Director and professor in the Department of Theatre Arts, Norm Johnson, must have been proud to see the mix of current and returning Ithaca students leaving Thursday night's performance. With looks ranging from confusion and bewilderment to mischievous grins and pensively pursed lips, Top Girls, Ithaca College's first mainstage production of the season could only be considered something of a success.

In speaking to him before the show, Johnson hoped that the performance would provoke questions. He seems to have hit the mark. Said one alumni during intermission, "Have you figured it out yet?" 

The play opens with a dreamlike dinner party sequence, featuring famous women both historical and fantastic before zeroing in on the up and coming Marlene, a entrepreneurial career women working for an employment agency, and her family life. Set in England in the 1980s in response to Margaret Thatcher's appointment to Prime Minister, playwright Caryl Churchill explores the question of how we measure success.

As one patron explained to her husband, "Marlene thought she had achieved this pinnacle, but her relationships with her sister and her daughter can't be denied."

Well, this is it folks, the beautiful, crisp fall day in Ithaca is wishing all of our wonderful visiting alumni a fond farewell. 

One of the highlights for me was a really simple statement I overheard from an alumna visiting her old residence hall in the upper quads: "Oh my God, it feels exactly the same!"

We may have new buildings, new programs and a new generation, but the homely and community feeling at Ithaca College will sure never change. We're glad the alumni got to come back and relive some memories. The saying that these are the best four years of your life, definitely rings true for many alumni, and that was pretty clear this weekend- seeing the joy and excitement that filled campus for the alumni experiencing Ithaca College once again, even for just a few days.

On Saturday night, families gathered in the Park Auditorium to watch Disney and Pixar's latest film, "Up." The movie was heartwarming and entertaining for everyone. No better way to end a busy day!

A big thank-you to all who attended, we hope to see you next year!

Raise your glasses for a toast- to the alumni! There's a sweet aroma in the air and a crowd of smiling faces. It's the Cayuga Wine Expo!

Several wineries from the Cayuga wine trail came to Emerson Suites for an evening of wine tastings. Red and white, dry and sweet, table and dessert wines- they had it all. Participants made their rounds to the different winery vendors and were given the chance to meet new faces, learn more about the local wines, and experience the taste they probably missed, having left the area after their time at Ithaca College.

Participating wineries included King Ferry Winery, Six Mile Creek Winery, Sheldrake Point, Thirsty Owl, and Buttonwood Grove. All wineries are in close proximity to IC. While the hustle and bustle of a college town is certainly exciting, these wineries are nestled just outside of what is known here in Ithaca is "10 square miles surrounded by reality." Their beautiful and tranquil settings out in the hills and valleys of Tompkins County attract many visitors for wine tastings and tours, but to bring the experience right to campus was a great experience for many.

Cheers!

 ::embed_2::

ALS, one of IC's most recognized and dedicated clubs, turns 40 this year.  In celebration of this tremendous occasion the club organized an anniversary event that brilliantly coincided with Alumni and Homecoming weekend.  The current members were joined by administrators, alumni, and even club founders.

Check out the slide show to see all what you missed.

Congratulations, ALS.  You're 40 years young!

::embed_1::

The Bomber's football team played a disappointing game against Empire 8 rival St. John Fisher this afternoon.  The #20 ranked Ithaca team played sluggishly throughout the entire game and wasn't able to hold back the Cardinal's offensive power.  Despite a few glimmers of hope in the form of a returned blocked field goal attempt and some strong second half drives, the Bombers struggled to convert efforts into points.  The Bombers lost 40-17 and registered their first conference loss of the season.

Despite the lackluster performance the weather was great and fan spirits were high.  Based on the smiles in the stands you would never know the score of the game. 

::embed_1::