SNAPSHOTS
REAL STORIES, REAL IMPACT
Your generosity is truly transformative!
We’re excited to share snapshots that showcase the incredible impact donor support has on our students' lives. Thanks to your contributions, students have the opportunity to pursue their ambitions and take the next step confidently.
Your investment in their education not only shapes their futures but also enriches our college community and the world beyond.
We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the experiences that make a Skidmore education so special.
Thank you for being an essential part of this journey!
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I would like to express my gratitude to the donors of my scholarship gift. I am a first-generation, Hispanic student who comes from a low socioeconomic background, and I am so honored to go to a top four-year college, much less one that is over 1,000 miles from my hometown.
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Lucas Gutiérrez-Arnold ’26
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA
For Lucas Gutiérrez-Arnold ’26, Skidmore College has created an environment where he can truly thrive academically, thanks to the College’s emphasis on diverse opportunities and its interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum. Lucas acknowledges that he struggled in high school, but he feels that Skidmore has allowed him to experience a “full 360” transformation.
As a political science major, Lucas has had the unique opportunity to engage in research that goes beyond the typical scientific methods one might expect. With the help of Student Opportunity Funds from Skidmore’s Office of Student Academic Affairs, he designed his own social science experiment alongside his peers and Visiting Lecturer Alex Jensen, who has invited him to collaborate on further research. Lucas’s project utilized survey software to investigate how U.S. residents respond to hostile foreign policy situations. This topic resonates personally with him; his father is from Chile, and Lucas has long been curious about perceptions of Augusto Pinochet’s regime. Through this research, he has developed skills in academic writing and how to present his findings. He is preparing to submit his findings to Skidmore's Institutional Review Board and aspiring to publish in an academic journal in the future.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Lucas is exploring his passion for music through Skidmore’s Music Department. He is taking private cello lessons, rekindling a love for the instrument he played as a child before stepping away during high school. Lucas participates in a laid-back group called the Cello Choir, which performs at least once or twice each semester. He has also reconnected with another childhood interest: ultimate frisbee. Lucas is excited to play again with Skidmore’s student-led Ultimate Frisbee team and looks forward to the variety of tournaments ahead.
Lucas is fully enjoying his time at Skidmore, reconnecting with his past self while exploring new interests. This spring, he plans to study abroad in Spain, potentially in Madrid, as part of his Spanish minor — a pursuit he may expand into a second major.
Lucas is deeply grateful for his experiences at Skidmore and the freedom it provides him to discover and rediscover himself as both a student and an individual.
If it weren’t for the funds from donors, I wouldn’t be here. With donations, everything is possible. “ “
HEALTH & HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MAJOR. BIOLOGY & DANCE DOUBLE MINOR.
Valerie Chervinskaya ’26
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Valerie Chervinskaya ’26 knew she didn’t want to spend a lifetime paying off student loans, so when it came time to search for colleges, she focused on state schools. However, everything changed during a weekend visit to Saratoga Springs, where she fell in love with the city and, thanks to an exceptional admissions tour guide, with Skidmore College. Getting accepted into Skidmore quickly became a dream, despite the financial challenges that lay ahead.
With encouragement from those around her, she applied, keeping her expectations grounded. One morning, her phone rang unexpectedly, pulling her from sleep — she had been accepted! It felt as if her efforts had brought her dream to life. She celebrated with her parents, thrilled not only with her acceptance but also with the surprisingly affordable financial aid package that included the prestigious Porter-Wachenheim Scholarship.
Valerie committed to embracing new experiences when she arrived at Skidmore. She joined the polo team, despite never having ridden a horse before. “I told myself to say ‘yes’ to things,” she recalled, adding, “How would you expect a person from Brooklyn to do polo?” Beyond riding, Valerie also serves as the team’s photographer, blending her passion for equine athletics with her creativity. “I’m a photographer. I’m doing dance. I can do anything I want to do and graduate on time.”
Valerie's love for creativity, health, and athletics come together harmoniously. She is grateful for her close relationships with professors and the small class sizes at Skidmore. As a health and human physiological sciences major on the pre-health track, she applied for Skidmore's Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC), which connected her with an additional faculty advisor to guide her toward a career in health.
Valerie is deeply thankful for her experience at Skidmore and the generosity of those who helped her get there: her admissions guide, her parents, her professors, and Skidmore's donors.
My favorite part of this internship was being hands-on with the administrative side of an arts organization while also sharpening my skills as a ceramic artist. “ “
ART MAJOR. ART HISTORY AND ARTS ADMINISTRATION DOUBLE MINOR.
Ava Tesoriero ’25
CHATHAM, NEW JERSEY
Ava Tesoriero ’25 has found her passion in both ceramics and arts administration through her enriching internship at the Saratoga Clay Arts Center (SCAC), just a short 15-minute journey from Skidmore's campus.
As a studio art major specializing in ceramics, along with minors in art history and arts administration, Ava sought an internship that would blend her artistic enthusiasm with her academic pursuits. At SCAC, she took on a variety of tasks, from firing electric and reduction kilns to mixing glazes from raw materials and maintaining classroom spaces. A highlight of her experience was helping renovate SCAC’s downstairs classroom, which will soon host the exciting “Kids and Clay” summer program.
What truly stood out for Ava was the fulfilling combination of creative and administrative responsibilities. “My favorite part of this internship was being hands-on with the administrative side of an arts organization while also sharpening my skills as a ceramic artist,” she shared.
The welcoming community at SCAC not only enhanced her practical skills but also inspired her to push the boundaries of her own artistic expression. Each day, she left feeling inspired and eager to explore the vibrant world of ceramic arts further, grateful for the chance to work alongside talented artists and mentors.
