Club do’s

Albany Capital District. Club members enjoyed a November performance by legendary folk musician Arlo Guthrie at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Before the concert, club president Susan Geary ’99 arranged for cocktails across the street at Daisy Baker’s. • This year’s holiday party was held at Skidmore’s Tang Museum, where 130 guests toured the exhibits, learned the latest college news, and enjoyed a cappella singing by the Dynamics. The evening’s raffle raised $109 for the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council.

Boston. Co-president Keirnan Conroy Klosek ’95 got a group together for a dueling piano show at Jake Ivory’s in November. Great music and talent made for a happy crowd. • In December area alumni gathered at the Boston Rock Gym to learn the basics of rock climbing, indoors. Thanks to Janine Geller ’01 for arranging the climbing tutorials. • Matthew Rosenfield ’97 organized a successful winter gathering for some 100 young alumni, current students, and guests, who enjoyed cocktails and conversation at the Caveau Wine Bar & Bistro.

Cape Cod. For the second year, a lovely luncheon was held at the Old Yarmouth Inn, where a private room and delicious food encouraged the 30-plus attendees to mix and mingle. • In January students Mike Meguer-dichian ’02 and Lindsay Peterson ’02 joined Meg Sheldon ’01 and Gen Mack ’01 in sharing first-hand experiences of “Skidmore Today” for a group of alumni and parents. • Prof. Mary Stange (religion, women’s studies) spoke on “The Problem with Holy Wars: Lessons to Be Learned from September 11” and inspired an interesting discussion. Thanks to organizers Mary Avery Gessner ’58 and Margi Bishop Maynard ’57.

Cleveland. Club president Joel Bressler ’82 invited Prof. Regis Brodie (art) to the Nature Center in Shaker Heights in September. Everyone enjoyed a continental breakfast overlooking the grounds and heard Brodie’s presentation on the creative process. Afterward, participants roamed the center’s six natural habitats, observation decks, and more.

Colorado. In January Profs. Michael Arnush and Leslie Mechem (classics) presented “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus: Love Letters from Antiquity” to alumni from several East Coast colleges who were gathered at the Colorado College for a Day program. Thanks to Betty Serotta ’54 for organizing Skidmore’s part in this event.

Florida: Naples and Sarasota. In January both clubs enjoyed a history lesson with Prof. Mary Lynn (American studies), author of Make No Small Plans: A History of Skidmore College. Several in the audience recognized themselves in photos from the college archives. Thanks to Naples organizer Betty Eastman Peyton ’39 and Sarasota organizers Ann Trainer Williams ’53 and Sibyl Rinquist Connollly ’50.

Florida: Palm Beach and Vero Beach. When Prof. Regis Brodie (art) met with two alumni clubs in November to discuss his work, he also contributed artworks for silent auctions, part of whose proceeds went to the United Way’s September 11th Fund in the name of each club. Thanks to organizers Connie Talcott Smith ’63 , Gregg Denhoffer ’82, and Terry Tiffany Sullivan ’62.

Florida: Sarasota. Joan Benninger Nixon ’57 hosted a November reception for Skidmore-Dartmouth couples, who had a wonderful evening of reminiscing—and touting of their own institutions!

Hartford. When President Emeritus David Porter agreed to launch a speakers series at Trinity College on Virginia Woolf’s Hogarth Press, he stipulated that area Skidmoreans be invited to attend. Many of his friends and former students came out to hear their favorite orator and punster. • Guests at a holiday party got a behind-the-scenes look at the New Britain Museum of American Art while it was closed to the public. The 60 guests took in the museum’s permanent collection and a display of paintings from the Chase family private collection. President Jamienne S. Studley delivered college news and greetings. Thanks to Marge O’Meara Storrs ’57 for coordinating the event. • In February alumni and parents were treated to an evening of laughter with improv comedians including Wayne Brady of the hit TV show Whose Line is it Anyway?

Hawaii. In January alumni and prospective students gathered in Waimea and Honolulu for college updates from President Jamienne S. Studley and discussions about Skidmore’s admissions process. Mahalo to organizers Joanie Lang Dayton ’63 and Jan Luke Loo ’72.

New York City. Kayne Rourke ’95 rounded up seats for the popular U.S. Open tennis tournament. • In September, some 100 alumni and friends enjoyed a performance by the New York City Opera of Mozart’s The Magic Flute—from center orchestra seats, thanks to organizer Ronnie Zolondek Bramesco ’63. • In October, over fine desserts at an elegant club, Prof. Henry Galant (government, emeritus) charmed the group with his talk on Skidmore through the decades. Carolyn Brown Straker ’59 was the mastermind behind this delightful event. • What better way to celebrate the holidays than a performance of the Nutcracker ballet! Michelle Miller Anderson ’92 coordinated the ballet outing for some 60 club members. Also, a group of young alumni spread holiday cheer at a happy hour at the Town Crier in midtown Manhattan, organized by Graeme Campbell ’98. • In January, President Jamienne S. Studley and the Bandersnatchers were the special guests at a cocktail reception at the Griffis Faculty Club. Carolyn Straker ’59 helped coordinate the event.

Philadelphia. Close to 70 people enjoyed a holiday treat: brunch, a lecture by Prof. James Kettlewell (art, emeritus), and a tour of the magnificent Winterthur estate. Thanks to organizer Joe Napolitano ’85 and wife Lisa.

Portland. In November, President Jamienne S. Studley met an intimate group at Portland’s very own “White House,” for cocktails and a lively discussion of happenings back at Skidmore.

San Francisco. Club co-president Michele Forte ’90 opened her home to more than 40 alumni for a festive, spirited holiday party. • In February, Prof. Mary Stange (religion, women’s studies) spoke on “The Problem with Holy Wars: Lessons to Be Learned from September 11” and engaged the attendees in a follow-up discussion.

Saratoga Springs. The 16th annual Junior Admissions Workshop took place at Skidmore in January. More than 125 students and parents toured the campus, attended a class, participated in a mock interview, and learned what to include in a college application.

Schenectady. In October club president Nancy Coull Erdoes ’66 hosted a lecture at the Schenectady library. Profs. Michael Arnush and Leslie Mechem (classics) discussed “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus: Love Letters from Antiquity” and led a lively Q & A session.

Seattle. Nearly 40 alumni gathered at the elegant Sorrento Hotel to meet President Jamienne S. Studley for a reception in November. Club president Maritza Rivera ’91 encouraged the strong turnout and recruited some new volunteers.

Washington, D.C. Brittany Hoff ’93 and Amy Drapeau ’96 organized a fall get-together at Stetsons, a neighborhood hangout. Close to 30 young alumni gathered to play some pool and see who else has relocated to D.C. • To celebrate the holiday season, the club joined with alumni groups from Union, Hamilton, and Albany Medical College at the historic Dacor Bacon House, where a merry time was had by all.

Westchester. Gracious hosts, great food, and the Skidmore Bandersnatchers enticed more than 60 alumni to spend a leisurely December Sunday at the home of Richard and Sandy Berk Jacoby ’66.

Worcester. In October, Nancy Tessein Stine ’64 opened her home to guidance counselors and high-school juniors and seniors interested in applying to Skidmore. Alumni and friends shared their college experiences.

—Compiled by Kirstin O’Rielly Drabek ’94,
Associate Director of Alumni Affairs

Want club info?

Jo Leach Lewis ’57, the alumni board’s chair of alumni clubs, serves as liaison among regional club officers, the alumni board, and the college.

She welcomes questions and input at jlewis124@aol.com or 415-456-2103.