40 Students storm faculty meeting in protest of commencement speaker

Posted by Julia Martin/News Editor

For video of the protest filmed by the protesters go to: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=P_sChG4_v_4

The Protest

On Friday, April 5 at 3:30 p.m., the College's monthly faculty meeting was scheduled to begin in Gannett Auditorium. Minutes into the meeting, a group of 40 students entered the auditorium, with Jovany Andujar '13 seizing one of the two empty microphones positioned in the aisles.

"I'm sorry to interrupt this faculty meeting, but-" Andujar began.

"Excuse me, you're out of order sir. You may sit and if you want to say something I will recognize you," President Glotzbach said.

Andujar continued speaking.

The accompanying students began handing out fliers to the faculty, detailing their issues with the choice of commencement speaker, former CEO of the Anglo-American mining corporation, Cynthia Carroll. The fliers were created by the United Minds club on campus.

At this time, a small group of faculty members chose to exit the auditorium, including Professor of government Natalie Taylor. Taylor told The Skidmore News she left after the students told the President Glotzbach they would not allow him to continue speaking. "By disregarding the procedures that govern our meetings, the students betrayed values- openness to differing opinions, deliberation, and civility- that are essential to liberal education and to community," Taylor said.

Andujar read a prepared speech detailing his frustration with the administration's approach to the Cynthia Carroll controversy. "The voices of students are not being properly heard. I've been in talks with the students involved in [discussions with the administration] and that is the only reason why I know about any of the limited progress that has been occurring," he said.

Andujar described the administration's response to the controversy as an act of appeasement rather than serious consideration. He continued, "We are calling and demanding for actual action and change." Andujar said personally he wanted Carroll to be disinvited from the ceremony or stripped of her speaking privilege.

Andujar expressed dissatisfaction that the administration had not released a public statement regarding the controversy over the choice of Carroll, and mentioned that he felt his opinion was being ignored.

"It's my commencement. Not hers. Not yours. It is my day. Not yours," Andujar said.

Daniel Pforte '13 spoke after Andujar. Pforte described the decision of Carroll as commencement speaker as contradictory to the sense of social responsibility and ability to think critically that students are expected to obtain after four years at the College.

"We [the group of students] believe this decision misrepresents us as Skidmore students, and highlights the lack of power students hold," Pforte said.

Pforte stated that the students wanted faculty to help organize an event that invites the administration responsible for the choice to explain their motives and justifications for the decision.

When asked if he had attempted to contact the administration before the protest, Pforte told The Skidmore News, "I do not believe the administration is a place to start any sort of effort to change decisions of the power structure or the power structure itself."

President Glotzbach then asked the students, "What would you like to happen today?"

Andujar responded, "I'm not playing that game with you this time, Glotzbach."

The response invoked a contemptuous buzz from the faculty members in the audience.

Chair of the Classics Department Michael Arnush then spoke to Andujar, "You've asked for respect from him. He deserves the same respect. His name is President Glotzbach."

Andujar continued, "I'm not playing that game, President Glotzbach."

Andujar said the moment for an open forum had passed, and that the students were not asking for an open forum. "We want change," Andujar said.

Kali Block-Steele '13 then spoke. Block-Steele called for true collaboration and communication between the administration and students. She mentioned frustration at the "political jargon" used by members of the administration, concluding her speech with, "I want to see change, President Glotzbach. That is what I want."

Professor of Studio Art John Cunningham then rose and spoke, stating that graduation was a prideful moment for the faculty members as well. "We've been with you guys for four years. This has been a wonderful, creative, exciting experience for us. Please bring this dialogue back to something a little more civilized, because we are with you guys and we back you guys up a hundred percent," Cunningham said.

The group left the auditorium after Kelsey Nichols '13 mentioned that at least some of the students present would be interested in engaging in an open forum with the administration.

Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Professor of Sociology David Karp left the auditorium at the same time as the students. Karp said he left not out of protest, but desire to speak further with the students and learn more about their perspectives.

Professor Karp added, "I was excited to see the passion, courage, and conviction of the students who went to the faculty meeting."

Behind the Scenes

Professor Karp, Dean of Students Rochelle Calhoun, President of Speakers Bureau Alexandra "Z" Steinhauer '13, SGA President Matt Walsh '13, Senior Class President Emilee Bell '13, Sustainability Coordinator Riley Nuegebauer and Professor of Environmental Studies Karen Kellogg are all members of a group that developed earlier in the semester to discuss the controversy over the choice of commencement speaker. The group developed after Steinhauer contacted members of the administration with concerns over the choice of Carroll.

These group discussions have led to a commitment by the administration to alter the structure of choosing future commencement speakers as well as the planning of a teleconference with Cynthia Carroll.

