Together again
More than 700 alumni and their families returned for a Reunion Weekend that offered the bagpipe-led Parade of Classes, the Alumni Awards and Recognition Ceremony, the Reunion Art Exhibition, numerous mini-colleges, Celebration Dinners, a packed dance floor, a spectacular fireworks display, and more.
Eight alumni were recognized by the Alumni Association for professional achievement, distinguished service, and creative thought, and President Philip A. Glotzbach and his wife Marie were inducted into the Alumni Association as honorary alums. [See story]
A number of classes broke giving records, and the total Reunion Gift topped $7 million, the highest since 2009. [See story]
Hundreds of attendees participated in mini-colleges presented by Skidmore faculty experts on topics ranging from the problematic roll-out of the Affordable Care Act to the chemistry of jewelry making. Professor of Music Gordon Thompson explored the social and cultural forces, as well as serendipitous events, that helped catapult the Beatles to the top of the American music market in the 1960s in She Loves You: The Beatles and New York. Associate Professor of Economics Bob Jones and Heather Moore ’08 drew upon a combination of historic research and geographic information systems (GIS) maps from their book, The Architect of Necessity, to lead a Virtual Walk through Skidmore’s first home in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Presentations by Skidmore alumni were an especially popular highlight of the weekend for reunion goers.
Two members of the Class of ’69 – Liz Roman Gallese and Jane Startz – showed an hour-long documentary that focused on the life journeys of their classmates. Directed by filmmaker Peter Barton, Women of ’69, Unboxed explores what women made of the new opportunities they achieved through the social movements of the 1960s. [See story]
Wine enthusiasts enjoyed a presentation by Tyler Colman ’94 (aka Dr. Vino), author of Wine Politics: How Governments, Environmentalists, Mobsters, and Critics Influence the Wines We Drink, on how to select American and French wines.
Alums approaching retirement appreciated advice given by Louise Mallette ’74 and Kate Ferris ’74 on the ingredients of a successful retirement.
And Jocelyn Arem ’04 presented a history of the legendary coffeehouse and an overview of the Caffè Lena History Project, an 11-year initiative she undertook in partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum that culminated in a book and CD set, and more.
The faculty and alumni-led presentations, says Executive Director of Alumni Affairs and College Events Michael Sposili, “exemplify the rich interdisciplinary environment at Skidmore. They were absolutely terrific.”
Alumni Board President, Gail Dudack '70, P '11 with Judy Roberts Kunisch '69 and President Philip A. Glotzbach. Kunisch was presented with the Outstanding Service Award.
The Class of '04 walks in the Parade of Classes.
Gail Dudack, '70, P '11 addresses the crowd at the alumni awards ceremony on Saturday.
Alumni Board President, Gail Dudack '70, P '11 with Mal Burdhardt Marier '64 and President Philip A. Glotzbach. Marier was presented with the Outstanding Service Award.
Alumni Board President, Gail Dudack '70, P '11 with Sue Clark Jorgensen '59 and President Philip A. Glotzbach. Jorgensen was presented with the Outstanding Service Award.
Alumni Board President, Gail Dudack '70, P '11 with Seth McEachron '04 and President Philip A. Glotzbach. McEachron was presented with the Palamountain Award for Young Alumni Achievement.
Janet Whitman '59, Former Chair of the Board of Trustees.
The Class of '54 walks in the Parade of Classes.
President Philip A. Gltozbach addresses the crowd at the alumni awards ceremony on Saturday.
The Schenectady Pipe Band leads the Parade of Classes, followed by President Philip A. Glotzbach and Alumni Board President Gail Dudack '70, P '11.
Kathy Zeiser Taggert '74 and Kathy Corsale D'Appolonia '74 catch up prior to the parade of classes.
Alumni Board President, Gail Dudack '70, P '11 with Meredith Eastman Principe '94 and President Philip A. Glotzbach. Principe was presented with the Outstanding Service Award.
The Class of '59 walks in the Parade of Classes.
Alumni Board President, Gail Dudack '70, P '11 with Judy Pick Eissner '64 and President Philip A. Glotzbach. Eissner was presented with the 50th Reunion Outstanding Service Award.
The Class of '74 walks in the Parade of Classes.
(l to r) Adam Wald '94, Steven Cohen '72, P '10, Gail Dudack '70, P '11 and President Philip A. Glotzbach
Marie Glotzbach and President Philip A. Glotzbach at the podium.
The Class of '59 walks in the Parade of Classes.
Louise Mallette '74, alumni board member, hands out sunglasses.
The Schenectady Pipe Band leads the Parade of Classes.
Gail Dudack '70, P '11 and Steven Cohen '72, P '10 present President Philip A. Glotzbach and Marie Glotzbach with honorary Alumni status.
Alumni Board President, Gail Dudack '70, P '11 with Winnie Wan '74 and President Philip A. Glotzbach. Wan was presented with the CTM Award of Distinction.
