Ithaca College

Sent on behalf of Chris Biehn, vice president, college relations and advancement. 

I am thrilled to announce that Claudia Ayers, the current interim executive director of alumni and donor relations, has been promoted to assistant vice president, engagement and constituent relations. In her new role, Claudia is responsible for continuing to develop the multi-generational community of Ithaca College students, alumni, parents, and friends, and designing and developing opportunities for meaningful engagement, outreach, and support. She will work closely with our schools, athletics, and affinity groups, as well as more than 5,000 volunteers to ensure student success, through philanthropy, engaging events, strategic communication, and educational opportunities for alumni, parents, and friends.

Claudia joined the Ithaca College advancement team in 2005 as a regional program officer in the office of alumni relations. One of her first successful engagements was with Ami Maki ’94 who now serves as president of the alumni association board of directors. Claudia then worked to lead regional campaign events for the “Making A World of Difference Campaign” and was later appointed director of donor relations, where she served before assuming the role of interim executive director.

Claudia understands the fundamental elements of engagement and is able to bridge differences and help others explore what most excites them about their IC experience. Claudia has a commitment to equity and inclusive excellence and has been instrumental in helping our division advance our own discussions and looks forward to building an education program for our volunteers. In our division, she has led interdepartmental projects that have deepened our constituents’ level of engagement, inspired greater philanthropy, and improved our donor retention rates. Please join me in congratulating Claudia on this new and exciting role!

With gratitude, 

Chris Biehn