Steinhauer also gathered 18 testimonials from students expressing dissatisfaction with the decision and the lack of administrative transparency. The testimonials were emailed to administrators and presented to the discussion group. The testimonials ranged from several paragraphs to a few sentences in length.

"My conversations with administrators were not necessarily making the college notice how urgent this issue is and now it's important that we really kick it up a notch. Students took a serious risk when they protested the faculty meeting and while definite progress has been made, I still think it is imperative for the school to take a risk when thinking about further solutions." Steinhauer said.

Block-Steele mentioned that she felt student voices were not being taken seriously.

Outside of submitting a testimonial, Block-Steele had not contacted members of the administration before the protest.

The specific goal of the protest is unclear. Students involved have asked that Carroll be uninvited to commencement, while others have asked for community dialogue. Others still have asked for an "act of love" from the administration.

The monthly faculty meeting has not served as the stage for a student demonstration in two decades. Twenty years ago, a group of students entered the meeting and called upon the administration and then president of the College, David Porter, to admit more students of color and employ more faculty of color.

Pforte said the meeting was chosen as the sight of protest because he believes faculty members hold great power in the community.

"They [the students] were asking us to join and stand with them," said Arnush, "though I'm not quite sure how and where we were to join them." He continued, "It wouldn't be realistic to disinvite a speaker at the request of 40 students. These are passionate students, but we don't know if this is the majority view. And how do we even find out the majority view? How do you reach an entire student body to find out what the student body thinks?"

Arnush added, "At some level I respect [the choice of the faculty meeting as the protest location] enormously. It caught the attention of everybody. It was the tone that I think was wrong."

Members of the protest mentioned they believed the choice of Carroll was a symptom of a larger problem of Skidmore not holding itself to higher standards of civic engagement. Students expressed sentiments that the administration should have responded to the testimonials submitted with greater urgency. Students who participated in the protest voiced frustration that faculty members and members of the administration had not contacted them after the protest.

The community dialogue with Cynthia Carroll is scheduled to take place on Thursday April 18, between 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in Gannett Auditorium. 

A game of Spanish f??tbol

Posted by Julia Leef

Saludos!

I hope things are starting to warm up in Saratoga, and hopefully aren't as wet as they are here in Spain. Apparently, this is the most rain the country has ever gotten at since they started recording the weather seventy years ago, more than tripling the last record. Good to know there really is no escaping New York weather.

As the Yankee fans among my friends lament, I am a proud Boston Red Sox supporter and enjoy watching or participating in the occasional baseball game. I played in the Little League when I was younger and was on the softball team until high school. I used to argue with a friend of mine of Colombian origin, about which sport was better-baseball or soccer.

Well, when another friend from Colombia came to visit me in Spain, we decided to see a soccer (or f??tbol, as the sport is called in almost every country except in the United States) match this past weekend. It was my first time seeing a live soccer game-an essential experience for any student studying in Spain.

And... I still think baseball is better. However, f??tbol has its own merits, as some of its qualities are unrivaled by any other sports game I've attended.

The match that we attended was between Real Madrid and Levante The rivalry between these teams is not as big as the one between Real Madrid and Barcelona, but the crowd was still pretty riled up.

And that, for me, was the most appealing part about watching the game. The fans are so incredibly responsive to anything and everything the players do. Like in any sport, they cheer and chant at random intervals, rooting their team on as the players run across the field. A group of fans even brought a drum with them, which reverberated throughout the stadium as they sang and waved giant team flags over their heads.

But it's not just the goals or a particularly tricky pass that sparks their reactions, although those outbursts are something to behold. They applaud and encourage their team at any given moment-whether a goal has just been missed or a player has intercepted the ball. In baseball, the crowd will give a little smattering of mild applause if the pitcher manages to strike someone out. But Spaniards cheer as if every move is a home run.

They get angry too. Very angry. When Levante scored the first goal of the game, there was plenty of cursing and yelling directed at the few non-Madrid fans brave enough to cheer. One man sitting two rows below me treated this offense as though it was a deeply personal insult made against his entire family. But you should have seen his face whenever Madrid scored. I don't think he would have been happier if he had won the lottery.

And that's what I think I liked most about watching this game and being a part of that crowd. It wasn't an important game, not part of the World Cup or against a superior team in the division, but everyone treated it as if it was. Fans of all ages, from small children brought by proud parents to elderly folks who've probably seen it a hundred times cheered as though it was their first match. Everyone was happy and excited from start to finish, and when Madrid scored its fifth goal against Levante's single one, they cheered as if their team had just come from behind in a miraculous sweep that took them straight to the championship.

