On Dec. 9, Ithaca College announced that Terri Hradisky, administrative assistant in the Center for Counseling, Health and Wellness, died unexpectedly Dec. 8 after a brief illness.
Hradisky was an employee at the college for nearly three decades. She began her career at the college starting in 1993 and since then she has served under six different medical directors according to a statement from the college. For a majority of Hradisky’s time working at the college, she was an essential part of the Hammond Health Center.
A virtual community gathering was held via Zoom at 5 p.m. Dec. 13 to celebrate Hradisky’s life. There was no in-person gathering due to the recent rise in active COVID-19 cases.
Ellyn Sellers-Selin, physician and medical services director in the Center for Counseling, Health and Wellness, said in the statement that Hradisky was constantly finding opportunities to improve the center’s operations and helped an innumerable number of students by making referrals to off-campus specialists. She also said Hradisky was vital in supporting the college and its students during the pandemic because of her devoted work ethic. According to Sellers-Selin, the Spring 2021 pre-arrival testing process and in-person May Commencement ceremony were both successful due in part to Hradisky’s support and work.
“Terri had a great sense of humor, and she cared deeply for her colleagues and our students,” Sellers-Selin said in the statement. “Her hard work has helped our Health Center be successful, but most importantly her friendship has helped us all be better people. Her IC family will really miss her!”
During this time of grief, faculty and staff can always access counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling 1(800) 327-2255. Support services for students are always available through the Center for Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) which can be reached at (607) 274-3177. Students in distress who need immediate assistance should contact the Office of Public Safety at (607) 274-3333 or the on-duty residential life staff. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life also has a website dedicated to grief resources.
