Service of Remembrance Spring '24

IthacaCollege Service of Remembrance

Thursday April 18, 2024

12:10pm

OrderofService Opening

President LaJerneTerryCornishPhD

Reading of Remembrances

AustinReid

InterimDirector,OfficeofReligiousandSpiritualLife

Litany of Remembrance

KatieDillabaugh

CampusMinister,IthacaCollegeCatholicCommunity

Reading of “The Guest House” by Rumi

KhiyaConnolly-Sisk

SpringboardInnovationFellow,HillelatIthacaCollege

Reading of “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou

Rev.JasonR.Churchill ProtestantChaplain,IthacaCollege

Lighting of Memorial Candles and Moment of Silence

Closing Memorial Prayer

AshrafKhater

MuslimChaplain,IthacaCollege

LitanyofRemembrance

ByRabbiSylvanKamensandRabbiJackRiemer

Intherisingofthesunandinitsgoingdown, werememberthem.

Intheblowingofthewindandinthechillofwinter, werememberthem.

Intheopeningofbudsandintherebirthofspring, werememberthem.

Inthebluenessoftheskyandinthewarmthofsummer, werememberthem.

Intherustlingofleavesandinthebeautyofautumn, werememberthem.

Inthebeginningoftheyearandwhenitend, werememberthem.

Whenwearewearyandinneedofstrength, werememberthem.

Whenwearelostandsickatheart, werememberthem.

Whenwehavejoysweyearntoshare, werememberthem.

Solongaswelive,theytooshalllive, fortheyarenowapartofus, aswerememberthem.

TheGuestHouse

ByRumi

TranslatedbyColemanBarks

Thisbeinghumanisaguesthouse. Everymorninganewarrival.

Ajoy,adepression,ameanness, somemomentaryawarenesscomes asanunexpectedvisitor.

Welcomeandentertainthemall! Evenifthey’reacrowdofsorrows, whoviolentlysweepyourhouse emptyofitsfurniture, still,treateachguesthonorably. Hemaybeclearingyouout forsomenewdelight.

Thedarkthought,theshame,themalice, meetthematthedoorlaughing, andinvitethemin.

Begratefulforwhoevercomes, becauseeachhasbeensent asaguidefrombeyond.

WhenGreatTreesFall

ByMayaAngelou

Whengreattreesfall, rocksondistanthillsshudder, lionshunkerdown intallgrasses, andevenelephants lumberaftersafety. Whengreattreesfall inforests, smallthingsrecoilintosilence, theirsenses erodedbeyondfear. Whengreatsoulsdie, theairaroundusbecomes light,rare,sterile. Webreathe,briefly. Oureyes,briefly, seewith ahurtfulclarity. Ourmemory,suddenlysharpened, examines, gnawsonkindwords unsaid, promisedwalks nevertaken.

Greatsoulsdieand ourreality,boundto them,takesleaveofus. Oursouls, dependentupontheir nurture, nowshrink,wizened. Ourminds,formed andinformedbytheir radiance,fallaway. Wearenotsomuchmaddened asreducedtotheunutterable ignoranceof dark,cold caves. Andwhengreatsoulsdie, afteraperiodpeaceblooms, slowlyandalways irregularly.Spacesfill withakindof soothingelectricvibration. Oursenses,restored,never tobethesame,whispertous. Theyexisted.Theyexisted. Wecanbe.Beandbe better.Fortheyexisted.

We Honor and Remember

Departed Alumni

Oscar Raymond Mayer ‘18

Rachel Heiss ‘13

Departed Faculty & Staff

Dr. Abraham Mulugetta

Butch McCraken

Patty Zimmermann

Departed Students

Blaze Myers

Tyler Scerbo

We Remember

Oscar Raymond Mayer ‘18

May 10, 1997 – November 21, 2023

Oscar Raymond Mayer, known affectionately as "Ray," passed away peacefully on November 21, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. His sudden cardiac arrest, suffered during the Philadelphia Marathon, marked the end of a life filled with love, adventure, and purpose. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Oscar passed two days later. His wish to be an organ and tissue donor was honored, granting the gift of life to multiple recipients.

