Opportunity Program Newsletters
The OP Newsletter is published twice yearly, and includes news and events from the program as well as staff spotlights and social updates.
A Note from the Director
Big news about the ongoing work of OP: We’re celebrating a major milestone!
Our community has been abuzz with excitement at the news: The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program will be partially funded by the New York State Education Department for another five years! Between 2024 and 2029, more than $5 million will be awarded to Skidmore to help holistically support our scholars from New York. Likewise, the College continues to support non-New York students through the Academic Opportunity Program. This monumental grant signifies a renewed commitment to educational equity and ensures that deserving Opportunity Program (OP) scholars from New York and beyond will continue to thrive at Skidmore.
This grant will empower OP to continue to provide holistic support for students. We continue to strive towards creating an educational atmosphere in which financial burdens are lifted, academic prowess is nurtured, and mental well-being is fostered through comprehensive psycho-social programs.
Moving forward, OP will continue to take the pulse of our students to assess their needs and pivot accordingly. Our commitment to a student-centric approach will ensure that we use the funds we’ve secured to the best of our abilities and that every student receives the precise resources they need to flourish.
Are you passionate about empowering the next generation of OP Scholars? Connect with us! OP welcomes your involvement. Reach out to opportunity@skidmored.edu and become part of something remarkable.
2023-24 Events and Programming
Check out what we’ve been up to! Here’s the lowdown on all the latest awesome OP happenings.
OP has had a fantastic academic year filled with exciting events and accomplishments! We launched our programming for the fall semester with two exciting programs: the Other 4.0: IYKYK Workshop and another installment of our ever-popular vision board gathering.
The vision board activity once again helped students brainstorm goals and dreams for the year ahead, while The Other 4.0 focused on providing advice for students navigating their college journey and hidden strategies for college success beyond just grades. The programs were an amazing burst of positivity to help get the semester started on the right foot.
During September, we also launched our monthly OP Lunch series — always a student favorite! — to give the entire OP community a chance to share some delicious meals and fuel their bodies and minds. Consistently some of our best attended events, these lunches are filled with good times, laughter, and succulent treats!
As we moved further into fall, students showed off their artistic side at our October pumpkin painting event. The OP Lounge exploded with art supplies and creativity, and we saw some incredibly impressive and funny pumpkins. Following up on the fun vibes of this event, our OP Scholars Leader, Andi Ramirez ‘24, hosted an OP movie night for students to get together for some mid-semester decompressing.
In November, we brought back another of our hit programs from the past, and students got the chance to learn new skills and enjoy delicious food during a fresh “Cooking with Kelli” session! The students were so thrilled with what they learned that they pressured Kelli into a second event a few weeks later, and “Baking with Kelli” was born!
We finished out the fall semester with side-by-side events: Finals Study Day Workspace provided a quiet place for students to tackle their final assignments, while Stress Relief Activities in the OP Lounge offered relaxing crafts, stress-relief toys, and snacks to give students a chance to unwind and refocus.
The fall semester was a whirlwind of fun and productivity, and spring is following suit. With FAFSA looming especially large for everyone this year, our first event of the spring was a partnership with the Skidmore Financial Aid Office to support students as they worked through the process. Financial Aid staff members were wonderfully helpful as they provided insightful assistance for students exploring the new platform. We also addressed some important next steps for graduating seniors through our “Table Talk: Graduation, Now What?” workshop. OP Partnered with the Black Student Union to present a conversation between Assistant Directors of Admissions Xiara Colon and Tiffany Kapela-Barlow ’19 and Tisch Director Njeri Jennings at the Tang Teaching Museum about survival strategies for transitioning from college to the professional world.
Leading up to spring break, we put the spotlight on our Class of 2026 as its deadline for major declaration drew near. Our Major Declaration Party turned a potentially stressful hurdle into a celebratory bash! In the OP lounge, students found themselves surrounded by snacks, music, and grab bags full of goodies as they gathered final signatures for their declaration forms. We wanted a party to acknowledge this huge step in their academic journey, and it was a smashing success!
