Creativity is at our core. But how do you capture it? 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.

Skidmore snowfall

Skidmore’s campus is beautiful all year, but there’s something special about the quiet calm after snow falls on 1,000 acres of natural beauty. This frozen moment followed a deep January frost. The winter walker could be any of us, bundled up to get to Point A or B, pausing to catch our breath when below-zero temps take it away. 

Green screams

Raucous cheers, frustrated jeers, tears of pride — Skidmore fans can often be found emoting a spectrum of feelings. Here, the sidelines are filled with parents, as well as friends and fans, putting their hearts on display. The game was part of Big Green Scream, an annual gathering of T-bred superfans for back-to-back men’s and women’s basketball games and family activities.

Reunion sparks 

1973, 2003, 2013 … Skidmore alumni of all ages, from classes ending in 3 and 8 capped off a sentimental weekend of hugs and laughs under the sparks of a spectacular fireworks show during Reunion 2018. Captured from the steps of the Tang Teaching Museum, the colors mirrored on the building seem to evoke infinite celebration. 

Pulse!

Have a passion? Join the club. With more than 120 student-run clubs at Skidmore, there’s likely something for everyone. And if there’s not, you’re empowered to start your own. In this shot, Pulse!, Skidmore’s only “trash-based” and “guerilla theater” percussion group, sets a rhythm for the lively annual club fair.

Commencing joy, rain or shine

Four years. Challenges overcome. Friends, memories and lessons to last a lifetime. Each student that walks the stage during Commencement experiences a very personal milestone heightened by collective celebration. Sometimes it brings tears, other times sheer joy. This newly named Skidmore alumna wasn’t going to let grey skies and umbrellas dim her moment to shine. 

“Fur”-ever summer

Oh summer, the season that reminds us to take it easy, stop to sit on the sunny bench, breathe in the warm air. This summer, Luna the labradoodle and her owner, Marla Melito, did just that. But for 14-year-old Luna, summer saunters became extra sweet and, sadly, slower as she said her goodbyes to dozens of campus friends and celebrated her life well-lived. Here, Luna is seen lifting her head for an ear scratch from her best friend.

Partners in celebration

“She’s my partner in crime and toughest critic.” It’s a familiar phrase from President Philip A. Glotzbach about his wife, Marie. Pictured here, this Skidmore leadership couple pauses with Skidmore trustees and members of the community to mark a milestone in Skidmore’s history — the groundbreaking of the visionary Center for Integrated Sciences. Along with students, faculty, staff and friends, the Glotzbachs had just signed their name on a beam that will be used in the building.

Music magic

Picture 600 people raising their voices together in harmony, swaying side to side to a tune they all know. It’s a picture of unity and community, and it happens every year during Beatlemore Skidmania. This scene captures the vibrancy and passion that magnetically draws students and alumni to sold-out shows year after year. 

A moving dance

What does it mean to dance? That’s what Skidmore students explore in “Bridges to Skidmore,” a collaborative course with clients of Saratoga Bridges, a nonprofit agency serving differently abled adults in Saratoga County. The course culminates in a dance performance where students and clients share the stage and celebrate the power of dance, no matter how you move.

Career skylights

On a campus where creative thought thrives, there is a natural connection with creative institutions, nonprofits and careers. But it goes beyond the traditionally obvious roles. Creative thought also fuels innovative business, strategic selling and one-of-a-kind ventures. Here, a student watches sunlight stream through a back-stage screen at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center after learning about the many creative roles required to help the nonprofit succeed.

Bonus: A student's view

PHOTO BY SOFIE MICHALAK ‘19

Nearly 60 percent of Skidmore students will study abroad during their time here. Around the world they carry their Skidmore values and collect creative experiences to bring back home. Here, Sofie Michalak ’19 captured a hike near Mürren, Switzerland. This award-winning scene was named “Best in Show” in the Off-Campus Study and Exchanges photo contest.