Skidmore Connect - Class of 1951

MARCH 18, 2013

Dear Classmates:

In the old days, 1947, when I was asked by my high school classmates upon graduation, where I was going to college, and when I said "Skidmore," I got many blank stares!

"Well where's that?" I was asked. "It's in Saratoga Springs, New York." I said. "We never heard of Saratoga Springs!" was the reply.

After carefully explaining about Edna Ferber's novel, Saratoga Trunk and about the Battle of Saratoga in the Revolutionary War, there was still no comprehension. But when I mentioned the Saratoga Race track, the light went on!

Well, dear classmate, no more of that, I can say! Newsweek's "College Rankings: Happiest Schools" ranked our Alma Mater #9!

Skidmore has been named to the President's Higher Education Community service Honor Roll for the second consecutive year. Backstage magazine has named the Skidmore Dance Department one of the Top Five Dance Programs in the country.

Hassan Lopez, associate professor of psychology, does research with his students and some have published articles in several distinguished scientific journals.

Skidmore has done well in the financial aid for the 2012-13 academic year. Nearly 42% of the Class of 2016 has received aid!

As part of Skidmore’s ongoing effort to provide greater support to recent graduates and alumni in their career development and transitions, the Career Development Center welcomes Jenna Hartwell as the new Associate Director of Alumni Career Development. In this role, Jenna provides individual career counseling to Skidmore graduates and works with alumni to create networking connections for current students and alums. She also coordinates regional, off-campus career development events for alumni. Prior to working at Skidmore, Jenna served as the Coordinator for Student and Alumni Career Services at Wheelock College where she successfully increased the office’s visibility and services for their alumni population. Originally from Amherst, MA, Jenna received her BS in Social Science (History Focus) at Cazenovia College and her M.Ed. in Counselor Education (College Counseling) at North Carolina State University. Alumni interested in working with Jenna may contact her by calling the Career Development Center at (518) 580-5790.

So now when residents at my retirement community ask me where I went to college, and I say proudly, "Skidmore!" the response is, "oh, you must have been very bright to have graduated from there! " I let them think whatever they want!

Remember, the 2012-13 Annual Alumni fund ends on May 31, 2013. It's not too late to give!

HERE'S TO OUR 65TH REUNION IN 2016

President Pat
Class of 1951