Ohio-based OP students supported by the Kettering Program went on a trip to Philadelphia for a weekend whirlwind of culture and delicious food. They had a jam-packed schedule of cultural attractions, including the African American Museum, where powerful exhibits chronicled Black experiences in America, and Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, which offered a fascinating look Jewish experiences and immigration stories. Hungry from all that learning, students dove headfirst into Reading Terminal Market and a number of local restaurants featuring Mexican and Soul Food offerings. The blend of cultural exploration and culinary delights made it a weekend to remember.
We also kicked off some ongoing community-building events, including a Mentor-Mentee Mixer for the OP Mentoring Program and a new iteration of the OP Book Club running through the spring. Students and staff alike have been having great experiences sharing experiences and learning from each other.
We’re looking forward to finishing out the 2023-24 academic year strong, and we’re busy readying a suite of programs to send off our Class of 2024 and welcome our incoming Class of 2028!
OP Student Spotlight
OP is all about our amazing students. Get ready to be wowed by all that they’re up to on campus and beyond!
Cynthia Salas ’25
My name is Cynthia Salas. I am a first-generation college student from Queens, New York, but I grew up embracing and surrounded by my parents' Mexican culture. I am a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business.
While in high school, I was enrolled in SEO Scholars. At SEO I was given a personal mentor to support me through the college application process. My mentor had graduated from Skidmore College, Class of 2019. Learning about her journey and experience at Skidmore influenced my decision to apply. Once I got accepted into Skidmore, my decision to enroll was due to the financial and academic support I would receive from both the S3M program and the Opportunity Program.
I’m currently embarking on a semester abroad in Barcelona. At Skidmore, I enjoy being involved all across campus. Last semester, I held two on-campus jobs: one as the office assistant of the Opportunity Program, and the other as the social media manager for the Business Department.
This summer, I am excited to announce that I will be interning with Deloitte through its “Discovery Intern Tax” program. After graduating from Skidmore College in May 2025, I plan to pursue a master’s in accounting to meet the 150-credit requirement necessary for completing my CPA exam.
Matthew Olivos ’26
My name is Matthew, and I am a sophomore at Skidmore from Brooklyn, New York. I am a first-generation Mexican-American with my mom coming from Tlaxcala and my dad coming from Puebla. I ended up at Skidmore because it was far enough away to get out of my comfort zone but also close enough to home. When I first got accepted into the Opportunity Program and realized I had to take summer courses, I have to admit I was quite nervous. However, the experience turned out to be incredibly valuable, and I met so many amazing people who are now my friends.
In terms of academics, I’m majoring in international affairs and minoring in environmental studies, French, and Latin American studies. I’m fascinated by international affairs because it allows me to understand how political, economic, cultural, and physical systems shape global interactions. I’m also interested in keeping up with current events and their future ramifications. Looking ahead, I aspire to work as a diplomat in an embassy or contribute to environmental advocacy by working for an environmental organization.
Outside of the classroom, I’m actively involved in various clubs and organizations. I’ve served as Raíces’ outreach coordinator, connecting people and encouraging participation in events. Additionally, this semester I’ve taken up the role of Secretary, keeping members informed about upcoming events and opportunities. I love organizing events for the Hispanic/Latin American community to create a welcoming space that feels like home. I also enjoy attending events hosted by other clubs such as Hayat and the International Student Union.
When I’m not busy with school or extracurriculars, I’ll sometimes make artwork, with charcoal and water being my favorite mediums. I also really love skating, both on ice and wheels — even though I may not be the best at either! To unwind, I love playing board games and spending time with my friends.
Victor Mina ’26
My name is Victor Mina. From childhood, sports not only shaped my identity but also sparked a passion for physical therapy, fueled by overcoming sports injuries. At Skidmore, I confronted initial academic challenges and imposter syndrome head-on, resulting in a notable improvement in grades and a position as a teacher's assistant in biology.
