Creative Thought Works
Alumni Stories
See how Skidmore alumni are putting creative thought to work in their fields, their passions, and the world in which we live.
The Skidmore Scholars in Science and Mathematics (S3M) program was established in 2007 as a way to provide financial support to students pursuing STEM majors; since then, some 130 students have benefitted. Hear the stories of five S3M alumni who have gone on to do amazing things.
Best known for his ‘Skyrim,’ ‘Fallout,’ and ‘Marvel Anatomy’ creations, Lobe discusses independence, learning through challenge, and creativity in the age of AI.
Alumni from classes ending in 4 and 9 returned for Reunion 2024. The celebration featured tours of Saratoga Springs and campus; cherished traditions; opportunities to return to the classroom; and a Tang Teaching Museum exhibition showcasing the work of alumni.
Katie Riker Sternberg ’90 is applying creative thought to philanthropy, supporting experiential learning for Skidmore students and another cause dear to her family — opportunities for individuals with autism.
Malika Sawadogo ’24’s Burkina Faso-inspired clothing line won the 2024 Freirich Entrepreneurship Competition and exemplified the creative, entrepreneurial spirit behind Skidmore College’s “Shark Tank”-like competition.
U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Michael Cavanagh ’03 brings creative thought to his service to his country and fellow citizens through search and rescue.
New gift establishes the Frances Young Tang ’61 Professorship in Economics and the Frances Young Tang ’61 Asian Studies Program Endowment Fund.
The partnership between Skidmore’s Social Work Department and the long-running Saratoga nonprofit, which is led by Skidmore alumna Sybil Newell ’00, has a powerful impact on the students and the struggling populations they’re serving.
From holistic wellness to creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, a generous gift from Trustee Peg Valentine P’09 and husband Mike Valentine P’09 invests in the College’s highest strategic priorities.
If you’re looking for something new to watch or read, look no further than the work of these rising Skidmore stars.
This fall, StartUp Skidmore offered Skidmore students the opportunity to develop their business ideas, work and network with successful entrepreneurial alumni, receive feedback, and even make prototypes — all in an intense, one-day workshop.
The Career Development Center’s largest on-campus networking event of the year brings volunteer mentors from across the U.S. and a range of industries to support students at every stage of the career exploration process.
Recipients past and present reflect on ways that the prestigious merit scholarship continues to influence their lives and careers.
Events kicked off Friday with the annual Thoroughbred Cup golf tournament. On Saturday, alumni and friends gathered for the Skidmore Athletics Benefit and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Throughout it all, supporters contributed to the All in to Win campaign, raising $368,690 for Skidmore Athletics.
Skidmore alumnus Alex Carney ’22, who participated in a collaborative engineering program with Dartmouth College, is now chief technical engineer for SmartScope, a project that is using cutting-edge technology to speed up medical diagnoses.
Whether you’re on the beach or reclining in the comfort of an air-conditioned living room, a good book is practically mandatory for some summertime R&R. But what to read? Skidmore community members have some suggestions.
Three Skidmore alumni and former Thoroughbred men’s soccer players created the Vermont Green Football Club, which is committed to achieving a range of ambitious environmental justice targets.
Dylan Telano ’23 has transformed an idea into a multi-million-dollar venture during his time at Skidmore.
Campus was buzzing for Reunion Weekend 2023, when alumni from classes ending in 3 and 8 as well as alumni of Skidmore’s Opportunity Program returned to catch up with friends, learn about recent developments, and honor classmates and fellow alumni.
Human rights and education activist Joseph Kaifala ’08, a Sierra Leonean who majored in French and international affairs at Skidmore College, is the inaugural recipient of the Projects for Peace Alumni Award.
The Skidmore alumnus will succeed his classmate Nancy Hamilton '77, whose term ends in May.
At ESPN for more than 20 years, James Davidson '01 has produced all the Grand Slam competitions that the cable sports giant covers.
Lily Esposito ’20 grew up near Los Angeles. Now, the Skidmore alumna is living off the grid in the Adirondacks and teaching environmental education programs.