Having had the experience, I'd still much rather watch a baseball game on television than I would f??tbol. But in terms of the crowd? Sorry, America, but Spain has you beat.

Un abrazo,
Julia

Campus Safety Report: April 5 to 11

Incidents of Note:

? Monday, April 8-Suspicious Activity: A child reported at 8:38 a.m. unrestrained in a convertible, which appeared to be hazardous. Several other reports received of the same. Officer dispatched reported a check of the entire campus with negative results.

? Wednesday, April 10-Intoxicated Subject: A male reported at 8:39 p.m. entering the Williamson Sports Center mumbling something about swimming. The subject went up to a coach who advised him that he did not belong in the Sports Center. The reporting person stated that they waited outside of the men's room for him and escorted him out of the building through the coach's entrance doors. A description of the subject was provided and he was located on the bottom floor of Case Center. The subject was identified and warned off campus or be subject to arrest for trespass.

? Wednesday, April 10-Campus Safety Assist: A welfare check was requested at 11:41 p.m. of the reporting person's son in the Scribner Village Apartment complex. Dispatched officer reported that the student was not found in his apartment. After initial efforts proved negative, the Saratoga Springs Police Department was contacted along with the assembly of the Emergency Management Team. An e2Campus alert message was sent out to all users advising of the missing student, along with several other efforts. A student contacted the office at 7 a.m. stating that the subject in question was sleeping in her roommate's bedroom. Dispatched officers located the subject in good mental and physical condition. The subject contacted his mother.

Further Incidents:

Friday, April 5:

? College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 1:03 a.m. at Whitman Way. Officers reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.

? Campus Safety Assist: While on rounds at 1:30 a.m., officers observed two males coming down the steps of the Tang Teaching Museum. As the officers approached the males fled on foot.

? Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 3:55 a.m. to the Saratoga Emergency Room from Ingram Park. Dispatched officers completed the transport.

? Drug Law Violation: A suspicious odor reported at 9:05 p.m. in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officer reported observing a Drug Law violation in plain view. Report issued.

? Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 10:33 p.m. in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers reported observing a Drug Law violation in plain view. Report issued.

? College Violation: A noise complaint received at 11:50 p.m. at Dayton Drive. Dispatched officer reported that subjects complied with the request to lower the volume.

Saturday, April 6:

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:50 a.m. in Penfield Hall. Officer dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the music.

? Graffiti: Graffiti reported at 1 a.m. in the South Quad covered walkway outside of McClellan Hall. The graffiti was recorded and a report issued.

? Graffiti: Officer reported graffiti at 2:34 a.m. written on the walls inside the fourth to fifth floor stairwell of Jonsson Tower. Graffiti recorded and report issued.

? College Violation: Excessive noise complaint received at 2:35 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Officer dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the music.

? College Violation: Excessive noise complaint received at 4:57 p.m. at the Pine Apartments. Officer dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the music.

? College Violation: Loud music reported at 5:48 p.m. at the Oak Apartments. Residents were leaving upon the officer's arrival. Officer spoke with the residents concerning the noise complaint.

? Medical: An intoxicated subject reported at 11:52 p.m. at Falstaff's Pavilion. The Emergency Medical System was advised but the subject refused medical attention. Report issued.

Sunday, April 7:

? A male subject reported at 12:15 a.m. laying on the ground between Wilmarth Hall and Case Center. Skidmore College Emergency Medical System on the scene advised Campus Safety that the subject was gone on arrival. The student was later found in Wilmarth Hall. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department and the Emergency Medical System was requested for medical assistance. Report issued.

? Criminal Mischief: Graffiti found at 1:29 a.m. on the exterior of McClellan Hall. A can of spray paint was also found. The spray paint can was placed in evidence. Damage recorded and report issued.

? Trespass: Non-residents reported a broken window at 2:30 a.m. on the third floor of Kimball Hall. Report issued and damage recorded.

? Criminal Mischief: Graffiti reported at 3:13 a.m. on the wall, door and stairs of the south east side of the Kimball Hall basement entrance facing Penfield Hall. Report made. Photos taken.

? Campus Safety Assist: Concern reported at 9:46 a.m. for another student's welfare at Whitman Way. Dispatched officer located the subject and provided assistance. Report issued.

? Medical Assist: Campus Safety requested at 8:10 p.m. for a cut finger at Dayton Drive. Dispatched officer and the Skidmore Emergency Medical System. The subject was transported to the Emergency Room for further medical attention. Report issued.