Born on May 10, 1997, in Indianapolis, IN, Oscar was the cherished first child of Catharine Carbonetta Mayer and Oscar Henry Mayer. Growing up in Riverton, NJ, he attended Riverton School and later Moorestown Friends School, where he excelled academically and embraced his passion for the arts, fencing, and the environment.

At Ithaca College, Oscar majored in Environmental Studies and Art, immersing himself in the preservation of natural lands and graduating early to embark on adventures such as hiking the Appalachian Trail. His love for nature led him to a fulfilling career in environmental activism, notably with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Oscar's love story with Katie Corris of Cherry Hill, NJ, was one of profound connection and shared values. Their bond sustained them through Oscar's Appalachian Trail journey and blossomed into a life together in Haddonfield, NJ, where they shared a home with their pets. A dedicated athlete, Oscar found meaning in running and completing marathons and triathlons with determination and vigor. His vibrant spirit touched all who knew him, leaving a legacy of kindness, generosity, and compassion.

Oscar is survived by his beloved Katie, parents Catharine and Hank Mayer, sister Libby, grandparents, cousins, and numerous friends. A celebration of his life was held, and the family requested that donations be made to the Oscar Raymond Mayer Memorial Fund at Ithaca College to honor his passion for the environment and support future students who share his dedication.

We Remember Rachel

Heiss ‘ 13

February20,1991–September9,2023

RachelAlisonHeiss,32,passedawayonSaturday,September9, whilehikingnearoneofherfavoriteplacesintheworld,Mt. Rainier.BeloveddaughterofMarkandMichelle(neeBernatsky), sisterofStevenandLauren,granddaughterofthelateWilliam andJacquelineBernatskyandSelmaandJacobHeiss,nieceof SusanandBartGreenbergandRandiandMarkMacioce,cousin ofPhilipGreenberg(fiancéSophiaStone),EmilyandCortPercer, JonathanandChantelMacioce,MadelineGreenberg,AviPercer, CarterMacioce,andcherishedfriendtomanypeopleanddogs.

RachelgrewupfirstinBuffaloGrove,aplacesheforeverclaimed asherhometown,andgraduatedwithadegreeinmarketing communicationsfromIthacaCollege,whereshereceivedthe CampusLifeAward,wasseniorclasspresident,andgaveawitty, memorablecommencementspeech.Rachelwasincredibly accomplishedinherfield,collectingmanyawardsand admirationalongtheway.SheworkedforMcCannNewYork, BostonBeer(whereshewasawardedtheRookieoftheYear),and inSeattleforStarbucks(whereshewasawardedtheBravo Award),Nestlé,andmostrecently,Amazon,whereshewasa seniorcommunicationsmanager.Inbothherprofessionaland personallives,shewasknownasthe"connector"forherabilityto bringpeopletogether.Rachellovedsports,especiallythe ChicagoCubs.

Sheralliedfriendsandcolleaguestogames(nomattertheteam orsport)ineverycityshelivedin,andevenplayedhookywith hertwinbrotherandcousintoseetheCubs.Rachellovedthe outdoors;sheleanedonhergrowingnetworktohelpherbuildthe hiking,camping,andsnowshoeingskillsthatallowedherto delightinSeattle'sgorgeoussceneryyear-round.Herbeautiful smile,infectiouslaugh,andwarm,happydemeanorliftedthe spiritsofallthosewhoweretouchedbyherpresence.

Rachelimprinteduponusthemostbeautifuloflessons:Findyour passions.Findyourpeople.Seekadventure.

Shealsoshared,"Takelotsofpictures,writethingsdown,and creatememories.Youwon'tregretthiswhenyougetolder."

WeRemember

Dr.AbrahamMulugetta

April30,1951–January29,2024

Dr.AbrahamMulugetta,adistinguishedprofessorandbeloved memberoftheIthacacommunity,passedawaypeacefullyon January29,2024,atColumbiaUniversityIrvingMedicalCenter. Hewassurroundedbyhisfamily,whoremainedbyhissidein prayer.

