Welcome to Ithaca College

By Bob Wagner, May 21, 2023
New Alumni Circle Promenade highlights vision and generosity of Peter Taffae ’82.

It was all smiles at the dedication of Alumni Circle Promenade, a new space that serves as a visitor’s first glimpse of the beautiful Ithaca College campus.

President La Jerne Terry Cornish joined IC alumnus and Board of Trustees member Peter Taffae ’82 for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting on May 19, just ahead of a celebratory 128th Commencement Weekend on South Hill.

“If the majestic lake is the view out of our front window, this space is our welcoming front porch — a warm spot that invites you to stay a while.”

President La Jerne Terry Cornish

“Thanks to the vision and generosity of Peter Taffae and the Taffae Family Foundation, we now make a stunning first impression,” said President Cornish. “If the majestic lake is the view out of our front window, this space is our welcoming front porch—a warm spot that invites you to stay a while.”

President Cornish with Peter Taffae ’82

President Cornish with Peter Taffae ’82 at the new Alumni Circle Promenade. (Photo by Bob Wagner)

The scenic spot demonstrates the power of alumni philanthropy in campus beautification efforts. Already this weekend, IC’s newest alumni wasted no time in putting the new Alumni Circle Promenade to good use, with many of them posing on the promenade while decked out in their cap and gown.

“It is a landmark. It is a meeting place. It is a spot to think and reflect,” said President Cornish. “Most importantly, for some of our graduating students already, it is a place to take a magnificent selfie worthy of Instagram, and when the Class of 2023 returns to campus, this will be a literal and figurative sign that they have returned home.”

Taffae, who has been on the board since 2016, expressed deep respect and admiration for fellow trustees and his love of Ithaca College. “We all have at least one thing in common, and that’s a place in our hearts for IC. I think any success I’ve had, ultimately, started here. So, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to give you a little token of my appreciation back.”

“We all have at least one thing in common, and that’s a place in our hearts for IC. I think any success I’ve had, ultimately, started here. So, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to give you a little token of my appreciation back.”

Peter Taffae ’82

President Cornish closed the dedication ceremony by saying, “The majesty of this spot is a fitting tribute to the beauty of Peter’s grace and kindness, and this rock will forever stand for his commitment to this institution, his love for his alma mater and his profound place in our evolving story.”