My ambitions, however, stretch beyond classroom achievements. I'm eagerly looking forward to University at Buffalo's CLIMB UP research program this summer, where I'll immerse myself in exercise physiology research. Being part of this program is a crucial step towards my dream of being a physical therapist, where I can blend my love for sports with a desire to heal and inspire others.
Andi Ramirez ’24
My name is Andi Ramirez. I am from Dallas, Texas, and I am a first-generation student.
I was excited to venture to Skidmore and eager for new experiences and opportunities. At Skidmore, I found my passions and interests, which lead me to pursue a business-Spanish double major, an international affairs minor, and be part of various organizations. An essential part of my experience here at Skidmore has been my involvement in the Opportunity Program. The Opportunity Program has been a platform that has helped me channel and encourage my dedication to service. I’ve enjoyed working all across campus while organizing events with Raíces, OP’s Mentoring Program, and Senior Gift.
After graduation, I am considering going to graduate school to get a master’s in hospitality. I just recently received my acceptance for NYU’s Hospitality Program!
Jeremiah Mulumbi ’25
Hi there! My name is Jeremiah Mulumbi, and I am an international junior from Uganda. I have to say, my journey at Skidmore College has been amazing so far. I initially came to Skidmore to study physics. However, I found myself intrigued by the endless possibilities in the world of computer science, which prompted a switch in my major midway through my sophomore year. This was a hard decision, as I grew up wanting to do physics, but I believe that computer science reflects my passion for problem-solving and innovation. I am looking forward to making a tangible impact in the tech industry.
Beyond academics, I find immense joy in a variety of interests and hobbies. Among them, I particularly enjoy playing sports, with basketball and boxing being my favorites. Sports have always been a significant part of my life as they are a source of relaxation and clarity for me. Moreover, I love to play chess as it challenges me to think critically as well as plan ahead. I also love taking photos, especially of nature. It rejuvenates me to immerse myself in scenic landscapes, capture candid moments with friends, and preserve memories through photography — something that my mother taught me.
Additionally, I value engagement in campus life and actively participate in various clubs and community initiatives. I've been involved in a range of clubs such as Ujima, the International Student Union (ISU), Skidmore Codes Club, Chess Club, and more. However, one of my favorites is the African Heritage Awareness club (AHA), which focuses on educating and promoting understanding of different parts of Africa. Serving as treasurer on the election board, I enjoyed directly contributing to event planning and educating others about Africa to dispel misconceptions.
Looking ahead, my aspirations are ambitious yet grounded in purpose. I'm passionate about addressing societal needs, with plans to create an app that supports people with ADHD by providing constant reminders to help them stay on track with their tasks. Overall, I am looking to utilize my technical expertise to create innovative solutions that positively impact individuals and society as a whole. I am thankful for Skidmore and the Opportunity Program for supporting me along the way.
OP Staff Updates
Catch up with our OP Staff and get the latest news from the last year.
Kelli Rouse, director, used the fall semester to focus on the compilation of the 2024-2029 HEOP Grant RFP. It was also important to continue to meet with OP scholars on a one-on-one basis to make sure their needs were being met. We also found a little time for the “Cooking with Kelli” and “Baking with Kelli” series, which taught students a few culinary tricks and served up some delicious bites. During the spring semester, Kelli focused on planning a trip to Philadelphia for our Kettering Scholars, making sure the senior OP Class of 2024 — our only OP cohort to have a fully remote Summer Academic Institute experience — has a good send-off, and serving on two hiring committees focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Also in the spring, Kelli was featured in an article on the Skidmore website that highlighted her work as an advocate for students. She is looking forward to a professional development opportunity that will allow her to travel to Copenhagen, Sweden, to learn more about universal design within the realm of DEI work.
