Skidmore College - Scope Magazine Fall 2018

1 SKIDMORE COLLEGE On the cover: Artistic physician Mike Natter ’08 uses his humanities back- ground in his science career. (Photo by Todd France ’89) See page 19. Creative Thought Matters Fall 2018 Contents Year in Review Class Notes 2–17 Paul Simon, pig farming, students interviewing artists, Beatlemore, museum news, and more 30 A full batch of alumni news, from travels to jobs to new babies (the latest notes are posted online at alumni.skidmore.edu/classnotes) Christopher Massa SCOPE FALL 2018 Vice President for Communications and Marketing Martin Mbugua Director of News and Media Relations Diane O’Connor Managing Editor Susan Rosenberg Editor James Helicke Class Notes Editor Mary Monigan Design Blake Dinsdale, Mike Sylvia Skidmore College Switchboard: 518-580-5000 Alumni Relations: 518-580-5670 Admissions: 518-580-5570 Scope is published by The Office of Communications and Marketing Skidmore College 815 North Broadway 518-580-5733 www.skidmore.edu/scope When Marie and I joined the Skidmore community 15 years ago, we were impressed by its focus on creativity, welcoming atti- tude, and forward-looking spirit. Those qualities remain at the heart of all we do. We have seen impressive change. From the comprehensive First-Year Experience of learning together in small, supportive seminars to senior-year capstones and thesis proj- ects, students are engaging in intellectual exploration and self-reflection that integrate their learning in and out of the classroom. New interdisciplinary majors and minors have developed: from arts administration to neuroscience, to media and film studies (in conjunction with theMoore Documentary Studies Collaborative), to the first intergroup-relations minor in the U.S. Some 60 percent of our students study abroad, placing Skidmore near the top among American colleges. Increased funding for summer internships and hands-on, intensive learning allows more students to afford career-building experiences. The demographics of our student body, faculty, and senior leadership has changed, and this diversity makes us stronger. By increasing financial aid, attracting more U.S. students of color, recruiting more international students, and devising new opportunities for cross- cultural interactions, we are making our campus more pluralistic and welcoming to all. The faculty also recently approved a revised and re-imagined general education curriculum that embraces this diversity. In a world of complex interactions and sometimes disorienting change, success requires creativity, nimble- ness of mind, and the ability to draw upon the broadest range of perspectives. Creative thought matters means not only ideas, but action. With roots in Skidmore’s mind- and-hand legacy, our commitment to bridging theoretical and applied learning represents the best path for graduat- ing thoughtful problem-solvers, skilled communicators, and global citizens. Building a rich campus living and learning environ- ment is a top priority. Our attractive residential and dining spaces motivate more upperclass students to live on campus. Solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy now powers many buildings, and sustainability programs—from composting to bike-shar- ing —bring together students, faculty, and staff. We are expanding athletics, and fitness opportunities are expand- ing, from lunch-hour fitness classes to the new Valentine Boathouse. SaratogaArtsFest, Skidmore Cares, Saratoga Reads, and other programs, have enhanced the College’s connec- tion with the broader community. Our most ambitious construction proj- ect yet—the Center for Integrated Sciences —reflects the crucial role of science in our lives. Whether navigating big data or managing instant global media, understanding climate and energy issues or shaping the ethics of biomedical innovation, science literacy is essential for any informed, responsible citizen. To support the increasing number of students who now major in the sciences and to increase science literacy for all our students, we have designed a transformative, 21st-century facility. The CIS will foster new collabora- tions among disciplines and connect them with other areas of the College. Phase I construction has begun. But even more impressive than its bricks and equipment will be the deepened understanding and the generation of new knowledge among the students and faculty members working there together. Financing the CIS and other important initia- tives is a substantial challenge, but it is one we have embraced. Our Creative Thought — Bold Promise campaign, which finished in 2010, made possible the remarkable Arthur Zankel Music Center and Sussman Village. Today, our Creating Our Future campaign is raising funds for the CIS, increased financial aid, and other priorities. I invite the entire Skidmore community —alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends —to unite in bringing this campaign to a successful conclusion in 2020. Even more importantly, I call upon our entire Skidmore family to rededicate ourselves to developing the bright, ambitious young people who are the leaders for tomorrow our world so desperately needs. Helping them fulfill their promise represents our greatest achievement. —Philip A. Glotzbach F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T