Saratoga Bridges honors the Glotzbachs

Skidmore President Philip A. Glotzbach and Marie Glotzbach received the inaugural Community Builders Recognition Award from Saratoga Bridges on July 13.

The award, which was presented during the organization’s annual White Gala at Saratoga National Golf Club, was created to celebrate exemplary leaders who have notably impacted Saratoga County, sharing their time, resources and influence locally and beyond to enhance quality of life.

Saratoga Bridges provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure they can work, volunteer and socialize in the community.

“We greatly appreciate the collaborations the Glotzbachs have initiated in Saratoga,” event co-chair Christianne Smith Potts said. “Phil and Marie understand the vital importance of breaking down barriers and forming partnerships among numerous stakeholders. Whether together or independently, Phil and Marie have volunteered for myriad causes and their strengths have been to find solutions which have reaped many successful outcomes.”

Bridges to Skidmore is one example of collaboration between Saratoga Bridges and Skidmore. The program, which began in January 2010, enables Bridges participants and Skidmore students to jointly attend brief, accessible lectures delivered by Skidmore faculty on the college campus.

“For Saratoga Bridges, the Glotzbachs have fostered a culture that has encouraged Skidmore students, faculty and administrators to become actively involved in the lives of the people Bridges supports,” Smith Potts said. “As a result, there have been tremendous opportunities between Bridges and Skidmore that have further educated and raised awareness of how our Saratoga Bridges family has significantly contributed to the fabric of diversity throughout the community.”

Bridges to Skidmore was developed to increase Skidmore students’ exposure to diverse groups, provide a rigorous and meaningful learning experience for Bridges participants, enhance Skidmore students’ ability to communicate with people with disabilities and raise awareness of issues related to disabilities among students and faculty.

In response to receiving the Community Builders Recognition Award, the Glotzbachs said, “We respect and value the work Saratoga Bridges has done for more than half a century to benefit so many deserving members of the greater Saratoga community. It is an honor to be recognized by this outstanding service organization. We expect the wonderful partnership between Saratoga Bridges and Skidmore College to continue into the future.”

Smith Potts concluded the ceremony with a final expression of appreciation. “Thank you, Phil and Marie, for everything you have done during your tenure at Skidmore, for Saratoga Springs and for Saratoga Bridges.”