'5/01 Challenge' nets nearly $800,000 for Skidmore
A flurry of contributions from West Coast alumni and parents in the closing hours of the “5/01 Challenge” made all the difference last night as the College surpassed its one-day goal of 2000 gifts and thereby secured the $500,000 challenge gift that several alumni and parents had combined in offering. In the end, exactly 2005 gifts and $785,000 were in hand – all of it to support scholarships, collaborative research projects, internships, and all aspects of a Skidmore education.
President Philip Glotzbach helped with the calls.
It was by far the most gifts Skidmore ever has received in a single day, surpassing the approximately 1500 gifts received in last year’s 5/01 Challenge and the 1000 gifts received in the 2012 edition of “The Challenge.”
The first gift was made online just after midnight on 5/01. Volunteers called, texted, and e-mailed alumni and parents, and the College’s toll-free line rang throughout the day with calls from members of the Skidmore community from across the country and around the world.
Aiding the effort were “celebrity” operators, including President Philip A. Glotzbach, Professor of Psychology Sheldon Solomon, Quadrucci Professor in Social Responsibility John Brueggemann, Director of Athletics Gail Cummings-Danson, and Robin Adams ‘00, associate director for leadership activities. They chatted with callers and logged credit card gifts.
To generate awareness of the effort among students, faculty and staff, Advancement staff served free ice cream in Murray-Akins Dining Hall. Seniors contributed to the senior class gift and students from other classes made their own contributions and encouraged others to do the same. One went so far as to rally home-town friends and neighbors.
“Our thanks to each and every donor and volunteer who made this possible,” said Michael Casey, Collyer Vice President for Advancement. “The funds contributed will make a significant difference and our entire community is made richer by accomplishing this goal together."
Ian Berry, Dayton Director of the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, took calls as a "celebrity guest" during the 5/01 Challenge.
Robin Adams '00, took calls as a "celebrity guest" during the 5/01 Challenge.
Thank you for your gift, Skids!
Athletic Director Gail Cummings-Danason took calls as a "celebrity guest" during the 5/01 Challenge.
Pat Oles took calls as a "celebrity guest" during the 5/01 Challenge.
Amanda Seres and Xavier Hatten, both seniors, manned the senior gift table in Case Center.
Staff stopped by an on-campus event to make gifts.
2,000 donors for $500,000!
Executive Director of Alumni Affairs Mike Sposili scoops ice cream with Shevanna Cole '16.
Lary Opitz took calls as a "celebrity guest" during the 5/01 Challenge.
An on-campus event provided free popcorn for students.
Students who stopped by the on-campus event received free slap bracelets.
Skids models a slap bracelet.
Skids catches up with students on campus.
Dean of Special Programs, Paul Calhoun, and Skids Scribner.
Dean of Student Affairs, Rochelle Calhoun, and Skids Scribner.
Skids catches up with students on campus.
Skidmore College President, Phil Glotzbach and Skids Scribner.
Skidmore College President, Phil Glotzbach poses with UWC students.
Professor John Brueggerman took calls as a "celebrity guest" during the 5/01 Challenge.
Thanks for all the hard work, Skidmore College Advancement team!
Professor Tim Harper took calls as a "celebrity guest" during the 5/01 Challenge.
Sue Layden took calls as a "celebrity guest" during the 5/01 Challenge.
A special surprise appearance by President Phil Glotzbach got the phones ringing!
Skidmore alumni celebrated the 5/01 Challenge in London, England.
Skidmore alumni celebrated the 5/01 Challenge in Chicago.
Skidmore alumni celebrated the 5/01 Challenge in Madrid, Spain.
Skidmore alumni celebrated the 5/01 Challenge in Florence, Italy.
Skidmore alumni celebrated the 5/01 Challenge in NYC.
