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Skidmore College
Opportunity Program (OP)

Opportunity Program Newsletter

The OP Newsletter is published twice yearly, and includes news and events from the program as well as staff spotlights and social updates.

Class of 2028 Summer Academic Institute

Another Summer Academic Institute (SAI) was a smashing success as Skidmore OP welcomed its biggest class ever! 

Summer Academic Institute

The Summer Academic Institute’s 55th year of welcoming students to Skidmore was an unforgettable experience, bringing in the biggest class in the history of the program. Getting to know 50 new students made for a wild summer, but the program was a resounding success, providing a diverse group with the opportunity to explore their academic interests, develop essential life skills, and forge lasting friendships. 

Eager students joined us from across the U.S. and beyond to get to know the Skidmore campus as their new home away from home. The incoming students represent a wide range of geographical backgrounds, with folks joining us from states as far-flung as New Mexico, Texas, Ohio, and Indiana; many students hailing from closer states like New York, Vermont, and New Jersey; and international students coming from Cambodia and North Macedonia. The students’ varied experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds will undoubtedly add a vibrant and enriching dimension to the campus community. 

The program offered a wide range of academic workshops and activities to hone students' knowledge and skills. With STEM offerings in math and physics, social sciences courses in political science, and humanities courses focused on critical reading and college writing, participants had the chance to delve into topics that sparked their curiosity and build essential skills for academic success. Students also received tutoring support from our exceptional summer team of current Skidmore students and recent graduates, helping to create a network of OP community members both new and old. 

Students Standing on the Athletic Feild

In addition to rigorous coursework, the program emphasized personal growth and social development. Each morning before class, the entire OP Class of 2028 met for community-building activities focused on mindfulness, gratitude, stress reduction, and time management. Some memorable meetings included minute-to-win-it games and a halfway point celebratory dance party. Students also networked with and learned from representatives from other offices such as Financial Aid, the Counseling Center, Health Services, Off-Campus Study and Exchanges, the Career Development Center, and many more.  

For a bit of fun, the program featured a series of exciting weekend trips. Students explored the region with trips to The Fun Spot for mini-golf, laser tag, and roller skating and Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park. They also enjoyed well-earned relaxation during a self-care spa day. When on campus, it was exciting to see an influx of students who enjoyed spending free time in the Schupf Family IdeaLab in the Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences, completing hands-on physics homework, 3D printing, and expressing their creativity through painting.  

As we reflect on the success of this year's summer bridge program, we are already looking forward to the next one and are committed to continuing to provide students with a transformative experience that equips them for future academic and personal success. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the students, faculty, staff, and volunteers who made this year's program such a memorable one. 

2024 Events and Programming

OP is staying productive — and having fun! — both in and outside the classroom.

Students gathering on campus

Activity in the OP office has been in full swing over the past year, with record numbers of students utilizing the space to study, collaborate, and socialize. We’ve also seen wonderful engagement with the full suite of workshops and programs we offer to keep students informed and thriving.  

Students playing volleyball

We’ve been focused on developing support for students in every facet of academic and campus life. This year, it was crucial that we partner with the Financial Aid Office for a FAFSA workshop to provide students with step-by-step guidance on navigating the new application system. Skidmore’s Financial Aid Office, as always, was an amazing resource for our students.  

We kept up a number of our familiar spring programs as well, with the OP Book Club, study day writing spaces, and stress relief spaces proving popular destinations for students. The book club discussions were lively and thought-provoking, and the writing and stress relief spaces were combined to help students tackle their midterms and finals while also balancing time to relax and de-stress.  

The OP lunch series continued with engaging discussions on a variety of topics related to student success. These get-togethers provide opportunities to share wisdom on time management strategies, study techniques, and mental health resources. But the real star of these events is the delicious meal that students and staff enjoy together.  

Students Hula Hooping

Our annual Mentor-Mentee Mixer was also a fantastic success, allowing students the chance to connect with experienced mentors who offered guidance, support, and advice. Mentors shared their personal experiences and offered valuable insights into their academic and professional journeys, and we can’t wait to see where these mentoring connections lead for our underclass students.  

The second annual Major Declaration Party celebrated our sophomore students with a festive gathering as they finalized the paperwork to lock into their academic path. The event featured music, food, games, and chances for students to connect with others in their field. 

Looking beyond life on campus, “Table Talk: Graduation, Now What?” featured a panel of alumni who shared their experiences and advice on life after graduation. They discussed career paths, graduate school options, and the importance of networking. Attendees were able to ask questions and gain valuable advice for their own post-graduation plans. 

Students at graduation

In anticipation of graduation, we had a lively Senior Celebration for our Class of 2024 students. The seniors opted for a night of roller skating, go karts, and laser tag as their final OP send-off. The ceremony featured speeches from faculty, staff, and students, as well as a slideshow of memorable moments. Graduates received their diplomas and celebrated with their families and friends.  

