Ithaca College Students Encouraged to Celebrate Safely

By Dave Maley, May 1, 2026
Festive events scheduled for end of the academic year.

As the spring semester comes to an end at Ithaca College, students are being encouraged to celebrate safely and to be good neighbors to their fellow South Hill residents.

In a message sent to students, Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life Stanley Bazile urged them to reflect on their many accomplishments as they enter the “home stretch” of the academic year.

“The final days of the semester are often a mix of focus and celebration,” wrote Bazile. “It’s a time when the energy shifts, as final papers, projects, and exams meet long-standing traditions and opportunities to connect with friends. As you navigate this balance, I encourage you to think of this moment like the last stretch of a race: how you finish matters. Prioritize what will help you feel your best — physically, mentally, and emotionally — so you can cross the finish line of the academic year strong.”

Poster with a coffee cup, CD, cassette tape, and other image from the '90s.

Bazile highlighted the on-campus opportunities that students will have to safely celebrate their accomplishments:

Bureau of Concerts Event | Friday, May 1, 3–8 p.m.
Featuring headlining hip-hop duo Party of 2, this free concert for Ithaca College students will also include the campus Battle of the Bands winners Thickets, awdam, and W.G.B.T.

IC Community Brunch | Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Ithaca College Dining Services will be hosting its annual campus community brunch to commemorate the finish of the academic calendar. Free and open to all IC students, this is an opportunity to help them fuel up for their final exams.

The One Where We Pretend It's the ’90s Celebration | Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Students are invited to join with their “friends” for a ’90s-themed end-of-year celebration. Sponsored by the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Office of Student Engagement, and Center for Health Promotion, this free event will feature refreshments along with the opportunity to enjoy inflatables and lawn games as well as such activities as:

  • Build Your Own Lunchables
  • Crafting Friendship Bracelets
  • Sand Art and Lanyard Keychains
  • Airbrush Tattoo Station

In his message, Bazile emphasized the many resources designed to support the well-being of students and help them manage the stress and other challenges that the end of the semester and final exams can bring, including Stop & Breathe Week programming.

He concluded by reminding students of their responsibilities to themselves, one another, and their neighbors.

“As you take part in these moments, I also ask that you continue to care for one another and for our broader community. Being a good neighbor — both on and off campus — means making thoughtful choices, respecting shared spaces, and looking out for your peers. If you ever find yourself or a friend in need of help, please don’t hesitate to seek assistance. As you move through these final days, remember this: finishing strong doesn’t necessarily mean finishing perfectly. It means finishing with intention, care, and self-awareness. You’ve already done so much to get here. Now is your moment to bring it home!”