Inaugural Events Schedule

Skidmore College cordially invites you to join our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and parents for a program of events celebrating the Inauguration of Marc C. Conner as eighth president of Skidmore College.

Select events will be livestreamed on the Skidmore website homepage. 

Friday, October 15, 2021 

3:30 p.m. | Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship:  The Liberal Arts Education in the 21st Century
Gannett Auditorium, Palamountain Hall

All are invited to join President Conner for this panel discussion focusing on the “Skidmore difference.” Moderated by David Howson, senior teaching professor and Arthur Zankel Executive Director of Arts Administration, panelists will include:

• Kimberley A.  Frederick, Professor of Chemistry
• Catherine Hill, Teaching Professor of Management and Business
• Pushkala Prasad, Professor of Management, Zankel Chair
• Sarah Sweeney, Associate Professor and Chair, Art Department
• David Tago, Class of 2023

Seating is limited, this event will be livestreamed. Reception to follow in Palamountain Parking Lot Tent.

8:15 p.m. | Arthur Zankel Music Center Anniversary Program: "An Evening With Branford Marsalis"
Arthur Zankel Music Center, Helen Filene Ladd '22 Concert Hall
This event is currently by special reservation, additional general access tickets may become available in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.

Saturday, October 16, 2021

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.  Inaugural Procession 
Palamountain and Bolton Walkway proceeding to Zankel Music Center. Open to all.

10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Installation Ceremony of Marc C. Conner, Eighth President of Skidmore College
Zankel Music Center, Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall
Join the Skidmore Campus Community in celebration as we officially install Marc C. Conner as the eighth president of Skidmore College. Seating in Zankel will be invitation only. The ceremony will be simulcast to Filene Recital Hall. Open to all, this event will be livestreamed.

11:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Inaugural Lunch
Under the Tent, Upper South Park
A complimentary lunch will be held following the Inauguration Ceremony of President Conner. Two seatings will be offered to manage crowd size (11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 1 - 2:30 p.m.). A ticket or meal plan swipe will be required. Advance registration is requested for our visiting families. We encourage you to bring a blanket to picnic on South Park or take your meal to one of several satellite tents on campus.

8:30 p.m. | S'(kid)mores & Celebration Fireworks
Upper South Park
Gather with Skidmore families and enjoy a fireworks display over Haupt Pond at 9 p.m. Bring a blanket to spread on the lawn or watch from your car. Complimentary dessert and hot beverages will be provided under the tent. Open to all.

See the full Celebration Weekend schedule

Please note that all visitors to the College must follow the COVID-19 protocols in place during the time of their visit. Please see our visitors page for up-to-date information.