We’ve had an excellent spring and summer, and we can’t wait to share all the exciting events we’re working on for the 2024-25 academic year! 


OP Student Spotlight

Meet the superstars of OP: our students!

Nas taking a selfie outside

Nas Wright '28

Hi, I’m Nas! (He/They) I come to Skidmore from Harlem, New York, but I was born in Pennsylvania and raised in New Jersey. What led me to Skidmore was the green everywhere — I absolutely love nature. The freedom to choose what I wanted to pursue academically and have the aid necessary to help was also great. Plus, I was introduced to the Opportunity Program, which has been nothing but wonderful to me.   

I plan on double majoring in studio art (with a concentration in graphic design) and psychology. I would also like to minor in Japanese. I'm interested in sharks, and my hobbies are roller skating, crocheting, singing, dancing, and drawing. I’m in Crochet Club and Extrava-Gemz dance club, as well as the Pride Alliance. My long-term goals are to become a freelance graphic designer, to work full time as an art therapist, and to travel to Japan. 

Solayman Posing in a full suit

Solayman Ararba '28

I was born in New York City and have lived in Manhattan for most of my life, but I also spent a couple of years of my childhood in Morocco, where my entire family is originally from. Until the eighth grade, I attended school in New York City. After that, I went to Exeter, a boarding school in New Hampshire, which was one of the most transformative life experiences I have had the pleasure of going through. While there, I heard mention of Skidmore, and the positive experience people had piqued my interest in the school. I ended up applying, and when I got in, I was ecstatic. 

I’m currently on Skidmore’s pre-med track, although I am still figuring out what I want to do for my career. Before declaring my major, I’m predominantly focusing on STEM and business classes, as those are the fields I am interested in. If I were to go into a field outside of medicine, I would go into chemical engineering. 

I’m a massive sports fan. I usually only watch basketball and soccer, but I’m also open to watching football. I recreationally play those sports as well. I’m very interested in business and am currently working on a business that focuses on clothing while promoting sustainability and generating a profit. I love doing scientific research. Two summers ago, I was an assistant for a study at Columbia University researching the genetic links of Alzheimer’s in Hispanic populations. 
 
Although it’s my first semester on campus, I’ve immersed myself in the Skidmore experience. I was recently elected as the first-year class president, so I’m sitting on multiple boards to discuss how the Student Government Association can positively impact student life. I’m also acting as a voice for my class within SGA. I’ve joined Skidmore’s Muslim Student Association and Foundry Club (and soon more, hopefully!).  

Katie Taking a Selfie on the Street with a winter hat

Katie Hosier '27

Hi, my name is Kaitlyn (Katie) Lena Hosier. I am a transwoman, filmmaker, and musician. I am currently a music major; however, I am working to declare as a filmmaking and audio production self-determined major. I currently work for the MDOCS program on campus doing camera work, editing, transcription, and media making.  

Behind the lens of a camera is my happy place, and I enjoy filming life as it is; however, it’s just as important to me to put the camera in the hands of other people. Everyone deserves to tell their own story. Everyone deserves to have a voice in this world, and I choose to use my films and music to tell my story. The MDOCS program helped me develop that voice. Through them, I shadowed at WMHT PBS in Troy; participated in the Co-Creation Initiative, interning with filmmaker Raienkonnis Edwards; was nominated for two Golden Acorns; and had the opportunity to get experience in the field. Those opportunities and connections have been paramount for getting my foot in the door of filmmaking. The goal is to work at WMHT to continue my work of telling stories.  
 
The message here is that it’s extremely important to find these connections and resources on campus and get those experiences to do what you are passionate about. Experience is currency in the job market 

Randy taking a selfie outside, giving a thumbs up

Randy Moreta '26

Hi! My name is Randy Moreta and I am a junior majoring in economics and minoring in statistics. I hail from Yonkers, New York, which is about 40 minutes from New York City. Although I was aiming for a small liberal arts college, Skidmore was not on my radar. It wasn’t until one of my high school advisors said it was a good fit for me that I considered it. After much research and being accepted into the Opportunity Program, I landed here.  

In my free time, I love to play music — specifically violin and double bass — as well as to indulge in video games. Every summer, I work as an office intern at the Municipal Housing Authority, where I communicate with tenants and organize files. Although I am happy in this position, I’m currently trying to search for internships in the economics or statistical field.  

On campus, I am involved in the Tabletop Gaming Club and the Anime Club. I am looking forward to studying abroad in Spain next semester in the Skidmore in Spain program. 

Fiona Smiling for the camera

Fiona Lacey ’25

Hi! My name is Fiona and I am a senior and first-generation college student. I study social work at Skidmore and hope to one day become a school social worker to be a positive presence in school-age kids' lives. I love social work because I love talking to and learning about people and what makes them unique. I love the Social Work Department because of all the opportunities I have had to volunteer and interact with the greater Saratoga Springs community through placements. The last placement I did was at RISE, which is a low-barrier homeless shelter in Saratoga Springs. 

