Annual Alumni Awards
One of the most gratifying experiences of being a Skidmore alumna/us is the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of one of our own. The Alumni Association Board of Directors actively seeks to identify alumni who deserve to be recognized for their service to Skidmore and personal and professional achievements. If you know a Skidmore alumna/us who meets the criteria for one of these awards (see below), we’d like to hear from you. Learn more about the 2022 Recipients.
Nominations for 2023 Awards are now open. The deadline for nominations is Friday,
November 4, 2022.
The nomination process at the bottom of this page includes questions that should be answered as thoroughly and thoughtfully as possible. Your nomination remarks should include as much explanation for nominating the person(s) for an award as you can provide (e.g., candidate's strengths, honors, accomplishments, and/or connection to Skidmore). Personal anecdotes are encouraged. Copies of resumés and lists of exhibits, performances, and/or publications are also encouraged and should be emailed after a nomination is submitted to Megan Mercier in the Office of Alumni Affairs & College Events. All nominations are confidential and will not be shared outside the committee until the Board reviews the committee’s recommendations. At that time, award winners will be personally notified.
Creative thought still matters, and you can help us make creative thought happen by recognizing your fellow Skidmore alumni today.
The Creative Thought Matters Award of Distinction
Recognizes an alumna/us who has made a demonstrated contribution through innovation and/or creation of a fresh approach that inspires or enlightens the lives of others and contributes to the greater good. This contribution may have been made in the scope of the award winner’s career, community work, government or volunteer service. Throughout Skidmore’s history, the College has challenged itself to make no small plans — to make no ordinary choices — and this award recognizes an alumna/us who purposely demonstrates this belief in his or her life and work. Five years must have passed since the recipient graduated from Skidmore and the winner must return to campus to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 1-4, 2023).
The Distinguished Achievement Award
Honors one alumna/us graduated at least ten years who has translated her or his Skidmore experience into distinguished achievement through professional work and/or community service. The recipient must return to campus to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 1-4, 2023).
The Alumni Association Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award
Honors a member of the Skidmore community who has, through exemplary personal and/or professional leadership, demonstrated a commitment to the values of a diverse and inclusive world. The recipient must return to campus to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 1-4, 2023).
The Jacqueline Jung ’61 Lifetime Service Award
Honors one or more members of the Skidmore community who have demonstrated exceptional service to the College over the course of their lifetime. Each recipient must have served Skidmore for at least twenty-five years as an alumna/alumnus, trustee, faculty member, administrator, staff member, parent or friend. Alumni recipients may be a member of any class, however, preference is given to those in celebrating reunion classes. Previous award winners are eligible to receive this award. If they are able, the recipient must return to campus to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 1-4, 2023). (Read Jacki's story.)
The Outstanding Service Award
Honors up to five members of the Skidmore community who have demonstrated outstanding service to the College. Each recipient must have served Skidmore for at least ten years as an alumna/alumnus, trustee, faculty member, administrator, staff member, parent or friend. Alumni recipients must be members of a celebrating reunion class (classes that end in 3 or 8). The recipient must return to campus to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 1-4, 2023).
50th Reunion Service Award
Honors one member of the 50th Reunion Class (Class of 1973) who has demonstrated outstanding service to the College. The recipient must return to campus to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 1-4, 2023).
The Joseph C. Palamountain Award for Young Alumni Achievement
Honors one alumna/us graduated one to ten years who has utilized her or his Skidmore education in a quest for excellence demonstrated by personal achievement. The recipient must have a continuing concern for the Skidmore community and must return to campus to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 1-4, 2023).
The David H. Porter Award for Young Alumni Service
Honors one alumna/us graduated one to ten years and who has demonstrated outstanding service to the College. Service may be evidenced through a variety of forms. The recipient must return to campus to accept the award during the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 1-4, 2023).