May 31, 2005
Dear Classmates,

Like many of us, I have reached the stage where I spend time reflecting on the path that I have taken and the experiences that shaped my life. More and more, I have come to realize that Skidmore had a tremendous impact on me. It wasn’t the courses I took or the books I read. It was the philosophy of the College. There was an underlying assumption that we could be or do anything we chose. I don’t recall anyone ever suggesting that there were careers that were inappropriate for women or that we should in any way limit our aspirations.

Five years after my graduation from Skidmore, I enrolled in the MBA program at Northeastern University . It seemed like a great idea to me. I had been a business major at Skidmore and after three years as a stay at home mom, the idea of going back to school had high appeal.

It never occurred to me that women didn’t pursue MBA’s back in the 60’s. I knew that many of the business schools didn’t admit women, but as a graduate of a women’s college I understood the concept of same sex institutions. When I walked into my first class, I was surprised to find that I was the only woman in the class, and that experience was repeated semester after semester. In fact, it wasn’t until my very last semester that I found another woman in the classroom. I earned my degree in 1971 in a class of 297 men and 3 women.

Why did I eagerly venture into an arena that was obviously not one that other women chose? Because it never occurred to me that it wasn’t an appropriate choice. I was prepared, I did well in my courses, I wanted a career in Business and an MBA was a prized credential. Four years at Skidmore doing things I never thought I could do in order to meet the expectations of people who just kept raising the bar, resulted in a level of confidence in my own abilities that led me to believe I could do it.

That confidence was my wonderful gift from Skidmore. I naturally want to give a nice gift in return to help someone else benefit from the Skidmore experience. I’m also planning to treat myself to my first Reunion ever in June. Hope to see you there.

Best,

Elaine Bresnahan Ironfield

A P.S. from headquarters: so far we have raised nearly $400,000 toward our goal of $500,000. Keep it comin’! Please take a moment to read the enclosed coupon – if we all pitch in and give a little more, we will have extra help to make our goal – it is within reach!