SCHOLARSHIP CIRCLE
Students
whose lives you are changing skidmore.edu/scholarshipcircle
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
To lead lives of consequence. That’s the goal Skidmore College has for all our students — for them to emerge as leaders who will transform the world for the better. To provide them this opportunity to realize their ambitions and fulfill their dreams regardless of economic circumstances is our highest priority. Our scholarship students bring diversity in culture, experience, race, perspective, ethnicity, intellectual interest and economic background to our community. As the demand for financial assistance continues to rise, Skidmore cannot fund all deserving and talented students who apply for aid. The hard truth is that some students who could achieve excellence at Skidmore and change the world are turned away. Your support of scholarships is critical to providing talented students the education to lead lives of consequence, benefiting our graduates, our College and ultimately our world. Thank you for your generosity. – MARC C. CONNER
As a supporter of the Skidmore Scholarship Circle, you have made a difference in the lives of the six outstanding students profiled here. Chosen from more than 1,000 students who receive financial aid from Skidmore College, these students represent a wide range of interests and passions. Each has had a unique Skidmore experience and will leave the College ready to create change in their communities and around the world. This opportunity would not be possible without your generosity. Thank you for your support of scholarships at Skidmore.
View profiles and updates personally posted by these students at:
skidmore.edu/scholarshipcircle
SCHOLARSHIP CIRCLE
JOSH RIDENHOUR ’21 VOORHEES, NEW JERSEY
English major. Men’s soccer player and team captain. Music, fashion and sports enthusiast. Aspiring entertainment journalist. When I visited campus, I was greeted with open arms. I felt connected to the College and knew I wanted to start my future here. In times of turmoil, it is easy to give energy to the negativity in the world. We must not forget the good in our lives, such as access to a Skidmore education that not everyone is so fortunate to have. Appreciating the positivity in the world is something we can all take away. Being on the men’s soccer team has offered me valuable lessons on how to be a leader and a good teammate. I was named to the Liberty League Honorable Mention list for the 2019-2020 season and I was chosen to be co-captain of the Skidmore men’s soccer team for my senior season. My friends and I host a show on Skidmore College Radio WSPN every week. We discuss world events, share popular news and play a mix of rhythm and blues and hip-hop music.
“I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this community. You have blessed students like me with your generosity. Thank you.”
SYDNEY KASS ’23
PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK
Political science major. Economics and Spanish minors. Thoroughbred Ambassador. Chair of VoteMore. Holiday coordinator of Hillel. Member of Model United Nations and Model European Union clubs. My mother is an alumna, so naturally I was Skidmore-averse, but my gut did not care. I immediately felt a visceral connection to the school, and it has not gone away. When I opened my scholarship letter, I thought it was too good to be true. I did not think I would have the means to study at the school I adored and was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement for my future as a Thoroughbred. Last winter, I traveled to Antwerp and Paris with Skidmore’s Model European Union for the 2020 EuroSim conference. As a representative of Estonia, I got to study and advocate on behalf of my assigned member state, but also met with students from across the globe and explored cultures different than my own. My dream is to become a speechwriter. Whether for broadcast news, campaigns or elected officials, I want to craft messages that resonate and inspire listeners. To me, Creative Thought Matters means being open to question my own beliefs and encouraged to challenge those of others. Here, it is not necessarily about thinking outside the box but thinking outside your own box, pushing yourself and your peers to ponder alternate theories, thoughts, policies and perspectives.
“I learn more about the world and myself every day at Skidmore, and will always have you to thank for the person I am and the citizen I will become.”
SOPHIA PAULINO ADAMES ’22 LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Studio art and French double major. Thoroughbred Ambassador. Office of Student Diversity Programs student assistant. Skidmore College Outdoor Orientation Program (SCOOP) peer mentor. Junior class senator. Junior class unity officer. Student representative in the Committee for Educational Policies and Planning. IES Abroad Paris 2020.
