Winter 2000

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Contents

On Campus

Sports

Books

People

Alumni Affairs
and Development

Class Notes

Your alumni board:
An introduction and overview

by Beverly Harrison Miller '67, Alumni Association President

I’d guess that while some Skidmore graduates know there is an alumni board of directors, far fewer know what the board does. So here is a brief primer. First, every Skidmore graduate is a member of the alumni association–some 25,000 strong and growing. The alumni association is led by its board of directors, which has adopted the following mission statement (revised in fall 1999):

The mission of the Skidmore College Alumni Association Board of Directors is to govern the association, facilitate the implementation of its vision statement, and define the goals and objectives that will enhance the image, quality, and reputation of Skidmore College.

The Skidmore College Alumni Board is the primary representative body for all alumni and acts as an advocate for alumni opinions and needs. The board facilitates alumni volunteer recruitment and encourages the involvement of alumni with diverse talents in a variety of activities. The board assists the Skidmore College Board of Trustees, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Skidmore College faculty, and other partners to strengthen the College’s relationship with alumni. The board is a leader in alumni program development and in the fundraising and development efforts of the College.

The alumni board has 21 members, currently ranging from the Class of 1952 up to the Class of 1997. Two of the members are students. Four members, plus the board president, are also members of Skidmore’s board of trustees. (Incidentally, in a close comparison of the boards of similar institutions, we found that Skidmore is virtually unique in having joint alumni-trustee positions.)

Each year new board members are selected through a process that begins with a call for nominations from the entire alumni body. The nine-member Nominating Committee carefully reviews the credentials of those nominated, selects a slate of candidates for the open positions, and presents the slate to the board for approval.

The board formally meets three times a year in Saratoga: in the fall, winter, and spring. Many board members also come to reunions and commencements.

At present, five alumni-board working groups—outreach, giving/ developing a fundraising culture, volunteer development, strengthening the role and identity of the alumni board, and board effectiveness—are developing projects such as an official welcome to the alumni association for graduating seniors, helping various groups and clubs (e.g., the Sonneteers, nursing majors, athletic teams) to prepare mini-reunions, and other activities and services.

We always welcome comments from alumni: please send email to albd-list@skidmore.edu, or write to the board c/o Alumni Affairs Office, Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.