APOLONIA “APPLE” ALVAREZ ’24 FORT

WORTH, TEXAS

Environmental science major. Student Government Association member. Sustainability Commission leader. Chemistry Department work-study student. Future environmental engineer.

I am a Hispanic, first-generation college student, born and raised in Texas. I have always pushed myself academically to create a pathway to college. I never thought I would leave Texas, but my desire for higher education has led me to pursue my passion for sustainability and explore other interests as well. With my scholarship from Skidmore, I have the support to make this goal a reality.

At Skidmore, I dedicate a lot of my time to the SGA Sustainability Commission. I recognize sustainability is not only an environmental issue, but also a societal and economic concern. My role on the Commission is to ensure just and fair sustainable efforts are incorporated within Student Government Association initiatives, while collaborating with the other sustainable groups on campus as well. Currently, the Commission is working on a proposal to develop a green grant at Skidmore to further expand on Skidmore’s Sustainability Plan with student-led projects.

After graduation, I plan to get a master’s in environmental engineering and then work as an engineer focused on sustainable practices and for agricultural projects in the United States. I believe there are social injustices within this sector and therefore a need for sustainable agriculture to assist with food insecurity and food sovereignty. I’d like to be a part of improving these efforts.

JACOB LORD ’24 MAYNARD, MASSACHUSETTS

Physics major and researcher. Peer Health Educator. Treasurer for Hillel. Jazz pianist. Avid hiker. Future scientist.

Once I graduate from Skidmore, I plan to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D. in nuclear fusion and plasma physics. My scholarship made it possible for me to attend Skidmore, where I have incredible support from faculty in advising me on how I can reach my goals. I hope to use my Skidmore degree in physics to research alternative energy solutions to eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels.

My greatest accomplishment at Skidmore was presenting my research in cosmology last semester at a research symposium. I did this as a sophomore when almost all other presenters were juniors and seniors.

The student and faculty relationships make Skidmore so special to me and many of my peers. Skidmore allows professors to exercise innovative teaching methods that I have found very useful in my studies, regardless of subject.