Welcoming Skidmore’s Class of 2027
With engaging orientation programs and ceremonial tributes to an already accomplished group of students, Skidmore College is welcoming 738 members of the Class of 2027 for the 2023-24 academic year.
The first-year students, along with 23 new transfer students, were officially welcomed to the Skidmore community during New Student Convocation on Sunday, Sept. 3.
At the ceremony, President Marc Conner and community leaders, including Tommy Davis of Saratoga Springs’ Frederick Allen Lodge, shared words of wisdom with the students, who come from 35 states and the District of Columbia, and are citizens of 25 countries.
“All of you have accomplished remarkable things to make it here,” Skidmore’s new vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and financial aid, Jessica Ricker, said at the ceremony.
Above all, you are a wonderfully talented, brilliant, and distinct group of young adults. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome you to Skidmore, and I hope you never forget what this moment feels like.”
Jessica Ricker, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and financial aid
About 60% of the class — 448 students — arrived at Skidmore on Thursday, Aug. 31, for Skidmore’s pre-orientation programs, which offered experiences ranging from opportunities to explore downtown Saratoga Springs and participate in civic engagement, to whitewater rafting expeditions and hiking trips in the Adirondack Mountains.
Another 33 students are spending their first semester in London as part of a Skidmore academic program. They departed for London earlier in August and will return to campus next semester.
First-year students also participated in a series of orientation programs organized by Skidmore’s First-Year Experience program. A hallmark of the program is its rich variety of multidisciplinary Scribner Seminars, ranging this year from The Business of Food, taught by Associate Professor of Management Caroline D'Abate, to Stress and the Human Brain, led by Associate Professor of Neuroscience Sarita Lagalwar. Classes for all students began Wednesday, Sept. 6.
The incoming class is as diverse as it is engaged. A fifth of the students speak a first language other than English; they range from Arabic to Vietnamese.
Skids helps first-year students feel at home on move-in day.
“Some of you are beekeepers, bagpipers, and barrel racers. Among you are also podcasters, punk rock researchers, and event pre-professional ballerinas,” Ricker said. “You are passionate and committed – to antiracism, environmental action, and mental health and wellness. We cherish your range of lived experiences and the distinct perspectives you will bring to our community.”
27% self-identify as domestic students of color, and 12% are the first in their families to go to college.
Rachel Roe-Dale, director of the First-Year Experience and professor of mathematics, addressed the class on behalf of Skidmore’s faculty.
“Be curious, explore, and step outside of your comfort zone,” Roe-Dale said. “Now more than ever our world needs well-rounded, engaged citizens to tackle big issues like climate change and artificial intelligence that reinforce the value of the liberal arts education you have committed to at Skidmore.”