This transformative experience is made possible by the generosity of donors who support experiential learning programs like SEE-Beyond, allowing students like Ava to thrive and grow in their artistic journeys. Your contributions help foster creativity and provide invaluable opportunities for aspiring artists.
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I am incredibly grateful to the Summer Experience Fund for allowing me to explore this entrepreneurial venture. This summer has been an invaluable learning experience, and I’m excited to continue developing College Mart into a full-fledged business.
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Isiah Karitanyi ’26
KIGALI,
RWANDA
During the summer of 2024, Isiah Karitanyi ’26 embarked on an exciting journey to launch College Mart — an online college marketplace aimed at reducing waste by facilitating the buying and selling of items among students. This incredible opportunity was made possible through Skidmore’s Summer Experience Fund, which provided essential resources and support for him to focus on developing the app’s layout and brainstorming innovative ideas.
Isiah immersed himself in designing the College Mart app, researching the market, and connecting with successful entrepreneurs who had launched similar businesses. Isiah had enlightening conversations with Patrick Phillips and Tanner McCraney, co-founders and creators of the innovative digital learning app, Rumie. They shared invaluable insights on navigating the startup landscape, including strategies for user engagement, scaling, and sustainability. Their guidance helped Isiah refine his business model and make strategic decisions that will benefit College Mart in the long run.
This experience taught Isiah vital lessons that will shape his future endeavors. He gained practical knowledge in project management, user interface design, and business development. Working independently on the app layout enhanced his technology skills, particularly in UX/UI design. His interactions with the Rumie co-founders bolstered his professionalism and communication abilities, helping him learn how to present his ideas and embrace constructive feedback. By taking ownership of this project, Isiah also honed his leadership skills in decision-making and strategic planning.
Thanks to the generous support of donors, opportunities like this empower students like Isiah to pursue their passions, create innovative solutions, and make a positive impact in their communities. Your contributions play a vital role in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.
I am incredibly thankful to the Schupf Scholar program and the Faculty-Student Summer Research program for giving me the chance to conduct meaningful research this summer. “
BIOLOGY MAJOR
Krista Longo ’26
CROSS RIVER, NEW YORK
During the Faculty-Student Summer Research program, Krista Longo ’26 was fortunate to receive funding through the Schupf Scholar program, which enabled her to embark on an integrative biology and chemistry project. Over ten transformative weeks, she delved into the effects of tryptophol on the production of immunomodulatory compounds by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This new project allowed Krista to immerse herself in learning protocols and developing standards, laying a solid foundation for her research.
Working alongside her peers in a collaborative environment, Krista gathered insightful data that will guide the next steps in their study. Under the mentorship of Professor Emily Le Sage, assistant professor of biology, she gained essential skills while also taking initiative in her work. The supportive mentoring style allowed her to thrive, fostering both her independence and confidence.
Through this experience, Krista developed a variety of skills that will be invaluable in her future career. She became proficient in sterilization techniques, cell culturing, and HPLC/LC-MS training, gaining practical knowledge in experimental design and quantification through biological and chemical methods. This summer research not only deepened her interests but also solidified her decision to pursue graduate school in biology.
Krista and her collaborator, Professor Le Sage, plan to continue this project over the next year, focusing on metabolites and immunology. They are excited to present their findings at the Amphibian Disease Conference at Vanderbilt University, with hopes of publishing their research.
Krista shared, “This program helps unite women in STEM and fosters a strong community of undergraduate scientists. I will always be grateful for the experiences and skills I gained. I’d also like to extend my thanks to all the faculty and collaborators in the biology and chemistry departments who supported and prepared me for this project.”
Thanks to the generous support of donors, opportunities like these empower students like Krista to pursue their passions, contribute to scientific research, and build a vibrant community in the world of STEM.
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From the second you step into Professor Yildiz’s class, his energy and enthusiasm fill the room. He’s truly passionate about the subjects he teaches, encouraging conversation and comradery between his students. He truly understands that creative thought matters and instills the desire for such thought within me and within each and every one of his students.
- Sam Kleid ’27
HISTORIAN
Dr. Murat C. Yildiz
SKIDMORE COLLEGE
Murat C. Yildiz is a historian of the modern Middle East. His research and teaching interests focus on the intersections of subject formation, the body and gender, intercommunal relations, urban history, and popular culture in the region. He is dedicated to bridging learning inside and outside the classroom by organizing lectures, class trips to museums, film screenings, and other activities.
Dr. Yildiz’s teaching methodology, candor, and commitment to helping his students find their voices contributed to him being voted as the student choice for faculty speaker at the 2024 commencement ceremony. “I treat the students as historians-in-training,” he says, “and that comes with a lot of responsibility. I’m asking my students to learn together, analyze primary and secondary sources, and cultivate their own narrative voice, which requires talking, thinking, and even disagreeing.”
Before joining Skidmore, Dr. Yildiz taught at large universities with lecture halls accommodating hundreds of students. Now, with a maximum of 26 students in his classes, he fosters an environment where students can explore their curiosity. He encourages them to look beyond merely securing a good-paying job and instead to discover a field of study they are passionate about — one that ignites a desire to dig deeper.
In his classroom, he promotes dialogue and respectful disagreement, urging students to conduct research to back up their arguments. Dr. Yildiz embraces the complexities of politics in education, demonstrating how current conflicts are rooted in historical legacies. “A historical approach helps us understand that we could have taken different paths and ended up someplace else.”
Dr. Yildiz’s candid teaching style thrives at Skidmore, where he believes students share a respect for one another. He describes this dynamic as a “profound level of respectful disagreement.”
Together, through both our differences and similarities, we have built and maintained a tight-knit community at Skidmore College. Our faculty create places for open dialogue, and encourage active listening inside and outside the classroom. Thank you for supporting this important message, one that reaches beyond the campus community through our alumni living throughout the country, and the world.