? Medical Assist: Campus Safety requested at 8:35 p.m. to respond to a female who hurt her ankle at the Williamson Sports Center. Dispatched officers and the Skidmore Emergency Medical System. Subject was transported to the Emergency Room for further medical attention. Report issued.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 8:54 p.m. at a North Woods Apartment complex. Officer, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Source of activation due to burnt food. Report issued.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 11:40 p.m. in McClellan Hall. Officer spoke with the room's resident about the repeated noise complaints. Report issued.

Monday, April 8:

? Campus Safety Assist: A welfare check requested at 12:48 a.m. of the area near the reporting person's daughter's dorm room in McClellan Hall as she is concerned for her welfare. Officer dispatched reported finding the hallway clear and not detecting any noise or disturbance.

? Criminal Mischief: A broken chair reported at 7:40 a.m. in the center stairwell of Penfield Hall. Officer dispatched and damage recorded. No known perpetrator at this time. Report issued.

? Graffiti: Graffiti reported at 9:18 a.m. on the brick wall and pillars of the Case Center walkway. Officer recorded the graffiti. Report issued.

Tuesday, April 9:

? College Violation: Excessive noise complaint reported at 12:28 a.m. at Wiecking Hall. Officer dispatched reported that the subjects talking loudly complied with the request to lower the volume.

? Campus Safety Assist: Medical transport requested at 12:47 a.m. from Wait Hall to the Emergency Room for the reporting person's ill acquaintance. Officer provided the transport.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 6:45 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised. Alarm due to a cooking error. Report issued.

? Alarm: Spa motion sensor alarm activated at 8:09 p.m. for the Case Center ramp entrance. Officer dispatched. Second alarm received. Officer reported finding no staff in the area. Report issued.

? Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 11:18 p.m. in Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officers reported detecting no odor upon arrival.

? Criminal Mischief: Officers conducted a check at 11:29 p.m. of Wiecking Hall and reported a fist-sized hole in the wall near the elevator and room 219A. Damage recorded and report issued.

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 11:43 p.m. at Moore Way. Dispatched all officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Source of activation determined to be burnt food.

Wednesday, April 10:

? Criminal Mischief: Officer reported at 11:28 a.m. that the fencing for the construction site in Scribner Village had been cut. Report and photos taken. Construction supervisor notified.

? Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 9:12 p.m. in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers who reported not finding any problems. Call unfounded.

? Campus Safety Assist: A person called Campus Safety at 11:01 p.m. to advise that the county had received a 911 hang-up. Dispatched officers could not locate any problems or the person who had made the call. After several attempts, the caller was located, identified and advised that it was an accidental dialing. Reporting person advised.

Thursday, April 11:

? Fire Alarm: Fire alarm sounded at 11:14 a.m. on the automated alarm system for the Williamson Sports Center. Dispatched all units and contacted the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Officers reported that a panel showed a problem in the main gym. Advised the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Officers reported that a detector was activated in the duct work under the bleachers. Unknown cause for the alarm at the time. Alarm reset.

? Accident: Damage reported at 5:23 p.m. to the subject's vehicle in West Lot. Reporting person stated that a note had been left on his windshield but was damaged due to the rain.

? Medical Assistance Call: A reporting person came to the Campus Safety office at 6:21 p.m. stating that he would like his blood pressure checked. Notified the Skidmore College Emergency Medical System.

? Medical Assist: Assistance requested at 8:01 p.m. for a student in Bolton Hall. Dispatched officer and notified the Skidmore College Emergency Medical System.

? College Violation: Loud noises reported at 10:07 p.m. coming from the recording studio in the Arthur Zankel Music Center. Dispatched officer reported that there were no problems in the area. All was fine at the time.

? Campus Safety Assist: A call received at 10:17 p.m. from the Scribner Library that a subject the reporting person had previously called about had now entered the building. Dispatched officers reported observing the male but did not find him to be doing anything wrong. Officer spoke with the reporting person.

Small Jazz Ensembles to play at Cafe Lena

Skidmore's Small Jazz Ensembles will be playing tonight at 7 pm at Cafe Lena in downtown Saratoga. Offering diverse styles and a breadth of talent, student musicians will be playing everything from sax, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass and drums.  Dan Plumer, '16 shares his excitement about the event: "Tonight's concert will be the first public gig for this semester's combos. Our trio has been working hard, and we're looking forward to playing at the historic Cafe Lena." 

Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. Head down to Phila street tonight to see these impressive student musicians!

Students meet with the architect hired to redesign Case Center: A discussion on what students wish to see in the new building

Posted by Andrew Shi

On Tuesday, seven students (including your writer) accepted the open invitation to meet with William Spears, the architect in charge of renovating Case Center. Spears is one of three principals of MDS (Miller Dyer Spears), which is headquartered in Boston. The firm fields a long list of colleges and universities for clients, and Spears oversaw the renovation of Mount Holyoke's Blanchard Campus Center. According to his profile at the firm's website, "[Spears] leads the firm's sustainable design initiatives, looking to promote buildings that that contribute to the well-being of its occupants, and minimize energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gases," making him an ideal architect to redesign Case Center, based on Skidmore's energy efficient and sustainable building agenda.

