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College in close proximity. “I love being an alumna and all the benefts that entails,” she says, adding, “I also enjoy volunteering and am motivated to give back to the institution that continues to give me so much.”

Carrie says the combination of a solid liberal arts education and the experiences she’s had in a variety of volunteer roles have given her the tools and confdence to change careers several times

throughout the years. Gaining leadership skills, she adds, has enhanced her ability to “listen to and respect others’ viewpoints, mentor, take risks, value change, and challenge myself.” A government major, she worked for many years with Children and Family Services, frst in direct service and then in management and administration. She was engaged at the local, state, and national level, and found that consulting with peers in other states was especially rewarding.

Currently a realtor with Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs, Carrie makes it a point to highlight Skidmore’s presence in the community to people who are new to the area. (On a side note, in 1991 she received an award from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for the renovation of her former home, which had been part of the “old campus” on Union Avenue.)

For the last 10 years, Carrie has taught aquatic ftness, both privately and on the Skidmore campus. Decades after graduation, she returned to the classroom for two exercise science classes, where she enjoyed the fun and challenge of learning with Skidmore undergraduates and gained “frsthand experience of the continued excellence of the faculty and students.” She earned certifcation and a referral from her

professor to teach as part of Skidmore’s wellness program. She says she has enjoyed sharing her love of water and all its benefts with others, and she values the opportunity to connect regularly with staff, faculty, and students. On the volunteer front, Carrie has worked with numerous community organizations but notes that her “work with Skidmore has been the best experience!” She has served as class president since 2003. As chair of Class Council on the Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2007 to 2010, she played a key role in helping alumni affairs staff develop an online volunteer resource center, which supplies support and materials to help class offcers do their jobs more easily and effciently. She has also served as a class agent and member of the alumni board’s Nominating Committee, as well as a member of several committees related to the Palamountain Scholarship Beneft and Polo Match. In addition, she has been a reunion volunteer, reunion chair, and fund chair.

Connecting with classmates for reunion efforts, fundraising, and serving as class president have all been rewarding and energizing, she says. “We have a great leadership group, and it has been a privilege to work with them over the years.” The additional volunteer roles have broadened her perspective on Skidmore. Carrie notes that she has “had great role models and gained so many new friends along the way.” Receiving the Outstanding Service Award means “more than I can put into words,” Carrie says. She is grateful to all who have helped her to this point: “It is a great honor to be recognized by your peers for what you have loved doing, knowing how many others have done so much outstanding work for the College.”