Skidmore Spotlight: Belinda Colgan

Belinda Colgan '04 works as a riding assistant and the assistant coach for the women’s equestrian team.

Colgan, who graduated from Skidmore in spring 2004, began her professional career at Skidmore as a barn manager in fall of that year. She said she has been riding and competing since she was 5 years old, but she never expected for her passion to turn into a professional career at Skidmore.

"While a student at Skidmore the riding program was a very large part of my life," she said. "When I graduated I was not ready to go back to graduate school yet and (Head Riding Coach) Cindy Ford offered me the job of barn manager which seemed like a perfect job while I take a brief break from school. What was supposed to be a brief break has turned into 14 years."

Colgan said she enjoys working with college students and watching them grow at Skidmore. She calls Skidmore's Van Lennep Riding Center "a home away from home" for many involved in the riding program. She especially appreciates the Friends of Skidmore Athletics Benefit Dinner for recognizing student athletes, teams and staff and helping to maintain relationships that often endure beyond graduation.

"It is a great way to bring alums back to Skidmore to reconnect with friends and their alma mater while they are recognized for their accomplishments while at Skidmore," said Colgan.

"When asked why I have stayed at Skidmore my answer is usually the same, 'Why would I leave a job I love, at one of the best programs in the country, with the now winningest intercollegiate record in the IHSA? Plus I get to work for my alma mater!'"