Ithaca College

Ithaca College
Name	Ithaca College
Established	1892
Type	Private
Endowment	$413.4 million (2023)
President	La Jerne Terry Cornish
City	Ithaca, New York
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 757 acres
Students	5,354 (Fall 2022)
Faculty	685
Colors	Blue and gold
Nickname	Bombers
Affiliations	NAICU, AICUM

Ithaca College. Founded in 1892 as the Ithaca Conservatory of Music, the institution has evolved into a comprehensive private college renowned for its programs in communications, health sciences, and the performing arts. Located in the scenic Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, the college emphasizes hands-on learning and maintains a strong residential campus community. It is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the North by publications like U.S. News & World Report.

History

The college was established by William Egbert and Wharton Miller as a conservatory for musical instruction in downtown Ithaca, New York. It expanded its curriculum in the 1930s, moving beyond music to include drama and speech, and was officially chartered as a degree-granting institution by the New York State Board of Regents. A pivotal moment occurred in the 1960s when, under the leadership of President Howard I. Dillingham, the college relocated from its original urban setting to its current sprawling hilltop campus overlooking Cayuga Lake. This move facilitated significant growth, including the establishment of the Roy H. Park School of Communications in 1989, named for the media executive and philanthropist. Throughout its history, the college has been led by notable presidents such as James J. Whalen and, more recently, Shirley M. Collado.

Academics

The college is organized into five schools: the School of Humanities and Sciences, the Roy H. Park School of Communications, the School of Business, the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. It is particularly distinguished for its programs in cinematography, physical therapy, music education, and broadcast journalism. The Ithaca College London Center offers a longstanding study abroad program, while the college's IC 20/20 strategic plan emphasized integrative, interdisciplinary learning. Faculty are actively engaged in research and creative work, with many having professional backgrounds at organizations like NASA, The New York Times, and Broadway.

Campus

The 757-acre campus, often called "South Hill," features a mix of modern and traditional architecture with panoramic views of Cayuga Lake and the surrounding region. Key facilities include the Ithaca College Athletics and Events Center, the Dillingham Center for the performing arts, and the Park School of Communications building, which houses state-of-the-art television studios and editing suites. The James J. Whalen Center for Music is a major performance venue, and the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance operates clinics serving the public. The campus is also home to the Ithaca College Natural Lands, over 500 acres of forests and trails used for environmental research and recreation.

Student life

Student life is vibrant, with over 180 student-run clubs and organizations, including a student-run television station ([ICTV]), radio station ([WICB]), and newspaper ([The Ithacan]). The college hosts major annual events like the Dillingham Center's theatrical productions and the Whalen Center's concert series. A large portion of the student body lives on campus in residence halls and thematic communities, such as the First-Year Residential Experience. The college's location in Ithaca, New York provides access to the cultural offerings of Cornell University and the natural beauty of Buttermilk Falls State Park and the Finger Lakes wine region.

Athletics

The Ithaca Bombers compete at the NCAA Division III level as a member of the Liberty League. The athletic program fields 27 varsity teams and has a storied history, particularly in football, where the team has won multiple national championships under coaches like Jim Butterfield. Other successful programs include women's soccer, baseball, and wrestling. The college's athletic facilities are centered around the Ithaca College Athletics and Events Center, which includes the Glazer Arena, an Olympic-size pool, and the Carp Wood Field. The Bombers also maintain a strong rivalry with nearby Hartwick College.

Notable alumni

Ithaca College alumni have achieved prominence across diverse fields. In entertainment and media, notable figures include David Boreanaz of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gavin MacLeod of The Love Boat, and Bob Iger, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Journalism is represented by Serena Altschul of CBS News and David Muir of ABC World News Tonight. In sports, alumni include Gary Cohen, broadcaster for the New York Mets, and professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood. Other distinguished graduates are Lois Lowry, author of *The Giver*, and Michael C. Hall, star of the television series Dexter.

Category:Universities and colleges in New York (state) Category:Educational institutions established in 1892 Category:Ithaca, New York