Redefining research with Lane Grey ’26, alumni behind Saratoga Winery, and key winter break reminders.

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Skidmore News

President Marc Conner and Barbara Reyes-Conner

‌President Marc Conner and Barbara Reyes-Conner extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Skidmore community for a year enriched by creativity, connection, and accomplishment. They offer their warmest wishes for a new year filled with health, happiness, and renewal.

Skidmore College logo.

Skidmore College leadership updated staff on mandatory training, professional development, financial planning, the accreditation progress, student support services, and institutional priorities, including academic freedom, artificial intelligence policy, and campus infrastructure projects.

The Coming Week

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Last day of classes

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‌7 p.m. 

‌‌Skidmore in Concert: Chorus

‌‌Zankel Music Center‌‌

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Thursday, Dec. 11
Noon 
Curator’s Tour of Sheila Pepe: When & Where We Rest 
‌Tang Teaching Museum‌‌  ‌ ‌

‌‌‌‌Thursday, Dec. 11 –‌ Sunday, Dec. 14

‌Study days

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‌Monday, Dec. 15 ‌–‌ Thursday, Dec. 18

‌Final examinations 

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‌Friday, Dec. 19

‌Fall semester ends

 

Human Resources

Flexible Work Arrangement Benefit 

‌Skidmore’s Flexible Work Arrangement Benefit permits eligible staff to request up to two remote workdays per week during winter and summer breaks. The winter break period runs Dec. 15 through Jan. 16, 2026. The College acknowledges that because of the varied array of services provided across campus, not all employees will be eligible to take advantage of flexible work arrangements during this entire period. Requests to work remotely must be approved in advance by the employee’s department or program leader who is responsible for ensuring adequate coverage.

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New chief information officer named 

‌Chris Brizzell has been named Skidmore’s chief information officer. Brizzell, who joined the College in 2006, has served as interim CIO since July. Since 2019, he has served as director of infrastructure, leading IT’s Infrastructure unit and overseeing telecommunications, network services, identity access, cyber security, voicemail systems, and the Skidmore Card Access system. Brizzell previously served as assistant director of network and technical services and as network administrator. He studied computer science at the State University of New York at Albany. “Chris has provided steady, insightful leadership for Information Technology and has consistently demonstrated dedication to Skidmore’s mission and community,” said Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer Daniel T. Konstalid. “Please join me in congratulating Chris on this well-deserved appointment.”

Announcements

‌Front Entrance Project: Phase II

Planned enhancements to the College’s main entrance, including features that will improve the campus tour experience, will commence with the removal of select trees over winter recess, most of which are invasive species. For every tree removed, the College will replant two native species elsewhere on campus. Phase II, the majority of which will be completed in summer 2026, is a continuation of work completed in spring 2023 and will include improved curb appeal, a more defined main sidewalk, expanded views to campus, additional green space, updated wayfinding, and new seating areas beyond the main entrance. The project is fully funded through the generosity of a donor.

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‌‌Spa and Burgees Café gift cards 

‌With the holiday season approaching, consider giving a Spa or Burgess Café gift card to a student, professor, or colleague. Cards are sold in $5 increments and can be purchased by emailing John Winnek or Stacey Tourtellout.

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‌Nintendo Switch raffle 

‌Dining Services has partnered with Pepsi on a promotion for the new sugar-free energy drink Alani, running Dec. 4–Feb. 28. Purchase any two Alani flavors or Celsius cans for $5 to enter. The Nintendo Switch drawing will be held March 1. Alani is available at the Spa, Burgess Café and Atrium Café. Contact John Winnek or Stacey Tourtellot with questions.

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‌‌Women’s Lacrosse to host February break kids camp

‌Women’s lacrosse will host a February break kids camp Feb. 16–20 for children in grades K–5. The camp runs 9 a.m.–noon at the Williamson Sports Center and includes arts and crafts, games, and other activities. Cost is $30 per day or $125 for the week. For more information, contact Makayla Hutchinson. Registration is available online.

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‌Library extended hours 

‌Scribner Library will offer extended hours during finals. On Dec. 10–11 and Dec. 14–17, the library will close at 2 a.m.; on Dec. 12–13, it will close at 11 p.m.; on Dec. 18, it will close at 10 p.m.; and on Dec. 19, it will close at 4 p.m. View the online calendar for all hours and closings.

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‌‌‌Return Reuzzi containers 

‌Please return all Reuzzi takeout containers to bins in the Spa or Case Center. Contact John Winnek or Stacey Tourtellot with questions.

Finals week sports facilities hours 

‌The Sports Center and McCaffrey-Wagman Fitness Center will operate on the same schedule during finals week. Hours are Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 12, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 14, noon–10 p.m.; and Monday through Friday, Dec. 15–19, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

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‌Fall grades due

‌Fall grades are due from faculty by Friday, Jan. 2, at noon. Please plan to enter all grades on or before the deadline. Grades must be submitted through the Student System, and a confirmation email will be sent the following day indicating any missing entries and allowing you to review your submissions. Instructions for entering grades are available on the website.

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‌Call for spring course materials

‌Submit spring course material lists through the new requisition form. Although the Nov. 26 deadline has passed, materials can still be ordered, but arrival by the first day of classes cannot be guaranteed. For art materials, contact Evelyn Lee.

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‌Toys for Toga at the Skidmore Shop 

‌The Skidmore Shop is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the countywide Toys for Toga drive through Dec. 13. Donations support local organizations including Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Community Human Services and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center.

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‌Give the gift of Skidmore spirit 

‌Swing by the Skidmore Shop for festive finds, campus favorites, and stocking stuffers — hoodies, hats, mugs, and more Skidmore gear. Shop in-store or at skidmoreshop.com.

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‌Winter break Skidmore Weekly Bulletin submission procedure and schedule 

‌There will be no SWB on Dec. 24 and 31. The Bulletin will resume publication on Jan. 7, 2026. Submissions will be accepted over the break; the deadline for the Wednesday, Jan. 7, issue is end of day Monday, Jan. 5. Submit announcements and events, and faculty and staff achievements by completing the appropriate online form. Email swb@skidmore.edu if you have questions. 

Athletics

Men’s hockey plays its final home game of 2025 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, when the Thoroughbreds host Castleton University in a non-league matchup at the Saratoga City Rink. Be sure to review the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center finals week hours and remember that a change of shoes is required to work out. Stay up to date with results and schedules on the Skidmore Athletics website and by subscribing to the Skidmore Athletics Weekly Newsletter.

Skidmore College

 815 North Broadway

 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-580-5000

 
 
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