Construction of Skidmore’s McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center is now underway, with outdoor tennis courts set to open for the fall semester. Watch a video and learn more about how this innovative, integrated approach to health and wellness will benefit the entire Skidmore community.
A new partnership between the Arts Administration Program and Universal Preservation Hall in downtown Saratoga Springs offers students valuable field experiences and opportunities to network.
A new health, wellness, fitness, tennis, and athletics center will bring together all aspects of student health and wellness support in a single campus facility.
Hannah Traore ’17 discusses her journey from curating her first show at Skidmore to opening Hannah Traore Gallery in NYC in 2022, and the difference it’s making in the art community.
Graduates’ applications and acceptances to medical, dental, veterinary, and other healthcare schools continue to rise, thanks in no small part to the dedication of Skidmore’s Health Professions Advisory Committee.
Skidmore College is marking its College Centennial with a yearlong celebration of its history and reflections on the journey ahead.
Plotnick’s work covering the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize. She spoke with current student and aspiring radio journalist Aaron Shellow-Lavine ’23 about her time at Skidmore and career in journalism.
Skidmore College community members answered, "What's one book you're reading right now, or recommend reading this summer?" From sci-fi to memoir and more, here are their selections.
Hundreds of alumni returned to campus for the second of two Reunion Weekends and opportunities to catch up with classmates and learn about exciting developments at Skidmore.
With ceremonial bagpipes and a weekend of fun, Skidmore welcomed members of the Class of 2020 back to campus for an emotional Commencement Celebration long delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of alumni with class years ending in 2 and 7 and their guests returned for Reunion from June 2 to 5, the first of two weekends dedicated to alumni celebration.
Skidmore College recognized eminent alumna, trustee, and donor Billie Tisch ’48 by naming its ambitious new science center in her honor.
With appeals for social justice and charges to change the world — without forgetting to pause for moments of joy — Skidmore conferred 589 degrees to the Class of 2022 during the College’s 111th Commencement Exercises.
Skidmore is recognizing the alumna's leadership and service by naming the largest single academic project in College history in her honor.
The natural partnership between Skidmore and The Wild Center in the nearby Adirondacks demonstrates the power of combining the arts and sciences.
NPR Correspondent Elissa Nadworny ’10, who studied documentary filmmaking at Skidmore, describes her recent experience reporting from the war in Ukraine.
Colin Fischer ’22 and Tom Duncan ‘22 have won the first-place $20,000 prize in Skidmore College’s annual Freirich Entrepreneurship Competition to develop their protein-enhanced ice cream business.
A $5 million one-to-one matching pledge along with additional gifts creates the Sands Family Foundation Initiative for Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Skidmore College.
Sh*t That I Knit (STIK), a Boston-based small business founded and run by Skidmore alumna Christina Fagan Pardy ’12, is an official licensee of Team USA for the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For more than 10 years, Arthur Zankel Music Center has become more than just a hub for great performances for the campus and Saratoga Springs communities: It has also become a training center for innovative careers in the arts and beyond.
Over the past two decades, the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery has provided students with valuable work experiences and extraordinary access to art, artists, and ideas that supported careers both inside and outside the arts.
The College is celebrating 40 years — 80 semesters — of MB 107, the rigorous, introductory management and business course that many students and alumni describe as a defining moment in their college experience.
From within Skidmore’s curriculum, through their careers, and in other ways, big and small, Skidmore community members are making an impact.
Just two years ago, Brandon Kasel ’20 was minding the nets for the Skidmore Men’s Ice Hockey team. Now, he has signed a pro contract as a goalie for the Adirondack Thunder.
From supporting nuclear waste cleanup efforts to running an artisan wine operation during a tumultuous 2020, Shelby Perkins ’95 says she has been “a constant academic” throughout a creative career path spanning science, art and business.
As the pandemic has further stoked interest in cryptocurrency, Lincoln Lin ’19 recently joined fellow alumnus and career mentor Melvis Langyintuo ’12 at an exchange startup.
