Annual Alumni Awards
One of the greatest privileges of being a Skidmore alum is celebrating the accomplishments of fellow graduates. The Alumni Association Board of Directors is seeking nominations for alumni who have made meaningful contributions to Skidmore or achieved distinction in their personal or professional lives. If you know someone who fits the criteria for one of our awards (see details below), please submit a nomination.
Learn more about the 2025 Recipients.
The deadline for submissions is November 7, 2025.
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 Krista Tangora in the Office of Alumni Engagement. 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 notified.
The Creative Thought Matters Award of Distinction
Honors a Skidmore graduate whose innovative, creative contributions to the greater
good inspire or enlighten the lives of others. Throughout Skidmore’s history, the
College has challenged itself to make no small plans, and this award recognizes an
individual who demonstrates this enthusiastic spirit, whether through career, community
service, or volunteerism. The recipient must return to campus to accept the award
at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (May 29 - May 31, 2026).
The Distinguished Achievement Award
Honors a graduate from 10 years or more who has translated their 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 (May 29 - May 31, 2026).
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 (May 29 - May 31, 2026).
The Jacqueline Jung ’61 Lifetime Service Award
Honors one or more members of the Skidmore community who have demonstrated exceptional
service to the College for at least 25 years as alumni, trustees, faculty members,
administrators, staff members, parents or friends. The recipient must return to campus
to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (May 29 - May 31, 2026). (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 for at least 10 years as alumni, trustees, faculty members,
administrators, staff members, parents, or friends. Alumni recipients must be members
of a celebrating reunion class. The recipient must return to campus to accept the
award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (May 29 - May 31, 2026).
50th Reunion Service Award
Honors one member of the 50th reunion class 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 (May 29 - May 31, 2026).
The Joseph C. Palamountain Award for Young Alumni Achievement
Honors a graduate from the past 10 years who has used their Skidmore education in
a quest for excellence demonstrated by personal achievement. The recipient must have
a continuing concern for the Skidmore community. The recipient must return to campus
to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (May 29 - May 31, 2026).
The David H. Porter Award for Young Alumni Service
Honors a Skidmore graduate from the past 10 years who has demonstrated outstanding
service to the College. The recipient must return to campus to accept the award during
the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (May 29 - May 31, 2026).