In the discussion, Spears asked the group of students what problems they had with the current building, what they liked about it, and what they envisioned the ideal Case Center would provide.

It seemed, though, that there was more things wrong with Case then were right.

"I think a lot of people start with Case or the library as the center of Campus, but Case is a transition place...we meet people there but don't stay there," Meghan Burke '13 stated.

"I was thinking of a place to lie down...and it wasn't Case," Senior Class president Emilee Bell '13 said.

One of the largest issues with Case, according to the group, was lighting. Many thought the lighting was poor, and the dark paint only exacerbated the unwelcoming ambience. Spears expressed that "it is important to make a place feel warm," and asked what exactly students might like to see to improve lighting. The consensus was more windows, and more lights throughout the building as well, as the current florescent bulbs were too sparse and dim. As Martha Snow '14 noted on Case, "it's dark even when it's sunny outside."

Another problem seemed to be a lack of comfort and intimacy. There was an expressed desire for the small rooms in Library, which offer groups an area to gather and hold private meetings. These small rooms also supply spaces for clubs to congregate and would, if built into Case, theoretically attract students there. "The library has this space that feels intimate, Case does not have that," Burke remarked. The fireplace in the Dining Hall atrium also served as another paragon for what these students wished to see in a new Case Center.

The last demanding topic of the session was about the Spa. The Spa, according to the three upperclassmen who attended, holds an important function for those who need a place to eat on campus but no longer have meal plans. But people also "use the place to study, to socialize, to eat and to hold events," Bell noted.

Some of the students complained about the food, while others thought it served its purpose. Spears questioned if the Spa might be able to host many of the events that are now conducted at Falstaffs, such as Lively Lucy's, but nobody thought the Spa in its current condition was ideal.

Bell stated that as far as hosting events went, the Spa was a poor choice because its openness undermined any form of intimacy or inclusiveness. In the end, Spears pondered if the Spa was "a multipurpose room that doesn't do anything well."

Many other facets of Case were brought up, including Ladd, which students at the meeting felt, as a hall for academia, intruded on the student space that was meant to provide a place to relax and socialize. Many students also thought that Case was hard to navigate, unsure of where rooms were and confused by the sets of offices that house Leadership Activities and now also Communications. One student also lamented about the condition of the patio outside of Burgess. "The front patio is really great except I can't walk by without coughing." The administration is currently contemplating a smoking ban or limiting smoking to smoking areas.

Spears will continue to observe and study Case and will work closely with both students and the administration as he develops a blueprint for renovation. For more information on Spears and his firm, visit http://www.mds-bos.com/.

An admirable, but poorly thought-out protest: How the Anti-Carroll protestors need to act moving forward

Posted by The Editorial Board

Last Friday, 40 students interrupted April's faculty meeting to protest the college's choice to invite Cynthia Carroll to speak at commencement. The protest was the first of its kind in twenty years -- when students protested the lack of racial diversity -- and garnered much attention among the student body. This newspaper commends the student protestors courage and their conviction to make their voices heard and see their passions manifest into civil action. However, this newspaper does not believe these protestors comported themselves in a manner that deserved the kind of respect they demanded the administration show students. Although it was only the actions of a few that were truly disrespectful, that does not exonerate the rest of the students involved who were just as responsible for this protest and should have controlled their rowdy members.

The controversy over Cynthia Carroll was well evident before this latest act of protest and it is understandable that these protestors wanted the administration to address the issue more directly. What this newspaper finds unfortunate is how quickly the protestors concerned with Carroll's background escalated the matter. With the exception of a small group of largely SGA affiliated students that includes one member of Friday's protesters, the student body has not  appealed to the administration with any meaningful action. About twenty students have written letters to the President to complain about Carroll and demand the administration do more to address the issue, but an email that could have been placed in  junk inbox or missed among the hundreds of other emails the President's office receives every week is not enough. If the students had taken any strong action before this latest protest; if they had sent a signed petition( with at least 100 names, not even a twentieth of the student body) demanding the administration justify their choice and take more action to redress the protestors' grievances;  if they had organized an open event that invited the administration to address the student body; or even if they had first held a sit-in at the President's office, and the administration had continued to ignore this group, then this latest protest may have been justifiable. But these protestors took no visibly significant action first. They acted in a manner that should have been a last resort of protest and interrupted and disturbed the faculty meeting.  Furthermore, the fact is that the administration has been overly eager to engage in dialogues with students in regards to the Cynthia Carroll controversy, and have gone so far as to secure a teleconference with Carroll for next week so that students can question her directly. This upcoming teleconference, oddly, was already known by the protestors, but they chose to carry out their protest anyway.

