Bluey Blog - Official Blog of Robert B. Bluey

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Lose

As much as I enjoy writing about politics, I don’t very much enjoy politicking myself. Yet this weekend in Ithaca, N.Y., I found myself in a race against the incumbent president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors at my alma mater, Ithaca College.

Just a year ago I was elected vice president of the Alumni Board, the first time I can ever remember running in a contested race for any kind of office. I managed to topple a true Ithaca College titan, Arlene Wolff ‘57, who began serving on the board 10 years before I was born.

Choosing to run for president so soon after being elected vice president wasn’t an easy decision. But as someone who cares deeply about my alma mater, I felt it was my responsibility to put myself in a position to help bring about some much-needed changes.

Unfortunately, things didn’t work out so well for me this time. Our current president, Mike Kaplan ‘85, won re-election, meaning I’ll go back to my service as a regular member of the board. I was obviously disappointed with the outcome of the vote but not necessarily surprised. The board is very much controlled by alumni who favor to the status quo; change comes slowly to organizations like this one.

The long drive home with my wife, also a board member, gave me time to reflect on today’s events. I believe God chooses the path we take in life, and for that reason, I’m looking forward to what lies ahead. My role will change, but I’m already excited about the opportunities it will offer, allowing me to be more open and honest — perhaps even a maverick.