BornonApril30,1951,inAddisAbaba,Ethiopia,Abrahamwas theeldestsonofthelateZewdineshGebereyesandMulugetta WeldeGiorgis.Heissurvivedbyhisdevotedwifeofforty-two years,Dr.YukoMulugetta,hissonRettaAbrahamanddaughterin-lawMarissaAbraham,daughterMennaSamaha,son-in-law bEliSamaha,twograndchildren,AdeliaandImiyaSamaha,two rothers,MesfinandHeskiasMulugetta,andfivesisters:Kidest, Martha,Selamawit,Sofia,andSegenetMulugetta.

hAbraham'spassionforlearningandhisinsatiablecuriosityled imtopursueacademicexcellencefromayoungage.Heearned numerousawardsfromEmperorHaileSelassiebeforepursuing hisPh.D.inMadison,Wisconsin,wherehebeganhisjourney towardtheAmericandream.AdistinguishedprofessoratIthaca Collegefornearlyfourdecades,Abraham'simpactextendedfar beyondtheclassroom.Hewashonoredwithprestigiousawards, includingtheCharlesA.DanaProfessorofFinanceand InternationalBusiness.

Asaprofessor,Abrahamwasknownforhisexceptionalintellect, kindness,andhumility.Hewentaboveandbeyondtomentorand supporthisstudents,creatinganenvironmentoflearningand hgrowth.Abraham'sinnovativeteachingmethods,particularly IisfoundingoftheCenterforTradingandAnalysisofFinancial nstruments,revolutionizedfinanceeducation,leavingalasting legacyonhisstudentsandcolleagues.

Beyondacademia,Abraham'swarmthandlovetouchedthelives fofmany.Hewasasourceofinspirationandstrengthforhis amilyandfriends,rememberedforhisgentledemeanorand unwaveringencouragement.

Dr.AbrahamMulugetta'slegacylivesonthroughthecountless livesheinfluencedandthepositivechangeheinstilledinthe world.Hismemorywillbecherishedbyallwhohadtheprivilege ofknowinghim.

Amemorialservicewasheldat MullerChapelonSaturday, February10that9:30am,officiatedbyDr.ChristopherA.House. Thefamilyrequestedthatinlieuofflowers,contributionsbe madetotheAbrahamMulugettaProfessorEmeritusEndowed ScholarshipatIthacaCollegetohonorhislegacyofeducation andmentorship.

WeRemember Leslie(Butch)D.McCracken,Jr

June21,1958–June2,2023

Leslie(Butch)D.McCracken,Jr.,departedthislifeonJune2, 2023,athishomeofnaturalcauses.

ButchgraduatedfromIthacaHighSchoolin1976.Throughout theyears,heworkedvariousjobs.In2007,hestartedworkingfor ChallengeIndustriesinthedishroomatIthacaCollege.In2021, hetransferredtoworkdirectlyfortheIthacaCollegedishroom, whereheenjoyedhisjobandco-workers.Hewasveryproudto workthere. ButchissurvivedbyhissonLeslie(Mac)D.McCrackentheIII (Natividad)-Ithaca,hismotherLeila(Cortland),sisterKathy (Cortland),brotherJohn(Angela)inSouthCarolina,brother Michael(Binghamton),nieceJeannie(Kevin),nieceAmy(Chad), nephewBrian,nephewJohn(Cheryl),andseveralgreatnieces andnephews,theloveofhislifegrandsonKavenandstepgrandsonMarianoandJuneMcCrackenformerwife.Butchwas predeceasedindeathbyhisfatherLesandhissisterSusan.

WeRemember Patricia(Patty)Zimmermann

Patricia Zimmermann, a prolific scholar, curator, and advocate for independent media, passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of film and academia. Throughout her notable career, she authored numerous seminal works, including "Reel Families: A Social History of Amateur Film" and "Thinking Through Digital Media: Transnational Environments and Locative Places," among others. Her contributions extended beyond academia, as she curated exhibitions and served as a trustee for various organizations dedicated to film and media.

Born with an insatiable curiosity and passion for learning, Patricia's scholarly endeavors led her to publish over 200 research articles and essays on film history, documentary, experimental media, and digital culture theory. Her influence reached international audiences through her lectures and plenary addresses across the globe, spanning countries from Canada to China, and throughout the United States.

Patricia's commitment to independent media extended to her roles as Editor-at-Large for The Edge and her service on editorial boards for established journals. She dedicated herself to promoting participatory community media, as seen through her final large-scale curatorial project, "We Tell: Fifty Years of Participatory Community Media."

