Spring 2021 and Class of 2020 Commencement event planning

Dear Skidmore Class of 2020, 

Greetings from Saratoga Springs and from Skidmore. I hope this finds you safe and healthy during this challenging time. I think of the Class of 2020 often — in a way, we are joined together by this pandemic and the disruption it caused in so many lives. Your abrupt departure from Skidmore last spring was paired with my difficult arrival at the same time. We’ve had to find our way in a world that is dramatically transformed and adapt to challenges  that nobody foresaw. When we all get to the other side of this —and we will get to the other side — we will have passed together through one of the country’s, and indeed one of the world’s, historically trying eras. It will be a time in our lives we will always remember.

As you are likely aware, Skidmore has been fairly successful in bringing nearly all its students back to campus this fall, and I’m pleased to share that last Friday (November 20) we completed the in-person classes of fall semester. The challenges were significant, and this accomplishment was not without its problems, but I continue to be impressed with our students and the resilience they have demonstrated. I thank you, the Class of 2020, for leading the way by demonstrating such fortitude, commitment to caring for each other, and community spirit last spring when you confronted this unprecedented situation.

An important part of our spring 2021 planning is our evaluation of when it will be safe to move ahead with a plan that would allow you and the other members of the Class of 2020 to return to Saratoga Springs for an in-person Commencement, something that last spring we committed to do. As the President of Skidmore, I would be especially honored to join you at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) for that occasion. As you know, our ability to plan your Commencement and also determine whether we will be able to allow students to return to campus for in-person learning in the spring will be predicated in large part by recommendations and guidelines set forth by local, state and federal authorities. Currently such large gatherings are, of course, unsafe and not allowed. We will continue to monitor the health situation, and I assure you that all our decisions will be based on the health and safety of everyone involved.

We’ll continue to update you about both planning for your in-person Commencement and spring operations. Despite the dynamic, fluid nature of this pandemic, we remain committed to celebrating your singular achievements as soon as it is safe to do so.

Barbara and I send you our warmest wishes for a healthy and peaceful holiday season.

Sincerely,
Marc C. Conner
President