These protestors made a pitiful attempt to speak with the administration and then barged in on the faculty meeting, with a few insulting President Glotzbach. Even if we excused the few discourteous protesters, the protest as a whole remains immature.

Moving forward, those who oppose Cynthia Carroll as a commencement speaker need to conduct themselves in a way which deserves the kind of respect that they demand. It is unclear how many students of the graduating class are so firmly against Cynthia Carroll -- just because the anti-Carroll voices are the loudest does not mean they speak for the majority. Opponents of Carroll need to demonstrate that they have the support of the senior class in their actions. This could most easily be achieved through a petition. Opponents should also initiate the dialogues with the administration that they claim to want. Students need to take charge and responsibly initiate the change they want to see. Lastly, it is quite unlikely that Carroll will be dropped as a commencement speaker. She was chosen over a year ago and this year's commencement already has one less speaker than usual. Instead of demanding that Skidmore withdraw her invitation to speak, concerned students should ask for the administration to reexamine the way that commencement speakers are selected in the future. It is a fair request that students be included on this decision, and this newspaper asks that the administration gives due consideration to this issue.

This is what those 40 students should have done and should do now. To now directly address those 40 students -- you held your protest and got our attention, now prove that you are mature enough to deserve our regard. If you decide to continue down this disruptive road, though, this newspaper and many of the graduating seniors only hope that you are considerate enough to not attempt something similar at graduation and spoil one of the most important days in the lives of the members of senior class.

And to the administration: one of the complaints made by the protestors was that the administration is dragging out the current discussion in place. The administration needs to be thorough and careful, but they cannot just hold out until graduation has come and pass. Time may be on the administration's side but to not address these issues in a timely manner is just as irresponsible as the actions of the student protestors.

Skidmore alumni provide insight on "careers that make a difference"

Posted by Kate Butler

A buzz of voices filled the second floor of the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall on the evening of April 4 as Skidmore College students chatted with alumni about their post-graduate experiences and careers. Thanks to the collaboration of the College's Career Development Center and the Community Service Office, Skidmore students gained a glimpse into the careers of eight alumni who have all made a difference in a unique way.

When facing intimidating decisions about majors, internships, and post-college career paths, many students seek reassurance through the achievement of the liberal art students before them who now successfully operate in the working world. The visiting panelists, who all share a common liberal arts background, but work in diverse fields, appealed to the students' unique interests while offering insight on how to secure a future career. They placed particular emphasis on advocacy and making an impact in the world in varying professions.

The alumni panel consisted of eight alumni: Jackie Abodeely, a retired New York police officer and current volunteer service dog trainer; Becky Jarczynski, a program director for the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation; Tyrone Jones, a clinical supervisor for Palladia, Inc., who specializes in substance abuse treatment and supportive housing services for the homeless of New York City; Victoria Malaney, a Fellow in Skidmore's own Office of Student Diversity Programs; Joshua Relin, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Center for Counseling and Psychological Health; Kasha Rybczyk, the site director for a middle school who also works for Tenacity, Inc., a non-profit that provides reading and tennis instruction for under-privileged kids, and Evan Schneider, a director of policy development for Senator Neil D. Breslin.

Jenna Hartwell of the Career Development Center organized the event with Michelle Hubbs of the Community Service Office. Hartwell explained that she and Hubbs wanted to provide students with a wide range of careers with that make a difference but lie outside of the traditional social science fields. Hartwell, whose office offers free, unlimited career counseling both before and after graduation, emphasized the importance of the advocacy involved in these jobs to appeal to the socially conscious students.

After a half hour of free time to mingle and network with alumni, the students and panelists took their seats for the moderated question and answer portion of the evening. For the next hour, David Karp of the Sociology Department and Campus Life moderated, asking questions and calling on students to contribute their own. Questions ranged from how to choose a fitting career path to the benefits of taking a gap year. The panelists offered their unique opinions and experiences, often emphasizing the importance of their liberal arts educations in providing them with a wider range of opportunities.

Despite their differing interests and careers, the panelists often offered similar advice to their audience. Seeking new opportunities and developing fresh interests remained, for each panelist, the most important strategy for graduates embarking on the career search. Whether searching for the perfect job, considering a gap year, or contemplating graduate school, students should keep all of their options open.

