As this big retirement year is in full swing, I do not want to miss the opportunity to thank the dean of the School of Music. Not only did he make my Ithaca College experience possible—and rewarding—but he has shaped many aspects of my life through teaching me and by setting wonderful examples.

He is, in fact, one of the most important people in my life. Dean Arthur Ostrander is my dad. 

Ithaca College is a huge part of his professional and personal identity. His love for the school is reflected in the time we spent on South Hill. We went to many IC social events, like football games, concerts, theater performances, and celebrations. Friends from Ithaca College were always in our lives.” I especially remember picnic lunches at the pool in the summertime. 

I kept visiting dad’s office throughout high school, on my way to Youth Orchestra rehearsals with Pamela Gearhart; saxophone lessons; Suzuki violin events with Sandy Reuning; and the library—a great place for me to study even before I decided to attend IC myself to study physical therapy. And as a college student, I was very lucky to be so close to my dad, who always had time for me even between meeting with faculty, students, parents, and colleagues.

I wish you a wonderful retirement, Dad, and look forward to seeing more of you.

Betsy Ostrander ’98, M.S. ’99
Navarra, Spain 

Editor’s note: After a long tenure, Dean Arthur Ostrander of the School of Music announced his intention to retire at the end of this 2007-8 academic year. In an upcoming issue we’ll take a look at the changes that have taken place in the school during his many years of leadership.