Latest news with #IthacaCollege
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
College student stunned after finding unwanted guest roaming their apartment: 'That's definitely not good'
An unexpected gobbling visitor at Ithaca College wandered into student apartments. The wild turkey named "Gurt" highlighted a growing concern about human-wildlife interactions. The encounter, although humorous, was a reminder to respect animals and their habitats. The Ithacan reported a wild turkey at Ithaca College's Circle Apartments. It became a local celebrity after venturing close to and inside buildings. Junior Alexander Blakely captured photos, remarking on the bird's "chill" demeanor. Gurt gained popularity in a video on the Barstool Ithaca (@barstoolithaca) Instagram page. The turkey was shown flying around inside an apartment bathroom. The video, captioned "New roommate for Circles apartments," had thousands of views and likes. College officials were less amused. "Yeah, that's definitely not good," Ernie McClatchie, associate vice president of facilities at IC, told the Ithacan. They suspected someone might have intentionally led the turkey inside. A turkey in a bathroom seems funny, but it points to a larger issue. Increasing human-wildlife encounters are the result of habitat loss and human encroachment. As cities grow and natural spaces shrink, animals have no choice but to enter developed areas. They are often in search of food, shelter, or new territories. The Ithaca College turkey was reportedly looking for a nesting spot. These encounters can be stressful and dangerous for both animals and people. Wild animals, even if they appear calm, still have unpredictable behavior. Luring or bringing wild animals into human dwellings endangers the animal. If they feel threatened or concerned, the response can lead to property damage or even injury. McClatchie noted that a panicked turkey could hit a sprinkler head and cause flooding. Closer interactions increase the risk of disease transmission and disrupt natural animal behaviors. Protecting natural environments helps limit risky encounters and promotes healthier ecosystems for everyone. Should the U.S. invest in building more wildlife overpasses? Absolutely Depends on how we do it Depends on where we do it Nope Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Thankfully, Gurt the turkey was safely relocated by Residential Life, Public Safety, and a wildlife conservation group. The incident served as an important lesson for the college community. "These are wild animals," McClatchie emphasized. "We should not encourage wild animals to be brought into residences … they are not meant for interactions." The best approach when encountering wildlife in urban places is to give them space. However, it might be wise to contact local animal control or wildlife authorities to ensure animal and public safety. Support local conservation efforts that preserve and create green spaces and wildlife corridors that provide animals safe passage while reducing dangerous situations. Many organizations protect local ecosystems and educate the public about coexisting with wildlife. The initiatives control urban area expansion, allowing both humans and animals to thrive. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘The Full Plate Project' working to reduce hunger in the community
BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – United Way of Broome County is calling on local organizations to join it in its fight to end hunger. United Way announced the return of The Full Plate Project, an annual initiative that aims to provide local families and individuals with healthy food. The Full Plate Project supports local programs that provide meals to those in need as well as critical services. According to United Way, 43.7% of Broome County residents lack reliable access to nutritious food. Through the initiative, United Way has donated over $179,000 to food insecurity programs in order to reduce hunger in the community. In 2025, the organization aims to reach even more families by inviting local businesses and organizations to join the effort as sponsors and community partners. Through sponsorship, organizations will contribute to hunger relief efforts through donations, service, and leadership. Regardless of the sponsorship level, 100% of donations go directly to food insecurity programs. Sponsorship levels are designed to accommodate a wide range of budgets and goals. Those who are interested in becoming a Hunger Hero or learning more about partnership opportunities can contact Patrick Kerley by calling (607)240-2027 or by email at pkerley@ School budget & board member votes across Greater Binghamton David Muir surprises Disney CEO Bob Iger while at Ithaca College commencement 'The Full Plate Project' working to reduce hunger in the community NYSP looking for missing teen last seen in Deposit Student overdoses on fentanyl after using laced marijuana vape Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
David Muir surprises Disney CEO Bob Iger while at Ithaca College commencement
ITHACA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It's graduation season, and Ithaca College's Commencement was filled with a surprise. Former Chief Executive Officer at ABC, current The Walt Disney Company CEO, and 1973 Ithaca Alum Bob Iger was welcomed at graduation to receive a Doctor of Letters. What everyone else didn't know was who would be presenting it — another Ithaca graduate, and Syracuse native, David Muir, of ABC's 'World News Tonight' and '20/20.' The 'tightly held surprise,' as the college describes it, drew much applause from the audience. 'My visit here today is driven by two things,' said Muir at the May 18 ceremony. 'Obviously the energy of all of you in this room, your families who love you and have helped you get to this moment. And I'm here obviously for my friend and mentor, fellow Ithaca College alum Bob Iger. Iger thanked his 'dear friend and colleague' for helping make the day even more special, describing it as a full-circle moment. Photos courtesy of Simon Wheeler Photography Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


