Bella Klosterman '23 honored as 2023 Palamountain Scholar
Members of the Skidmore and local communities came together to recognize recent graduate Bella Klosterman ’23 and support scholarships at the 44th Palamountain Benefit.
Klosterman, who was a member of the women’s volleyball team, majored in environmental studies and Spanish. She spoke about her experience as a student-athlete and goal of eventually practicing environmental law in her home state of Oregon.
“Being a student-athlete has been such an important part of my social life and my physical and mental well-being. It has provided me invaluable experiences with resilience, perseverance, teamwork, and forging friendships,” Klosterman said. “My academic experience here has been priceless to me, and I have worked with professors who have wanted me to take full advantage of everything that Skidmore has to offer.”
The event at Skidmore’s historic Surrey-Williamson Inn on Tuesday, July 18, raised more than $150,000 to benefit scholarship recipients.
“What ultimately drove me to choose Skidmore College out of the many schools that fit my criteria was the fantastic aid available to students. Without the final puzzle piece of affordability, I would not have been able to choose Skidmore,” Klosterman said.
“It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for the amazing and experiences I’ve had at Skidmore thanks to the support I’ve received from donors and the Skidmore community.”
An active member of Skidmore’s Environmental Action Club, Klosterman has worked to promote sustainability on campus and beyond.
In its 44th year, the Palamountain Benefit supports deserving students who, because of financial need, might not otherwise be able to attend Skidmore. It honors Skidmore’s late president and his wife, Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain.
“When Anne started this program and fund, she recognized each of our role in shaping our future by investing in education,” said President Marc C. Conner. “The goal at Skidmore is to provide a life-changing opportunity to every student who is up to the challenge, so they can go out and change this world for the better.”
This year’s committee chair, Kristin Grosso ’91, presented Klosterman with the Palamountain Award. She spoke about the importance of the Palamountain Scholarship Fund, which has provided nearly 400 scholarships since 1979.
In addition to the award presentation, the benefit featured a gourmet dinner prepared by Skidmore’s award-winning chefs, as well as silent and live auctions featuring items gifted by local businesses, partners, and donors within the Skidmore community.
