Recent Events

Dear Members of the Skidmore Community,

Many of us were dismayed to learn about the events that occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada, last night, a senseless act that is being called our nation’s most devastating mass shooting. Our thoughts and prayers are with the dozens of innocent victims and the nearly 500 individuals who were injured, their families, and the first responders who assisted those in need. We at Skidmore share in this grief, and the College is reaching out to students, families, and alumni who may have been directly affected.

This incomprehensible tragedy—which follows news of human crisis and devastation across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean islands, and the southeastern United States as a result of consecutive hurricanes—prompts us to mourn for all those who have experienced great loss.

Skidmore’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life today hosted any informal, nondenominational gathering in Wilson Chapel, and resources are available to students on an ongoing basis regardless of religious, spiritual or secular background. The staff of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life is available to Skidmore students, staff and faculty members for spiritual counseling and pastoral care in times of grief, crisis, or introspection, and provides referrals to clergy and leaders of other faith traditions.

We also would like to remind our community of additional resources available in this time of turmoil. For anyone who needs support, Counseling Services may be reached at 518-580-5555. As a reminder, all employees may use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may be reached at 518-793-9768. For information about other ways to assist with disaster relief, please continue to contact Community Service Programs.

In the aftermath of the Las Vegas shootings, the presence of hatred and violence in the American polity remains a national tragedy that we all must overcome together. As we continue with the new semester, please seek out occasions to support one another and strengthen our campus community. Thank you for your attention and your concern.