June 8, 2026
Kendal at Ithaca is a shining representation of what it takes to build a community that not only endures for three decades but truly thrives. They exemplify that the answer to being such a desirable and admired community lies not in bricks and mortar, but in the people, the relationships, and the shared values that truly embrace a sense of belonging and purpose.
30thAnniversary Celebration
With excitement and awe, residents, employees and friends recently gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Kendal at Ithaca’s 30th Anniversary. This gathering was more than a look back at history. It was a heartfelt reflection on the connection, commitment, and profound dedication that shaped the 105-acre campus in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York.
When Kendal at Ithaca first opened its doors in December 1995, it was a bold leap of faith. As the first CCRC in New York State, the founders, management and early residents bet on a vision of respect, trust, care, and consensus-building. Kendal is built on Quaker principles, including equality, peace, simplicity, integrity, and community. These principles form a solid foundation and create an environment where residents and employee teams thrive together.
Those deep roots were planted by courageous individuals who believed in what this community could become. Peggy Hill, one of the first residents still residing at Kendal at Ithaca, beautifully captured this pioneering spirit during the celebration: “Kendal has been a very, very good place to have spent the last 30 years. I’m glad I walked through that early mud and planted trees on that barren hillside!”
From Barren Hillside to Tree Campus
Together, residents and employee teams have transformed that once-barren hillside into a lush, supportive home. Recently recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a 2025 Tree Campus, the campus reflects its continued focus on sustainability and natural beauty. It is a place where residents log thousands of miles in the annual Kendal Marathon, build deep friendships and find meaningful support every single day.
A community is only as strong as the people who sustain it. During the anniversary celebration, the community recognized 6 outstanding staff members who have been with Kendal at Ithaca since the very beginning. There are also 24 second-generation residents, whose parents previously lived at Kendal at Ithaca and 3 former employees have recently become residents themselves. This enduring trust exemplifies the community’s lively, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere.
Dan Governanti, who served as Executive Director from 2000 to 2019 and who, with his wife Karen, was one of the former staff members who came in to live as a resident, shared his perspective: “What makes Kendal at Ithaca so special? For me, there’s only one answer: ‘Being with Friends.’ It is remarkable how many staff love working here. They feel respected, heard, and cared about.”
Beautiful Chapters of the Story
This culture of mutual respect and lifelong learning does not happen by accident. It requires visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to moving forward together. As Kendal at Ithaca CEO, Laurie Mante, emphasizes, “As we honor a successful 30-year history, and look ahead, we remain committed to transforming the aging experience. We will continue to focus on our core values of respect, care and trust, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors feels a sense of purpose and belonging. With engaged residents and an exceptional staff, we look forward to writing the next beautiful chapter of our story together.”