Science, s’(kid)mores and special events
It was a highly anticipated weekend featuring a variety of fun, free, family-friendly
events on campus and in the Saratoga Springs area.
Skidmore staff, faculty and alumni kicked off the weekend with an on-campus celebration of Creating Our Future: The Campaign for Skidmore. Then they joined Skidmore families, friends and students for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Center for Integrated Sciences and a dedication ceremony of the new Valentine Boathouse.
The rest of the weekend was busy with a robust schedule of events and plenty of quality time between family and friends. From meet-and-greets with President Philip A. Glotzbach and Marie Glotzbach, vibrant music and art exhibitions and "mini-college" presentations, to cheering on the Thoroughbreds from the sidelines and taking a moment to relax among the changing leaves, s'(kid)mores in hand and spectacular fireworks above — it was a weekend to remember.
Breaking Ground on the Center for Integrated Sciences
Celebrating the groundbreaking for Skidmore College’s Center for Integrated Sciences, the single largest academic initiative in Skidmore’s history, President Philip A. Glotzbach stressed science literacy as both an integral component of a liberal arts education and a civic responsibility.
“The fate of the earth, as a biosphere capable of supporting human life as we know it, depends upon our increasing the overall level of scientific literacy among all voters. This is one reason why we have identified the Center for Integrated Sciences as our highest strategic priority.”
– Philip A. Glotzbach, Skidmore College president
The groundbreaking event also included a keynote address by Neil Shubin, a noted paleontologist and evolutionary biologist, that stressed how a liberal arts education promotes critical and integrative thinking.
“The breakthroughs that matter in today’s science come from people who think beyond disciplinary boundaries, integrating backgrounds in the humanities, social sciences as well as traditional STEM fields.”
– Neil Shubin, paleontologist and evolutionary biologist
Special moments
Campaign kick-off
Skidmore faculty and staff joined alumni for an on-campus celebration of Creating Our Future: The Campaign for Skidmore, an ambitious effort to raise $200 million and support Skidmore's commitment to creativity, collaboration and community.
Leadership milestone
Amidst other Skidmore celebrations, President Philip A. Glotzbach and wife Marie Glotzbach marked their 15th year with the College during a ceremony with the Board of Trustees. W. Scott McGraw, Chair of the Board and parent of 2012 graduate Carolyn, presented a proclamation to the Glotzbachs recognizing the occasion.
Boathouse dedication
Skidmore’s crew teams were joined by fans and supporters for the official dedication of the new Valentine Boathouse, named for Trustee Peg Valentine and Mike Valentine, parents of Martha, a 2009 Skidmore graduate.
Fall fun and more
Celebration weekend was a chance for parents, relatives and friends to visit Skidmore students, enjoy campus sights and events, and explore all that downtown Saratoga Springs and the region have to offer.
The fresh fall air carried visitors outdoors. Tours embarked to learn about campus, the scenic North Woods, the impressive architecture on North Broadway, the colorful Saratoga Farmer's Market, the famous Saratoga National Historical Park and everything sustainability-related on campus, including our own solar array, community garden and geothermal system.
Attendees also enjoyed meeting some of the people and offices behind Skidmore, including several academic departments, the Counseling Center, the Career Development Center and the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery.
As is often true at Skidmore, food was a highlight for many, whether it was a cozy meal at a popular downtown restaurant, a special Farm to Table dinner in the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, or a sticky s'(kid)more while watching fireworks overhead.
After all that eating, over 70 runners and walkers took off for a (hilly and chilly) 25th Annual Skidmore Celebration 5k Run-Walk.
Photo Gallery
