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Outstanding Service Award
JENNIFER ABORN HART ’82, P’16
Honors up to five members of the Skidmore community who have demonstrated outstanding service to the College for at least 10 years as an alumna/alumnus, trustee, faculty member, administrator, staff member, parent or friend. Alumni recipients must be members of a celebrating reunion class.
Jennifer Aborn Hart is a consummate community builder. A retired music educator, she capped a 37-year career at Vermont’s Rutland City Public Schools as director of the choral music program. Fortunately for her alma mater, Jennifer has also spent the past 19 years focusing her time, talent, and energy on fostering connections among Skidmore alumni.
The music-psychology major “lived” in Filene Music Building, where she was guided by exceptional faculty including Eleanor Williams, Susan Green, and Ruth Lakeway. “They were such warm, generous and intelligent people,” she recalls. One of just three music majors in the Class of 1982, Jennifer developed close relationships with these classmates and her instructors. Psychology classes echoed that intimate quality and were taught by equally dynamic faculty. “Each one of them made us feel special.”
As a sophomore, Jennifer partnered with fellow chorus member Bonnie Gray Lindquist ’81 to found the a cappella group the Accents, a defining moment in her undergraduate career that would influence Jennifer’s life for decades to come.
She went on to earn a master’s degree in education and launched a rewarding career teaching music. All along the way, she continued to expand and deepen ties to Skidmore.
A longtime class agent and Reunion planner, Jennifer has served as class fund chair since 2003. When daughter Samantha Hart ’16 enrolled at Skidmore, Jennifer joined Parents Council. After completing her second term on the Alumni Nominating Committee in 2021, Jennifer was invited to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors as chair of reunions. In addition to this role, she celebrates her 45th Reunion as class fund chair and Reunion chair. Jennifer has enjoyed connecting with alumni at Presidents Society receptions, the Fox Adler lecture, Homecoming Weekend, and a host of regional alumni events and faculty webinars. Most recently, she returned to campus for a student government reunion and another celebrating her beloved Accents. Whatever the gathering, you’ll find Jennifer demonstrating the benefits of community engagement — and giving back.
Roommates and suitemates, who have become lifelong friends, along with fellow volunteers, are the core of her Skidmore network. “Working closely for decades with Angie Foss ’82 as class fund co-chairs and with Chuck Kaufman ’82 and Angie as Reunion co-chairs, along with the rest of our planning committee, has been wonderful. When I was invited to join the Nominating Committee and subsequently the Alumni Board, I acquired another cadre of Skidmore friends, not to mention the dedicated staff in the Advancement and Alumni Relations offices. Along with my family, this exceptional community has been the ‘George Bailey’ of my life. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.”
Jennifer reflects, “Whether it’s with time or treasure, giving back to Skidmore is what I love to do. I have never expected a reward. That being said, I am humbled and honored that I was chosen to receive this award. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
— Jennifer Aborn Hart ’82, P’16
