Skidmore College - Scope Magazine Fall 2018

16 SCOPE FALL 2018 It’s official: Last fall Skidmore publicly launched its Creating Our Future fundraising campaign. Toward the goal of $200 million by May 2020, more than $169 million is already in hand, thanks to nearly 22,000 donors so far. The launch celebration was part of the annual New York City gathering of the Presi- dents Society for leadership donors. “Creativity is at Skidmore’s core,” says President Philip Glotzbach, explaining that the campaign will support that mis- sion directly. Mentored by the excellent teacher-scholars of the faculty, “our students are putting creative thought to work more than ever: winning prestigious fellowships, enrolling in the finest graduate schools and securing career-building first jobs.” Glotzbach sees the creativity that “ties us together as a campus community and alumni network” as a key driver of the campaign’s success in supporting and enhancing the Skidmore learning experience. The cornerstone of the campaign is the construction of the Center for Integrated Sciences, bringing all of Skidmore’s physi- cal and life sciences departments—where nearly 100 faculty members and more than a third of students focus their work— into one building designed to foster collaborations across these and other disciplines. Construction began last May, and this year’s Celebration Weekend, Oct. 18–21, will feature a formal CIS groundbreaking, to mark what Glotzbach calls “a water- shed moment in Skidmore’s history, extending its reputation for curricular creativity and innovation in the sciences.” SCIENTIFIC ADVANCES “The Center for Inte- grated Sciences will give students and fac- ulty access to cutting- edge technology and pedagogical tools and create a space in which intellectual passion and curiosity will be encouraged to roam freely across disciplinary boundar- ies,” said President Philip Glotzbach in remarks to more than 100 trustees, faculty, students and staff who gathered in May to mark the beginning of construction on Skidmore’s new CIS— a major milestone for Creating Our Future: The Campaign for Skidmore. Chemist Kelly Sheppard and historian Erica Bastress-Dukehart, faculty speakers at the event, noted the importance of a facil- ity that will catalyze even more creativity and collaboration on campus. Bastress- Dukehart said, “We are, at heart, a com- munity of makers. We are curious, inven- tive and hungry to collaborate. Some of the best learning hap- pens when students from all disciplines lean across tables to explore, share and experiment with new ideas.” C A M P A I G N Y E A R I N R E V I E W 2 0 1 8 In addition to funding the CIS, the campaign will expand resources for students to undertake internships, collaborative research and other experiential learning that prepares them for successful careers; increase financial aid to help deserving stu- dents from all backgrounds afford a Skidmore education and to enrich campus life and learning; strengthen the Tang Museum’s capacities for creative exploration; improve athletics facilities and programs; and boost support for the annual Skidmore Fund, which helps underwrite all college operations. Celebra- tion Weekend will include a visit by renowned paleontologist Neil Shubin, the dedication of the new Valentine Boathouse for men’s and women’s crew and other campaign-related events for faculty, staff, students, local alumni, families and friends. The 2017–18 giving year was a goal-breaking and record- setting one for the campaign. Family members of the graduat- ing seniors raised more than $1.3 million toward the overall Parents Fund—a new record in the 17-year history of the senior- family fundraising effort. The Class of 2018 itself rallied to set its own record: a 94.9 percent participation rate in the Senior Gift Fund. Participation among alumni rose across the board, including by members of the Presidents Society and by the consecutive-year donors of the 1903 Society. Reunion giving capped the year by bringing in more than $10 million, thanks to 1,600 alumni donors and 200 alumni volunteers. To learn more about the Center for Integrated Sciences or other Creating Our Future priorities, visit skidmore.edu/cof. Chris Massa; ; rendering: courtesy of Payette architects CAMPAIGN COMPREHENSIVE