Why do you support Skidmore?
I support Skidmore because Skidmore supported me. Skidmore provided me with amazing opportunities to grow as a student and into the person I am today.
Being at a small school like Skidmore I was able to take advantage of multiple research opportunities in the Geosciences department and worked closely with my professors to improve my laboratory and writing skills. Because of these opportunities during my time at Skidmore I was able to present at an international conference, work in labs at other universities to expand my network, and produced a successful application for a national merit scholarship. These opportunities gave me the confidence to attend graduate school and I am now working towards my PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University.
The academic support at Skidmore is unmatched and prepares students to be excellent communicators in a variety of media. I want to support Skidmore so the college can continue to provide other students with the opportunities that I was fortunate enough to have.
What is it about Skidmore that moves you to support the College at the leadership level of which you do?
As a student I always felt a close connection to the entire Skidmore community. My relationship to Skidmore gave me the support and confidence to put myself out there and try new things while a student. I still look to that support today when I have an obstacle to overcome in work or even social life. I donate at Friends of the President level as a young alum David H. Porter Associate. This helps me keep my connection to Skidmore and maintain my relationship.
I stay up to date on news and progress from the college as an FOP. I also feel like I am doing my part in giving back to the college that has given me so much. I know that I can still count on the college if I need support as an alum, particularly for career advice or networking opportunities. I also try to work with current students to help with post-graduate life, particularly in the sciences, to keep my connection strong. For me, being an FOP means that I am doing all that I can to continue to shape my relationship with Skidmore and to help to create one for current students.