Outside of school, I am also a part of Skidmore’s ultimate frisbee club, The Wombats, and one of my favorite college memories was going to ultimate frisbee nationals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during my first year. 

Last spring, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland, and attend Trinity College for a semester. The highlight of that trip was when my brother and sister came to visit me for St. Patrick’s Day and we got to sing The Cranberries together in Connor McGregor’s pub. I have a big family, being the youngest of five children, and I always strive to be like my older brothers and sister and make them proud. Following Skidmore, I plan to go to University at Albany for graduate school and obtain my master’s in social work. Entering my senior year has allowed me to reflect on my time at Skidmore, and I am so happy to be where I am and grateful to the Opportunity Program for their continued support and care. 


OP Staff Updates

We’ve had some big changes in the office. Get acquainted with our current team.

Kelli Rouse, director of the Opportunity Program, has had quite a busy schedule throughout the spring and summer. She continues to work one-on-one with students and host relevant programming — Cooking with Kelli is still a crowd favorite. Throughout February and March, Rouse and Travis Strattion worked diligently to accept the incoming OP cohort. In June, Rouse was afforded the opportunity to represent Skidmore College at the DIS International Educators Conference in Stockholm, Sweden. There, she met with study abroad educators from across the globe, learned about best practices in utilizing universal design, and experienced the wonderful tradition of Fika. Upon returning to campus, it was time to welcome the largest OP class in Skidmore’s history: the Class of 2028. In August, 50 OP scholars successfully completed the Summer Academic Institute. Within this same time frame, two colleagues, Travis Strattion and Meghan Navarro, left Skidmore College to pursue other opportunities. However, the team is excited to welcome new members!

Joshlin Sheridan, academic counselor and STEM advisor, joined the Opportunity Program staff in May. She enjoyed planning for and participating in the Summer Academic Institute, where she brought enthusiasm to the daily morning meetings, encouraging students to focus on mindfulness and gratitude, sharpen study skills, and develop friendships through trivia games. A highlight of her summer was eating Dippin’ Dots and getting to know Class of 2028 students while standing in line for rides at Six Flags Great Escape. Sheridan continues to work with first-year students by co-teaching Academic Transformations, a college and career preparation course. This fall, Sheridan has interacted with and advised many other OP students, and she feels humbled to work with such a talented and unique student body. Sheridan is a member of the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) and works on initiatives to support first-generation college students. Off campus, Sheridan has enjoyed hiking trails in the Adirondacks and Acadia National Park. 

Devin Madkin, administrative assistant, will be celebrating her eighth year working for the Opportunity Program in March. She continues to maintain the office’s everyday functions, financial responsibilities, marketing, and social media. During the spring semester, she helped plan the summer program, organize programs, and onboard a new employee. In the beginning of the summer, she prepared the office for the summer program, buying supplies for students and SAI staff. She booked all the weekend trips and transportation for SAI and made sure everyone had what they needed on those trips. When Madkin wasn’t in the office, she was out enjoying the beautiful weather, taking fun day trips to different locations around New York, and spending time with family and friends. She also said goodbye to her amazing 11-year-old Toyota, “Carl,” and purchased a new one.

Adam Evans, learning associate for humanities/social sciences, had a fantastic year of working with students and participating in fun projects. His spring semester featured a lively and informative OP Book Club focused on Joe Sacco’s graphic novel “Palestine,” and he spent the summer developing new content for his Academic Writing course on food politics. It was bittersweet to see a number of students he worked closely with graduate with the Class of 2024, but he’s looking forward to seeing all the wonderful things they will go on to accomplish. He’s also happy that the OP office has been bustling with students, so there’s been little down-time to be sentimental. Outside of the office, Evans occupied his time with a fishing and camping trip in Florida and an awesome spring break with his family in Philadelphia. 


Alumni News

We’re working to bring together the Skidmore OP family, past and present.  

Linda Jackson-Chalmers '73 standing with students

As the 2024-25 school year kicked off, OP and the Skidmore campus had a unique opportunity to celebrate one of OP’s most esteemed alumni, Linda Jackson-Chalmers ’73. Linda was a graduate of the first OP class — then called the Academic Opportunity Consortium — and went on to an illustrious career of service to both her community, as an educator and activist, and to Skidmore, as a trustee. Jackson-Chalmers was honored with the unveiling of a portrait displayed in the Wyckoff Center, and OP was there in numbers to honor her accomplishments. It was an amazing sight to witness the first generation of Skidmore OP standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our current students. We couldn’t be prouder!  

Alumni Interest Form

The Opportunity Program is excited to have alumni connect with current students. Please check out or Alumni Interest Form to complete a short survey regarding ways you might be interested in engaging current OP students.

Alumni Interest Form

Alumni Engagement Network

As always, we continue to build our LinkedIn network to connect Skidmore OP students, alumni, and staff. If you’re on LinkedIn, please join the group and get connected!

Join Our LinkedIn Group