CBS News
17-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Tennis player from Massachusetts used her passion for violin to heal from car crash injury and keep playing
Swansea tennis player is also an aspiring violinist off the court Swansea tennis player is also an aspiring violinist off the court Swansea tennis player is also an aspiring violinist off the court A tennis player at Joseph Case High School in Swansea, Massachusetts overcame an injury from a car crash to return to her two passions: tennis and playing the violin. High school senior Jade Vadeboncoeur does it all - by day, she balances a load of AP courses. After school, she plays multiple sports, including tennis, where she dominates on the courts of Swansea. "I get so excited to play, tennis just lets me be me," said Vadeboncoeur. "She's incredible. You go town to town and Jade's the best player in this area," said Case High School tennis coach, Mackenzie Deschenes. Violin brings her peace For most people, that would probably be enough. But Vadeboncoeur said that her real passion starts when she walks off the court. She said playing the violin is when she truly feels at peace. "I've been playing my violin for about eight years. I started when I was in fourth grade," said Vadeboncoeur. "The violin calms me down significantly. Like with all the overwhelming everything, I feel like just playing the violin is an escape from all the stress and I can just truly be myself." In the fall, Vadeboncoeur will attend Ithaca College in New York to study music education. It's a dream that was threatened a couple of years back when a car crash stopped her from playing. Suffered concussion in car crash "I'm driving on the highway home from orchestra one day and it was pouring, pouring on the highway and we were going significantly under the speed limit and somebody hydroplaned and hit us," said Vadeboncoeur. Vadeboncoeur suffered a serious concussion that took her more than a year to recover from. She thought her days of playing tennis might be over. "I had constant headaches, I was constantly tired," said Vadeboncoeur. "That was something we struggled with last year, for sure," said Deschenes. "We didn't want to push her too hard but she's a competitor so she herself wanted to be challenged, wanted to be pushed." It was her perseverance, her love of the game and the violin that Vadeboncoeur said helped her heal and continue playing. "I wanted to keep going with everything because I love everything that I do," said Vadeboncoeur.

USA Today
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Disney CEO to receive honorary Ithaca College degree. See Bob Iger's link to the school
Disney CEO to receive honorary Ithaca College degree. See Bob Iger's link to the school Show Caption Hide Caption FCC opens DEI investigation into Disney The FCC is opening an investigation into Disney for its diversity practices. The agency sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger, saying the company may noy be compliant with DEI efforts. Disney says its reviewing the letter from the FCC and looks forward to answering the commission's questions. Fox - 35 Orlando The esteemed CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree at Ithaca College's 130th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Shortly after graduating from Ithaca College, Iger joined Cerrache Cable, owned by Ithaca cable television pioneer and real estate developer, the late Anthony Cerracche Sr. He is an Honorary Knight Commander following recognition by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2024 and was awarded the Chevalier de Legion d'Honneur by the French Republic that November. The CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree at Ithaca College's 130th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18. The 2025 Commencement address will be delivered by Monica Digilio '85, M.S. '86, with senior acting major Jasmine Williams representing the graduates as the student speaker. Iger graduated with a degree in television-radio in 1973 and has been a steadfast supporter of the college since. The Ithaca College Board of Trustees awards honorary degrees to individuals who embody the college's values and mission upon faculty recommendation. College President La Jerne Terry Cornish praised Iger in an April 30 statement from the college. "Bob Iger is truly deserving of this honor," Cornish said. "His contributions to Ithaca College, our students, and the community are deeply appreciated." Who is Iger, how did he get his start? Shortly after graduating from Ithaca College, Iger joined Cerrache Cable, owned by Ithaca cable television pioneer and real estate developer, the late Anthony Cerracche Sr. Iger interviewed for Cerrache and ended up reporting weather and sports for his company. He eventually moved on to the ABC network, where he gained experience in various aspects of the television industry. In case you missed it: Disney shareholders overwhelmingly reject anti-DEI proposal He joined Disney's senior management in 1996 and has held several positions, including CEO since 2005. After retiring in 2021, Iger returned as CEO in November 2022, leading significant transformations within the company. Iger has received numerous accolades for his leadership, including induction into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame and the Television Academy Hall of Fame. He is an Honorary Knight Commander following recognition by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2024 and was awarded the Chevalier de Legion d'Honneur by the French Republic that November. The CEO's commitment to Ithaca College is shown through his establishment of the Reginald Simmons '75 Memorial Award and the $1 million launch of the Iger-Bay Endowed Scholarship. He served as a commencement speaker and trustee, receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008. For more information on the 2025 Ithaca College Commencement, visit