Dom Cottone recently attended several IC alumni celebrations. He writes to share the joyfulness, camaraderie, and sense of allegiance he found while reconnecting with classmates and reminiscing about Ithaca.Dom Cottone recently attended several IC alumni celebrations. He writes to share the joyfulness, camaraderie, and sense of allegiance he found while reconnecting with classmates and reminiscing about Ithaca.
Dear Friends,
Occupational therapists, investigators, marketers, Homeland Security personnel, entertainment managers, higher education administrators, athletic trainers, financial advisers, hospital administrators, and speech pathologists. Mentors and employers.
Friends. My Ithaca friends.
This spring I attended the Campaign for Ithaca College kickoff in Chicago, where I live. After the formal speeches from President Peggy Williams and others from the College, I spent the rest of the evening reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. It was a wonderful time being surrounded by familiar faces who reminded me of the times we all shared.
The next day I flew to New York for the 30th birthday party of my friend and classmate Danielle Curry ’99, M.S. ’00. I knew many fellow Ithacans would be there.
But I wasn’t really prepared for what a great reunion it would be, filled with stories of Ithaca: Prospect Street and Hudson, Simeon’s, the reopening of Joe’s Restaurant, the new Hilton, the College’s acquisition of the Circles, our days of folly and joy in the Quads. We celebrated our accomplishments, and shared our stories of hardship and recovery. As we sat and talked, I felt like I was in the heart of Ithaca.
The combination of the Campaign for Ithaca College event and the reunion with my friends really illustrated the importance of memories. Sometimes I believe that the memories and friendships I made at Ithaca are more important than the education I received. They have made all the difference to me in my life.
Ultimately, this is a plea to you to give back to Ithaca, and to continue to participate in the development of the College. If you are a member of the faculty or staff, please know that your commitment and caring are at the heart of what makes the College special. Supporting Ithaca College is the simplest way to ensure that you are able to continue to build your life in this unique place.
If you are an alumnus, the friendships you made in the halls of South Hill will carry far beyond the shores of Cayuga Lake. There are students in those halls now who are making friendships and building partnerships that will last through their lifetimes, too. And this is reason enough to support the College with funding and/or time. Both of these are as precious as the days we lived, worked, and belonged to the Ithaca College community.
My partner came with me to visit these friends in New York. As we stood outside, looking through the pane of glass to the living room and watching the hugging and laughter, he looked at me and said, “You have some wonderful friends.”
“Yeah,” I replied. “There’s a lot of love in that room.” And it came straight from the halls and hills of Ithaca.
Sincerely,
Dom Cottone ’99, M.S. ’00
Photo: Danielle Curry's birthday party. Dom Cottone is standing, third from right; Danielle is seated, third from right.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20070727085422341