Jacqueline M. Jung ’61 Lifetime Service Award

JACQUELINE M. JUNG ’61 Lifetime Service Award

NANCY A. BRENNAN ’72, MBA, FORMER TRUSTEE

Honoring one or more members of the Skidmore community who have demonstrated exceptional service to the College for at least 25 years as an alumna/alumnus, trustee, faculty member, administrator, staff member, parent or friend.

Much like Jacki Jung ’61 herself, Nancy Brennan’s Skidmore experience “spans a lifetime.” There is virtually no corner of the College untouched by the hand of this dedicated and prolific volunteer.

An English major, Nancy studied literature, art, and drama. She spent a semester touring the Navajo Nation and Southwestern pueblos interviewing Native American poets and novelists. Working with Professor of English Robert Boyers, she examined the art of literary magazines, including Skidmore’s own Salmagundi. Nancy’s student years were filled with “exploration, intellectual and creative growth, and lots of great friendships.” It was a time of social and political change; she credits faculty mentors with encouraging her to “dig deeper and better articulate my own thoughts and point of view.”

After completing a master’s degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, she advanced to executive positions at Fortune 500 companies including The Travelers Corporation and the Hartford Financial Services Group. In midlife, Nancy enrolled at the University of Connecticut School for Nonprofit Leadership, where she was awarded a fellowship. This experience has led to a second career in business consulting for local nonprofits.

Volunteerism has long been an integral part of Nancy’s life. As a member of the University of Hartford’s visitor board, she helps shape the development of its library. She also serves on the boards of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, Connecticut Opera, and First Choice Health Corporation.

A longtime member of the Friends of the Presidents Committee, Nancy chaired its Advancement Council Executive committee. In 2003, she was elected to the dual position of alumna trustee on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association Board of Directors. As a trustee, Nancy served as vice chair of the Academic Affairs Committee and was an influential voice on numerous others, including the Audit and Budget, Student Life, Advancement Communication, and Finance committees. A consummate leader, she returned to the Alumni Board in 2012 for a six-year term.

A member of the Skidmore Business Advisory Committee from 2002 to 2009, Nancy’s executive background was an invaluable resource. She has been a perennial member of the Palamountain Honorary Committee and continues to use her business acumen and deep appreciation of the arts to benefit the National Skidmore Fund Advisory Committee and the Tang National Advisory Council.

A special highlight is her experience as an MB107 executive volunteer. “The presentations are highly creative and I always come away impressed,” she says.

Nancy was also a key participant in the dialogue regarding expansion of residential housing that led to the construction of Northwoods Village. Her insight and expertise played a significant role in the development of the Arthur Zankel Music Center.

“Volunteering has enabled me to expand my network of Skidmore friends,” she observes. “For me, both paths — student and volunteer — have been equally influential and memorable.”

A veteran class agent and multi-term class president, Nancy reprises her role as class Presidents Society chair in celebration of her 50th Reunion.

Volunteering has enabled me to expand my network of Skidmore friends,” she observes. “For me, both paths — student and volunteer — have been equally influential and memorable.

— Nancy A. Brennan ’72