I would like to thank The Ithacan for allowing me to reflect upon my four years as dean of the School of Business. I will fondly remember my time here ­— from the stress of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business site visit during my first few months to the thrill of being an integral part of the building project and the capital campaign. Add to that the challenge of redesigning our business core curriculum, and it has been the most exhausting yet exhilarating four years of my life. There were celebrations as well as difficult days and tough decisions. I tried to filter decisions by asking myself two questions: What is in the best interests of the School of Business and Ithaca College, and how will this impact the learning environment for our students?

My fondest memories involve our terrific students. They are dedicated, real, open, funny, serious and accomplished. Whenever I ask for a favor — whether it’s to give someone a building tour on a Saturday or to present at the Business Advisory Council meeting — the answer is always an enthusiastic “yes.” Our students make things happen. Two in particular deserve recognition because they are the bookends of my time at the college.

I met Rungano Nyambuya ’05 during my interview trip to the college in fall 2004. Nyambuya told me her story about coming to the college from Zimbabwe to study accounting and how she rarely saw her family. When I met Nyambuya’s mother at graduation she grasped my hand and thanked me profusely for all we had done for her daughter. All I could think about was what a tremendous asset Nyambuya was and all she had done for us. I admire her immensely for her strength, dedication, commitment and courage.

I met up with senior Eric Carosia and several other students the other night after our annual Student Awards Ceremony. Carosia can do a really funny (and accurate) impersonation of many folks in the School of Business. But he is more than our resident comedian. He is a student worker in our office whose presence immediately brightens our day. Carosia moves at double speed and is always positive and willing to help out with any task. Carosia is one of those individuals who touch your heart because of his boundless energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude.

Over the past year in my private time, I have rekindled an old passion for horseback riding. In October, Oliver, a 16-hand Chestnut gelding, became part of my life. Oliver’s formal name is “One Fine Day.” Next year when Oliver and I are trail riding in the Blue Hills of Massachusetts or preparing for our first dressage competition, I will reflect on the parallels between riding and leadership: Focus on the end point. Subtle but continual guidance is necessary. Firm and steady pressure is crucial. Adaptation to reactions is essential. I have not always followed these principles — in fact, I’ve taken a couple of spills (in the riding arena and in the School of Business) from lack of concentration and inattention to the above principles. But I’ve given it my best.

I’m a nine-semester senior at Ithaca. In a way it’s fitting that I “graduate” with the class I first recruited here. Though I will always cherish Ithaca, I realize it’s time for new ideas and fresh approaches. I think the most you can hope for is to leave a place better than you found it. At the end of the day, I’m certain that’s true. It was a fine day for me when I came to the college, and when “One Fine Day” and I leave here soon, I hope most will think I’ve left the School of Business in a good place from which to further grow and develop.

Susan Engelkemeyer is dean of the School of Business. E-mail her at sengelkemeyer@ithaca.edu.