"You're growing and changing through four years of college," Abodeely said. "But you're growing and changing through life, so don't shut any doors. Be open." 

Film Forum Special Event: Bill W.: Catch the one-night-only screening of this moving, inspiring documentary

Posted by Kate Butler

From his first fateful drink in 1917, William Wilson seemed set on a course of boozy highs, binges, and blackouts. Nearly two decades and countless drinks later, with his life in shambles, Bill made another life-changing decision. Instead of ordering another drink, he called another drunk. Their conversation laid the foundation for the program model that became one of the most famous and effective in history-Alcoholics Anonymous.
Although Bill dealt with alcoholism, drug addiction and depression to the very end of his life, the anonymous 12-step support and recovery program that emerged from his personal struggles has served as a salvation for millions.
The Saratoga Film Forum is offering a one-time screening of Bill W. this Saturday, April 13th, at 7:30 pm, at its theater in the Saratoga Arts Center at 320 Broadway. A panel-led discussion about addiction in Saratoga will follow the film; so don't miss this one-night only opportunity!
The post-film panel includes Gail Capabianco, in recovery herself and a long-time worker in the alcohol and substance abuse fields and Dr. Raymond F. Angelini, a Saratoga clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with alcohol and substance abuse. Dale Willman of the Saratoga Wire will moderate.
Admission is $5 for students.

Riding team moves on to IHSA nationals

Posted by Katie Peverada

The riding team earned a trip to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships by way of its second place finish at Zone II Championships this past weekend.
Skidmore scored 35 points, behind only St. Lawrence University's 44 points. Also competing were Alfred University, SUNY Stony Brook and the University of Connecticut. Only the top two teams move on to the national competition.
During the team competition, Natalie Williams '15 and Jiakun Fu '15 placed first in Novice over Fences and Walk Trot classes respectively. Keena Newton '13 placed second in Advanced Walk Trot Canter. Four Thoroughbred riders have also qualified to compete in individual classes at the IHSA national competition. Flavia D'Urso '13, Julia Mazzarella '13, Sandrine Couldwell '13 and Bettina Salfeld '14 will all compete with the top riders in the nation.
The IHSA nationals are being held May 2-5 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Skidmore and St. Lawrence also competed at the 2012 national show, placing second and first respectively. Overall, Skidmore has won six IHSA national titles, with the most recent win coming in 2010.

Film Forum: Sound City: Rock and Roll in the Glory Days

Posted by Kate Butler

Before the digital age killed the analog console, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Rick Springfield, Nirvana, Tom Petty, Metallica, Guns 'N' Roses, Johnny Cash, and many more flocked to a dilapidated warehouse turned pizza box and beer can studded studio in the San Fernando Valley to lay down tracks and make some magic.
Sound City, home to some of rock's most famous artists and birthplace of some of rock's greatest albums, was renowned for its recording quality and lack of overdubs, backing tracks, and the like, always emphasizing and prizing the human element of the music. When technological developments made the studio's legendary analog console obsolete in the 2000s, the studio closed down.
Through interviews and performances from musicians who recorded there, director Dave Grohl, formerly of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, recounts the story of the rise and fall of the fabled Sound City studio, celebrating its history and legendary contributions to the world of rock and roll.
Sound City will be showing at the Saratoga Film Forum at 320 Broadway this Thursday, April 11th and Friday, April 12th at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, April 14th at 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for students.

Community rallies to support April 14 Empty Bowls event to benefit Wilton Food Pantry

Members of the Skidmore community are partnering with friends of the Wilton Food Pantry on the second annual Empty Bowls lunch, scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161, on Route 9.

Ceramics students of Associate Professor of Art Matt Wilt have created 150 bowls for the event. In addition, members of the Dining Services team are contributing their expertise in preparation of the food to be served on Sunday.

The premise of Empty Bowls is simple: each attendee chooses a unique handcrafted bowl and fills it with a simple meal of soup or chili and bread. The fee for the meal includes the bowl, which people may take home after the event as a reminder of neighbors faced with empty bowls every week.

"Each bowl at this event is a true vessel of hope, the proceeds from which allow the Pantry to purchase 93 pounds of food from the Regional Food Bank," noted WFP Board President Deb Zellan. 

In addition to the handmade ceramic bowls and food, the afternoon will feature live music by John & Orion Kribs, with fiddler Doug Moody as a special guest. A silent auction will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. with items including a gas grill, his and hers vintage Schwinn bikes, jewelry, shopping, dining, golf, art and more.

 "This event amplifies the spirit of the food pantry, which is neighbor helping neighbor. Folks are doing what they can to be part of this home-grown solution-strengthening community, volunteerism, generational ties-and working together to resolve food insecurity and provide good nutrition, which makes for a healthier Wilton," said event organizer and WFP board member Dennis Towers, whose company, McKinley Griffen Design & Advertising, is providing its services free of charge to the pantry.

