ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – An Ithaca College alum will return to South Hill for graduation.
On March 25, school officials announced that Class of 1995 grad Ana Wilkowski will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Commencement.
Wilkowski serves as the chief financial officer for Performance Optimal Health, a health and fitness practice with seven locations across Connecticut and Florida, which she co-founded with her husband, Todd, in 2002. Todd is also a Bomber, having graduated in 1993. The two regularly hire IC physical therapy graduates.
“Ana Wilkowski is an inspiring alumna whose journey reflects both the strength of an Ithaca College education and the power of embracing opportunity with intention,” said Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish. “When I had the chance to hear her story firsthand, I was struck not only by her professional accomplishments but also by the way she has built a career grounded in purpose, partnership, and care for others. Our graduates will see in Ana someone who has navigated change, taken risks, and built something meaningful, and I know her perspective will resonate deeply with the class of 2026.”
Ana Wilkowski won’t be the only familiar face slated to grace the stage at graduation.
On April 6, it was announced that two honorary degrees will be given out this year. According to IC, honorary degree recipients are “leaders who represent the ideals embraced by the Ithaca College community and who serve as a mirror of the college’s values, mission, and character.”
Former Tompkins County Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Kruppa is being recognized for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his work integrating the county’s public health and mental health departments.
Kruppa, who now serves as Assistant Vice President of Community Program Development and Partner Integration for Central Health, has previously served as a guest lecturer on South Hill and recently taught a course on public health in the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance.
Former Hangar Theatre Director Robert Moss will also receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.
Moss led the Hangar from 1982 to 1996, before accepting the Theatre Director position at Syracuse Stage, where he worked until 2007. During his time in Ithaca, Moss regularly cast Ithaca College students in his productions, and began the Hangar Theatre Lab Company, which continued to offer summer training to students for several decades after he left.
In IC’s Center for Theatre and Dance, Moss taught directing for several semesters as a part-time faculty member and sabbatical replacement. He has offered guest artist workshops on storytelling, directed a production for the mainstage theatre season, and continues to regularly meet one-on-one with students.
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony is set for Sunday, May 17, in Glazer Arena.