As a studio art major, having my work showcased in the juried student exhibit at the Schick Art Gallery twice during my time at Skidmore was a major academic achievement. Last spring semester, I received the Soave Faire Award for my oil painting Lágrimas de Cristal. Outside the classroom, I have been involved in student government since my first semester. I am passionate about social justice, human rights and getting to know the Skidmore student body. I also enjoy mentoring fellow students. I aspire to be a film actress — I am an artist at heart. After graduation, I plan to move to California and work as a graphic designer while I audition for movies, plays and television shows.
“As a child, I imagined attending an American college and dreamed of a scholarship to afford it. I feel so lucky to be living that dream right now. I cannot explain how thankful and happy I am to be a Skidmore student. ”
KATIE YAN ’22 RACINE, WISCONSIN
Biology and mathematics double major. Head Thoroughbred Ambassador for science. Asian Cultural Awareness Club executive board member. Ballet dancer. Peer academic coach for mathematics. Aspiring public health professional. I received my scholarship funding notification almost immediately after my acceptance — and to say I was honored and overjoyed is an understatement. Not only was I accepted, but I received an amazing financial aid package that would help realize my dream. Being selected as a Schupf Scholar for my 2019 summer research project is my greatest academic achievement so far. It was an amazing achievement that my research was interesting enough to merit extra funding, especially in my first year. My research focused on mathematical modeling of the bubonic plague in Eyam, England, in 1666. Creative Thought Matters has played a huge role in my life at Skidmore as indicated by the courses I am able to take. Despite being a mathematics and biology double major, I am also able to take upper-level philosophy courses and dance classes.
“My sincere gratitude goes to the donors who have made it possible for not only me, but also my younger sister, to study at Skidmore. Your generosity has eased our financial burden and allowed us to study and explore what we love.”
ANTHONY NIKITOPOULOS ’21 BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Geosciences and theater double major. Admissions Thoroughbred Ambassador. A cappella group singer. Aspiring actor and environmental science researcher. Creative Thought Matters has played an obvious role in my life at Skidmore, if you simply look at my majors – geosciences and theater. I came to campus with interest in two seemingly opposite fields. Skidmore not only allows me to pursue both, but has wholeheartedly encouraged and embraced my unconventional choice of study. I have been able to pursue so many different and amazing things, from studying earth systems to singing in an a cappella group – the list goes on. At the Moscow Art Theater School, I studied acting. I love to act because it is a way of expressing who I am. Our Skidmore theater faculty are top-notch professionals, and my fellow students in the department are kind and fun to be around. After I returned to campus and quarantined this fall, I got to see the people I missed dearly. I feel so much gratitude for Skidmore’s community and the friends I have made in my past four years here. We’re still in the midst of a pandemic. However, I feel so incredibly thankful for the opportunities I have had at Skidmore and the people I’ve met along the way.
“I am really grateful that Skidmore’s donors provided the opportunity for me to build relationships that I treasure.”
ISAIAH PERKINS ’22 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Spanish and religious studies double major. Thoroughbred Ambassador. Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council intern. Ultimate Frisbee player. Aspiring teacher. When I was introduced to my first-year Scribner Seminar, I began to feel the sense of community that I had heard so much about through Skidmore’s admission process. Community was a prominent theme throughout my first year at Skidmore and it continues in my third year. I was overjoyed to receive the scholarship funding that Skidmore’s donors were able to provide. This type of funding brings a relief of stress for many students like me who have limited options in the application process based on financial restrictions. My internship with Saratoga’s Economic Opportunity Council teaching English as a second language to immigrants in the local area is a source of enjoyment. I got connected to this program through Skidmore’s World Languages and Literature Department. I’ve made real and valuable connections with students through this unique internship opportunity.
“Because of your contributions, students like me are able to embark on enriching academic experiences and unique internship opportunities, such as serving the Saratoga community as an English as a second language tutor.”
To learn more about these students visit: WWW. S K I D MO RE . E D U /S C H O LA RS HIPC IRC L E
Creative Thought Matters