Skidmore honors the contributions of many
Citing the "power of individual action when yoked to a common purpose," Skidmore President Philip A. Glotzbach set the tone for the "Creative Thought Bold Promise" gala celebration on campus Saturday, Oct. 16. The nearly 500 people in attendance were recognized - some individually - for their generosity and work on behalf of the College over the six-year campaign.
Saturday's celebration took place near and in the most visible marker of the campaign's success: the Arthur Zankel Music Center, which was officially dedicated during the evening.
At dinner preceding the dedication concert, which featured acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax, a personal friend of Arthur Zankel, the efforts of the many people who contributed to the campaign's success were recognized. As part of Skidmore's annual Celebration Weekend, the campaign festivities also included the naming of the Williamson Sports Center, dedications of other named spaces, and thank-yous to campaign leaders and volunteers. Click here to see a photo gallery of the weekend's highlights.
Glotzbach emphasized that the power of individuals yoked to a common purpose is "part of Skidmore's communal DNA," noting that founder Lucy Skidmore Scribner realized her vision of starting a school for young women by engaging others. Engaging others for the benefit of Skidmore happens often, he said, and the result is often "gloriously creative ideas" that are "bold, practical, and rooted in a desire to make a real, material difference in the world, and conceived to serve the needs of others, the needs of community."
Campaign co-chairs Sara Lee Schupf '62, Wilma "Billie" Stein Tisch '48, and Susan Kettering Williamson '59 were honored and, in their turn, led the honoring of others. Williamson thanked the past and current alumni board presidents for their support of the campaign. Tisch said the Campaign Executive Committee (14 alumni, parents, and faculty members) exemplified "one of the great strengths of our college, and that is our commitment to the notion of community and the importance of each of us taking seriously our responsibility to that community." Schupf introduced the new members of the Parnassus Society, "Skidmore's highest circle of giving." And the leadership of both President Glotzbach and Marie Glotzbach was roundly applauded.
By its close last June, "Creative Thought Bold Promise" had surpassed its $200 million goal, raising more than $216 million in endowment, operating funds, and capital gifts from some 18,000 donors.
Click here to read the Fall 2010 Scope magazine story on the campaign.