Dance and exercise science double-major Kaitlin Guerin ’14 combined equal parts art and science with a generous amount of creativity to launch Lagniappe Baking Co. during the pandemic.
Skidmore alumni remain deeply committed to the College and are helping current students and recent graduates to build their own creative career paths.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its worldwide economic impact, members of Skidmore’s Class of 2020 are finding fulfilling success and demonstrating remarkable achievement in pursuing employment, education and other opportunities after graduation.
Skidmore alumni, parents and friends share experiences designed to prepare and inspire the classes of 2020 and 2021 during this unique time in history.
As Skidmore looks to 2021, members of College faculty and leadership believe the liberal arts offer a way to navigate through tumultuous times toward a hopeful vision for the future.
Elliot Kreitenberg ’14 and Leejay Pollacchi ’13 are behind a groundbreaking UVC disinfection system being used to sanitize airplane interiors and potentially reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 during air travel.
The College’s alumni network has supported Cadence founder and CEO Stephanie Hon ’16 in her entrepreneurial journey and continues to pave paths for students like Natalie Jew ’23.
This year, the list of noteworthy holiday gifts is giving special attention to Black-owned businesses, including 2.4.1 Cosmetics, co-owned and co-founded by Helena Yohannes ‘04.
Online format allows notable parent and alumni mentors from all over the world to network with students interested in learning more about various careers.
Skidmore’s new building, the Annex, is now open and is home to new classroom spaces as well as the Physics, Geosciences and Environmental Sciences and Studies departments.
Mike Natter ’08, Diana Perry ’89 and Jonathan Brestoff Parker ’08 described their experiences on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring issue of Scope magazine.
With original music and expressions of gratitude, the Skidmore community offered a touching tribute and farewell to President Philip A. and Marie Glotzbach.
As Skidmore celebrates the Class of 2020 with an unprecedented virtual Commencement, we look back at some of the ways the College has celebrated graduates and adapted to changing times.
Student entrepreneurs were awarded more than $50,000 in prizes at this year’s Business Plan Competition finals, held online.
Students, alumni, employees and basketball fans cheered for the Thoroughbreds — and screamed for a Stewart’s ice cream flavor newly named for Skidmore — at the College’s annual Big Green Scream.
As the Kenneth A. Freirich Business Plan Competition celebrates its 10th anniversary, an endowment ensures the transformational mentorship experience continues.
The new space will provide a dedicated location to collaborate and think creatively about equity and inclusion. It will also serve as a hub for people from diverse cultures, identities, religions and other backgrounds.
Creating Our Future: The Campaign for Skidmore has surpassed $200 million, providing new opportunities for students and reinforcing Skidmore’s position as one of the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges.
A recent alumna reflects on the connections and inspiration she found as a member of the international scholarship program.- “Tiffany & Co. has built a secret lab to crush its rivals,” says Bloomberg. Others call it a “think tank” and a “lab of shiny dreams.” But it’s the label that a recent grad has given it that elicits genuine pride for Dana Naberezny ’95: “a mini Skidmore.”
The Center for Humanistic Inquiry’s inaugural Generations program provided inspiration, practical advice and insight into the value of student-faculty connections at Skidmore.
Kristen Carbone ’03, who studied art history at Skidmore, is now a tech entrepreneur and is helping those affected by breast cancer.
Fred Guttenberg ’88 returns to campus to share his experience with members of the Skidmore and broader Saratoga Springs communities.
Skidmore inducted four new student-athletes, two teams and President Philip A. Glotzbach into the Skidmore Hall of Fame.
Dozens of alumni are visiting campus this semester to recruit students and share their career stories at Career Development Center events.
Jack Mulhern ’17 is making a name for himself in the popular Netflix series “The Society.” But before he was a viral television sensation, he was testing out his writing and directing skills in Skidmore’s Theater Department.
