiate athletics. She added, “We are fortunate to have the ultimate teammate.”