October 10, 2008
Dear Class of 1953:
The spirit of '53 is alive and well and was demonstrated by all of us who attended our memorable 55th Reunion last May. The enthusiasm for Skidmore was evident in the active participation of '53ers in so many events. We were proud of our five talented artists, who exhibited their work at the Tang Teaching Museum and ArtGallery, our five panelists, the large numbers who attended the enlightening mini college sessions, wonderful gatherings, inspiring events and shared endless gourmet meals. But most of our enthusiasm for our College was demonstrated through the record giving to the Annual Fund with 72% of our class contributing, which was the highest percentage of all reunion classes! This awesome goal could not have been accomplished without the leadership of our Fund and FOP chairs, and with the help of our class agents. What a class!
As part of the Skidmore family of over 30,000 alumni, we can take great pride in the exciting progress made by our Alma Mater. Today's lucky students have extraordinary opportunities for preparing them to become contributing citizens of a much more complex world than we faced. Throughout the first rate weekend we experienced a sampling of some of the advantages given to students on Skidmore's campus. But the highlight of a Reunion is always connecting with classmates. As your class President for the next five years, I'd like to have us expand on our connections as classmates. The older we get the more our friends mean to us so I'm encouraging personal correspondence with each other via snail mail, e-mail or phone to commemorate birthdays or just to say "Hi."
To help find your special classmates, enclosed is a class directory with addresses and other contact information. We've also enclosed a list of known birthdays. If you are willing to share any missing information, please call the Advancement Office at (518) 580-5600 (their staff is awesome), or me at (860) 701-0207. Skidmore friends are golden, so let's continue to celebrate and perhaps even rekindle these friendships!
Many thanks to Susie Eustis Bogart for keeping us informed for years with her newsy columns in SCOPE. Keep sending your news to Barbara Holden Moulton as she takes over the job of Class Secretary.For the last five years Carol Claflin Kurtz has done an admirable job as our capable President. I will try to follow her good lead knowing that with the class of '53 there is always overwhelming support.
So let's stay in touch and enjoy another golden year together.
Fondly,
Til
Natalie Jones Neri, President
Who are our Class Agents?
BarbSylvia Shaw Brandhorst, Elinor Reponen Cronin, Janice Roth Dorfman, Norma Fisher, Janet Tinsley Fiske, Elizabeth Singer Gluck, Doris Janitschek Hall, Grace Ackerknecht Harrigan, Carol Claflin Kurtz, Jacqueline Bailey Martin, Barbara Holden Moulton, Natalie Jones Neri, Phyllis Thorp Pennington, Deborah Phillips, Elizabeth Howe Shannon, Priscilla Greene Taylor, Lois Kite VanWagner, Ann Trainer Williams.
What's on Tap for Reunion?
May 29- June 1, 2008
Highlights
Mini-College seminars and interactive experiences with favorite Skidmore faculty
The 9th Annual Alumni Speaker Series
The 14th Alumni Reunion Art Exhibition
Guided tours of campus, Saratoga Springs, and the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery
Alumni Awards and Recognition Ceremony and Class Gift Presentations
Traditional All-Reunion Classes Picnic
Individual Class Reunion Celebrations, including roundtable discussions, cocktail gatherings and dinners
15th Annual Fireworks Display
Live music & dancing on Saturday evening