Skidmore alumni bring creative thought to careers in every industry. For Susan Law Dake ’71, Ben Van Leeuwen ’07, and Seth McEachron ’04, creative business strides are measured, in part, by pints, scoops and flavors.
Edvinas Rupkus '19 graduated as one of the most decorated Skidmore athletes in history. But it's his roles as student, leader and friend that made all the difference.
Alumni gathered to reminisce, create new Skidmore memories and enjoy all that campus and Saratoga Springs have to offer, including art exhibitions, tours and a spectacular fireworks display.
Jenny Lupoff ’19, a newly christened Skidmore alumna, reminisces on her time as a Skidkid through a series of heartfelt “goodbyes” to her favorite places, spaces … and creatures.
From Moore Hall to D-Hall, victory gardens to Chicken Finger Fridays, enjoy a look back in time through the lens of food and the people it has brought together at Skidmore over the years.
The Class of 2019 heard remarks from author Alan Lightman and Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Torre and spent the day celebrating, recording memories and reflecting on their time at Skidmore.
What does it mean to graduate as a student-athlete? Seniors Haley English and Damian Hammond share their thoughts on the true impact sports and Skidmore have had on their lives.
Joel Quadracci ’91 says his philosophy major at Skidmore taught him “to understand, critique, create and defend a position,” a skill that comes in handy when you are the CEO of Quad/Graphics, a multibillion-dollar enterprise.
Her business, Ndriana Agro, is a Madagascar agrobusiness providing top quality, organic import and export produce and prioritizing the hiring of unemployed women.
Branding expert Deb Kelly ’68 delivered the 35th annual F. William Harder Lecture, sharing her career insights and touting the benefits of a liberal arts education.
Grammy Award winner Scott Jacoby '93 recently offered Skidmore students some career advice and unique insights into the music industry.
Skidmore Recruitment Day, hosted by the Career Development Center, brought 80 seniors to New York City to interview for more than 50 open positions at 25 companies.
The Skidmore College Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Nancy Wells Hamilton '77 as its chair-elect.
Shortly after graduating from Skidmore, Virginia Rathbun Stuart '43 joined a clandestine espionage organization whose work helped win World War II, the New York Times reports.
With an 82-66 win against Hobart, the Skidmore College men’s basketball team secured its fifth Liberty League championship and an automatic bid into the DIII NCAA Tournament.
Fifteen years ago, Philip A. Glotzbach was inaugurated as Skidmore’s seventh president. Join us in looking at where we’ve been and where we’re going.
You may spend several years, hundreds of days and thousands of hours here, but how well do you really know Skidmore College? Test your knowledge with our 20-question quiz.
Emily Lazar '93 won a Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for her work on Beck's Colors album. She is the first woman to win in the category.
Meet Mike Natter ’08, a “passionate humanities guy” who got hooked on neuropsychology and drawing. Now, he’s a resident physician at NYU’s Langone Medical Center.
The snow has fallen. The temperature has dropped. Winter is here and, believe it or not, we’re thrilled.
Skidmore's dining services team recently earned its sixth consecutive gold medal for culinary excellence in an American Culinary Federation (ACF) sanctioned competition.
All year, across campus and around the world, Skidmore students, faculty and staff are supporting Creative Thought Matters in compelling and colorful ways. To get a taste of what this looks and feels like, we’ve curated our top 10 photos of the year.
Meet Juleyka Lantigua-Williams ’96, a government major who loved her genetics class and was on the construction team for the theater company. Today, she’s a storyteller opening media to more people of color.
An undeniable Skidmore tradition, Beatlemore Skidmania rocked campus for the 18th time. Once again, a magical musical experience materialized at the intersection of community and creative thought.
Alexander Bernstein, second child of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), will make a special visit to Skidmore Nov. 10, as part of a global celebration of the late composer’s 100th birthday.
Paige Durrant ’19 pens a first-hand account of the Skidmore Career Development Center’s largest on-campus networking event, Career Jam.
Skidmore's men's and women's crews will benefit from the boathouse, which is named for Trustee Peg Valentine and Mike Valentine, parents of Martha, a 2009 Skidmore graduate and former rower.