Travis Strattion, assistant director for student outreach, has had a fulfilling first year with OP, with his recruitment and outreach work profoundly impacting him by highlighting the immense talent and aspirations of students striving to make a difference. Through high school visits, college fairs, and engagements with community-based organizations, he had the privilege of encountering numerous exceptional individuals with ambitious dreams and untapped potential. These interactions have underscored the importance of providing equitable opportunities and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds in pursuing their educational goals. Witnessing their enthusiasm, resilience, and determination reinforces his commitment to advocating for inclusive access to higher education and for programs like the Opportunity Program. He has found it truly inspiring to witness the transformative impact that programs like Skidmore OP can have in empowering students to achieve their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Meghan Navarro, coordinator of student success and retention, has had a great year in her new role as an assistant director, advising more OP scholars and adding the responsibility of supervising the OP scholars leader. Meghan has also been leading a search to fill a vacancy in the office, an Academic Counselor & STEM Advisor, which is wrapping up soon and will add another exciting responsibility and venture to her role and the office. Meghan recently attended a regional National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) conference in Atlantic City and thoroughly enjoyed learning from other professionals in the field about various advising topics including first-year seminars, the impact of language, and attentiveness to mental health. Personally, Meghan is looking forward to a two-week road trip down the east coast before heading into planning and execution of the OP Summer Academic Institute.
Devin Madkin, administrative assistant, celebrated her seventh year working for the Opportunity Program in March 2024. She continues to maintain the everyday office responsibilities, financial responsibilities, marketing, and social media. The beginning of the semester is always the busiest for Devin dealing with book and supply card charges, reimbursements, hiring new work study students, collecting receipts for an audit, marketing for events, planning OP lunches, and planning the OP General Body Meeting. When Devin isn’t in the office, she is spending time with family and friends and traveling.
Adam Evans, learning associate for humanities/social sciences, had a great fall teaching his academic writing courses and kept busy through the spring supporting students with their writing across the curriculum. During the fall, Adam also played a key role in writing and editing a vital HEOP grant, which will ensure continued financial assistance to our students for the next five years. While bittersweet about seeing this year's graduating seniors depart, Adam is immensely proud of their accomplishments. He is excited to witness the impact they will make on the world and looks forward to staying connected with them as they embark on the next chapter of their journeys. Outside of the office, Adam spent plenty of time hanging with his family and snuck in a couple fishing trips to Montana and Florida.
Alumni News
OP Alumni, please reach out! We want to hear from you!
We love getting exciting news from our alumni across the globe. Once a part of the OP family, always a part of the OP family! If you’d like to be featured in an Alumni Spotlight, get in touch!
Alumni Spotlight: Bao Feng ’21
My name is Bao, and I am a first-generation student who graduated from Skidmore in 2021. I was born in China but lived most of my life in Costa Rica. While at Skidmore, my dream had always been to pursue a career in medicine and become a physician. From day one, I committed to the pre-med path and fell in love with the sciences, which led me to pursue a major in Biology and later a minor in Chemistry.
However, the path to medicine was not as easy as I thought, especially with regard to gaining admission to medical school. I was devastated by the outcome of my first medical school application, which ended with no acceptance.
Although I did not get into medical school, I did not give up. Following my graduation, I ended up pursuing a Research Associate role at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. For the past few years, I devoted myself to learning about cancer research and what it takes to develop new cancer treatments. In my role, I particularly focus on using CRISPR gene editing technology to discover new drug targets against different types of cancers. My work has revealed novel targets that can be exploited against lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer. I am excited that these results will be published in a scientific journal in the near future and will provide new insight into the field of cancer research.
Through this role, I learned the importance of incorporating research into my future career as a physician, and it has inspired me to become a physician-scientist. Following my re-application to medical school this past cycle, I was offered admission to various medical school programs. Although my initial plan did not work out, I am grateful for my experience as a Research Associate. It made me realize my passion for helping cancer patients. As an aspiring oncologist, my hope is to use research as a means to bring hope to those patients who are suffering from incurable cancer. For the next four years, I will be working toward my goal.
Alumni Interest Form
The Opportunity Program is excited to have our alumni connect with current students, and there are multiple ways to get involved. Please check out our Alumni Interest Form to complete a short survey regarding ways you might be interested in engaging current OP students.
Alumni Engagement Network
As always, we continue to build our LinkedIn network to connect Skidmore OP students, alumni, and staff. If you’re on LinkedIn, please join the group and get connected!