As Director of the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival (FLEFF), Patricia curated interdisciplinary programs that engaged with global issues, transcending traditional boundaries of art and activism. FLEFF's impact resonates through its exploration of diverse topics, from labor and war to women's rights and human rights.

Patricia's legacy lives on through her groundbreaking scholarship, her tireless advocacy for independent media, and her unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding in a rapidly changing world.

WeRemember BlazeMyers

February20,2002–June15,2023

BlazeAnthonyMyers,aged21,ofBoyertown,Pennsylvania, passedawayonThursday,June15th,2023.BorninPhiladelphia, hewasthesonofJustinandMaryPetersonofBoyertown.Blaze wasagraduateofBoyertownHighSchoolandhebeganhis academicjourneyatBloomsburgUniversitybeforetransferring toIthacaCollegeinthefallof2022.Hewasastudentinthe SchoolofBusinessandactivelyinvolvedincampuslife.

Blaze'spassionforjournalismledhimtoworkasaproducerfor theICTVshowNewswatch,wherehefurtherdevelopedhisskills inmediaproduction.Additionally,heservedasacadetinthe CornellUniversityROTCprogram,wherehedemonstrateda commitmenttoserviceandleadership.Blazewasalsoavalued memberofHillelatIthacaCollegeandparticipatedin recreationalsports. Inadditiontohisparents,Blazeissurvivedbyhissiblings:Angel Myers,TreyMyers,andAvaPeterson,allofBoyertown.

We Remember

Tyler Scerbo

April 5, 2001 – August 16, 2023

Tyler was born at Morristown Memorial Hospital and spent his entire life in Wharton, NJ before moving to Ithaca to study at Ithaca College.

A graduate of Morris Hills High School, Tyler was known for his vibrant presence both athletically and artistically. He excelled as a member of the football team, contributing to their state sectional championship victory in 2016. Additionally, he showcased his athleticism as a dedicated member of the track team, specializing in shot put, discus, and his favorite, javelin. His passion for throwing extended to his collegiate years, where he continued to compete in track and field events, expanding his repertoire to include hammer and weight throw.

Beyond athletics, Tyler's artistic talents shone through his cello performances in the string orchestra, gracing audiences with his music at Winter and Spring concerts. Tyler also performed at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Known for his impeccable organization and sense of humor, Tyler brought joy to those around him with his laughter and impressions.

Tyler was industrious and hardworking, holding various jobs throughout his life, from lifeguarding at the YMCA to working at local restaurants and automotive shops. Despite his busy schedule, he always found time for his passions, whether it was hitting the gym or cooking meals for loved ones.

Tyler was an Exercise Science major with a concentration in strength and conditioning.

Tyler is survived by his mother Laura A. Raccioppi and her husband Joseph, his father Drew L. Scerbo and his partner Rebecca, his brother Kyle A. Scerbo and his partner Marlayna Terantino, stepsiblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, godparents, and numerous friends and family members who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his Uncle Scott Dennig and Maternal Grandparents Raymond R. and Marianne Dennig.

Closing Memorial Prayer

SpiritofLifeandLove:Underthevastspiraloftimeandspace, surroundedbythesimpleblessingsofacommunityofcareand love,wecarrythesememoriesofourcommunitymembersand friendsbacktothecampustheyloved.Wepray:

Grantusstrength,wisdom,andthanksgiving. Giveusstrengthtospeakofourlives,sothateachdayyetto comewefindmorecompassion,moreunderstanding,moreof thelovingkindnessthatfillsourworldwithjoyandlaughter.

Giveusthecouragetocherishoneanothersothatweuseour livestohealinsteadofforgetandleadourselvestothe possibilityofforgivenessinsteadofdefiance.

Andwegivethanksforthoseinourcommunitywhohave departed.Theirmemorylivesoninthegreatspiritoflifethat surroundsus,andtheirmemory,cherishedbyus,dwellsdeeply throughoutusbythepersontheywereandstillareinour hearts.

SpiritofLoveandLife,remindustolovelifeasfullyasweare able.Remindustotreasureourfriends.Andeventhoughwe mustbidthemfarewell,thegiftoftheirlifeisatreasurethat cannotbeungiven.Wecelebratethelivesofthosewhohave livedamongus,andnowtheirsoulisatrestwithyou. Amen.