Events include a men's soccer game vs. St. Lawrence, a Center for Integrated Sciences groundbreaking ceremony, a keynote address by paleontologist Neil Shubin and the dedication of Skidmore’s new Valentine Boathouse.
Learn about Saisselin’s remarkable history and see photos from the anniversary event.
Update: The U.S. Senate debate scheduled to be held at the Zankel Music Center on Sunday, Oct. 21 has been canceled.
The family of Charlotte Lamson Clarke ’53, who died in 2016, has given a $2 million gift to establish in her memory Skidmore College’s first endowed chair in art history.
Skidmore students, faculty, staff and community members recently gathered to share their responses as part of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery’s public art project, “For Freedoms.”
Which classes to take, experiences to jump in to, people to meet and more – Skidmore alumni welcome the Class of 2022 to campus with wholehearted advice.
Elissa Nadworny ‘10, producer and reporter at NPR, is sharing Skidmore’s story on national airwaves, recounting her experience in a popular course that has helped hundreds of students get their first jobs.
Mental health, the NBA, China’s social economy, parental drug use and more. A look at some of the major research contributions Skidmore students and faculty are making to our world together this summer.
How does a summer morning spent simulating on-scene firefighter tasks in high heat and humidity with 30+ pounds of fire gear feel? That just what Denise Smith, professor of health and human physiological sciences, along with Skidmore students, alumni, and several first responders wanted to find out.
Nigeria's uniform at the FIFA World Cup is a cultural sensation. Around the world, it's being hailed as “instantly-iconic,” “the most stylish,” and promoting “Nigerian swagger.” Matt Wolff '12, a graphic designer at Nike, is the man behind it.
In part two of our “Skidmore Mentors” series, students and young alumni share how their professors became resources for advice on academics, careers, life and more
Parents and family members of Skidmore’s Class of 2018 have set a new record by raising more than $1.3 million in gifts and pledges for the Class of 2018 Parents Fund.
Equipped with hands-on experience, new networks, diplomas and a dose of creative thought, grads are ready to tackle both graduate school and the working world.
Friendships and fun. Accomplishments and confidence. Members of the Class of 2018 share how their lives have changed from 2014 to 2018.
From academics and athletics, to awards, accolades and even a few (thousand pounds of) chicken fingers eaten, learn what makes this graduating group stand out.
Skidmore senior class president, Rachael Thomeer, and faculty speaker, Chris Mann, sit down to discuss their upcoming Commencement speeches–inspirations, nerves, hopes and all.
Leslie Snow Féron '48 recently revealed the depth of her devotion to the Skidmore community with the gift of a $2.4 million unrestricted bequest.
The big day is nearly here! We’re answering all of your questions about speakers, schedules, seating and more.
Skidmore’s Career Development Center helps students and alumni realize career goals from the moment they step on campus, through graduation and beyond.
A record-breaking Handmade Pop-up shop became a live-action, business skills laboratory for entrepreneurial studio art students.
Heather Hurst ’97, Skidmore Scholar in Residence, unveiled illustrations of some of the oldest Maya murals in a life-size installation at the Tang Museum.
Skidmore senior Graham Gilmore earned $20,000 to grow his kombucha business with a compelling presentation and top-quality product.
No horsin' around here. The Thoroughbreds just won their eighth Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association national championship.
Like thousands of Americans, John Ubaldo's '88 life was drastically changed on Sept. 11, 2001. From grief came a life-changing decision: trading a successful finance career for sustainable farming.
What is Skidmore's Kenneth A. Freirich Business Plan Competition? Learn about one of the preeminent business plan competitions among liberal arts colleges nationally.
Skidmore College held the first round of the Kenneth A. Freirich Business Plan Competition February 23 in Murray-Aikins Dining Hall.
Across the Skidmore community, hearts are full with memories and traditions, sweet stories and more.- Lyndsay Strange '09 is about to experience the biggest moment of her career - coaching Team Mexico in the Winter Olympics.