Thinking Ahead: Longview celebrates 25th anniversary of Ithaca College partnership

“It’s so much more than just coming in and doing programs,” Longview Director of Community Partnerships Breelan Nash said of Longview’s Ithaca College partnership, which will be celebrated Oct. 25.

Nash serves as Longview’s liaison to Ithaca College, and she has seen Ithaca College students and Longview residents create lasting bonds, sometimes becoming pen pals after the students graduate. 

Whether it’s offering occupational therapy, teaching a healthy aging course or rehearsing a musical performance before a big concert at the college, students and Longview residents are constantly interacting and finding that their lives are enriched because of it, Nash said.

It’s never too late to return to college.

Ithaca College’s Gerontology Institute is the academic home of the IC/Longview Partnership, Ithaca College’s flagship experiential learning program. Every year more than 700 Ithaca College students and more than 65 faculty and staff participate in hundreds of intergenerational activities across the street at Longview. Our senior living community rests on top of South Hill overlooking Cayuga Lake where we offer independent living patio homes and apartments, assisted living and enhanced assisted living suites, social adult day program, and a Head Start Pre-K classroom.

In the early 1970’s, through the efforts of Ithaca College administrators and community leaders, an Ithaca College dormitory was converted into an adult care facility that became known as Ithacare. In 1989, Ithacare’s board of directors decided to build a new facility and proposed a joint venture for the two institutions, featuring intergenerational programming and the sharing of services. Ithaca College donated the land and the Ithaca College/Longview Partnership was born. Longview is located just up the road from the College. Longview includes a large classroom and demonstration space dedicated for Ithaca College use. Ithaca College faculty and students have been enjoying programmed activities at the current Longview location since 1999.

The mission of the Ithaca College/Longview Partnership is to create a unique, shared environment that enriches the College’s academic curriculum and affords members of both the College and Longview community with intergenerational educational and social experiences; to facilitate personal and professional growth; to promote volunteerism; and to enhance quality of life.

This unique partnership also provides Longview residents access to use of IC’s library system, pool and fitness center including access to cultural offerings at IC such as plays, art exhibits, concerts, recitals, sporting events and more.

“It’s very important for anyone to be able to continue to learn throughout their life. And that was the reason I chose Longview…and I’m very happy here,” Cathy Messing, Longview resident, said.

There will be an Anniversary celebration of the Ithaca College/Longview Partnership held at Longview on Friday, October 25th. Guest speakers will include Ithaca College President Dr. La Jerne Terry Cornish, Longview CEO Cheryl Jewell, Professor Emeritus and founder of the IC Gerontology Institute John Krout and New York State Senator, Lea Webb, Chair, Women’s Issues Committee.

The celebration will include members of the Longview Board of Directors, Ithaca College and Longview community supporters, IC faculty, students, and Longview residents, staff and families.

Nash said it is encouraging to receive phone calls from other colleges and organizations who are inspired by the Longview/IC partnership.

“It’s great to be able to share how we make it work and the driving forces behind it,” Nash said. “It is absolutely unique to Ithaca, but it’s better if it’s everywhere. Everyone benefits, so why not create it somewhere else?”