"This event is the single largest source of funds to operate this all-volunteer food pantry, and it is a rare opportunity to build community within the town of 16,000 residents," Towers added. 

Residents of Wilton can visit the pantry 12 times in a year for a three-day emergency supply of food for their family. The Wilton Food Pantry distributed groceries equal to more than 24,000 meals in 2012.

The families that utilize Wilton Food Pantry services are educated about nutrition, food origins, and meal preparation. "Chef Ben Niese of Skidmore, who was involved at our first Empty Bowls last year, is now a regular volunteer. Ben will look at the inventory that day, with a focus on perishables. He will write up easy-to-prepare recipes on the spot, which we share with the families. This helps them get back to "slow food" principles and perhaps prepare foods they have not had in the past," explained Zellan.

Advance tickets are $15 at wiltonfoodpantry.org or at the three Wilton branches of Saratoga National Bank. Admission at the door (if bowls are available) will be $20. For more details, please visit www.wiltonfoodpantry.org. 

Taking a look at the NHL playoff picture

Posted by Katie Peverada

With teams having no more than 10 games left in the NHL season, it's time to start looking at the playoff picture. Chicago and Pittsburgh were the first two to clinch spots in the playoffs this past weekend. But who else will?
Below Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference sit 11 teams with a realistic chance of making a playoff push. There is a bit of a surprising logjam at the bottom of the standings. And by surprising, I mean the teams that are there are unexpected. The New York Rangers were supposed to dominate, but they're fighting against the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets for their ticket to the playoffs.
The top three spots automatically go to the respective division winners, and in the Northeast and Southeast, it's wide open. In the Northeast, first-place Montreal (55 points) and second-place Boston (56) are separated by two points, both with nine games remaining. Boston's remaining schedule is easier, so look for them to win the division. Both teams will make the playoffs, though, with Montreal getting the fourth seed. In the Southeast, Washington (44) leads Winnipeg (42) by two points. They face each other in Washington on the April 23, a game Winnipeg could utilize to clinch the division. With a strong push against weaker opponents over their last eight games, six of which are at home, Winnipeg could pull ahead of Washington in the standings before they even meet. Whoever loses the Southeast, though, will have to fend off the feisty New Jersey Devils and (surprise!) New York Islanders.
The six through eight seeds in the East will be fought out until the final game, with the current sixth place Ottawa Senators (44) separated from 10th place New Jersey (40) by four points. Buffalo (38) and Philadelphia (37) are still in contention, but their disappointing seasons will end with them on the outside looking in. Ottawa (44) will make the playoffs based on the strength of their goaltending, and Toronto (48) will finally be back in the postseason hunt for the Stanley Cup. New Jersey will put up a good fight, but with half of their final eight games against top four teams, they will fall short of the final spot. So, look for Pittsburgh, Boston, Washington, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, New York Islanders and Winnipeg Jets to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
Below Chicago (64) and Anaheim (59) in the Western Conference sit 12 teams all in realistic contention. Chicago and Anaheim will win their divisions and be seeded first and second, respectively. Vancouver (52) is in third-place overall in the West and leads the Northwest division by six points over Minnesota (46). Minnesota does have an easier schedule to close out the season so they will threaten Vancouver for the number three spot. Los Angeles (48) has returned to form and will have a chance to defend its title. San Jose (47), even though they are third in the Pacific division, will be in the playoffs, it is just a matter of what seed.
The seventh and eighth playoff spots are where it gets tricky, with seventh place St. Louis (46) separated from 12th place Edmonton (39) by seven points. Phoenix (42) is in ninth and will remain outside of the playoffs, as seven of their last 10 games are on the road, where they have only won four times all season. Dallas and Columbus all have 39 points, four behind eighth place Detroit's 43 points. Edmonton has a tough schedule to close out the season, and five games against the top three teams will keep them from the last spot. Ditto for Dallas, who faces five top five teams in their last ten games. And while it would be great to see Columbus make it to the postseason, they won't.
So, the last two spots will go to St. Louis and Detroit. St. Louis plays seven of their last ten at home, three of which are against the bottom two teams: Calgary and Colorado. And Detroit will make it purely because they are Detroit and have made the playoffs for the past 21 seasons. In the Western Conference it will be Chicago, Anaheim, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Jose, Minnesota, St. Louis and Detroit.

Baseball drops three, wins one in four game series against St. Lawrence

Posted by Katie Peverada

The men's baseball team went 1-3 over the weekend, with their only victory an 8-5 win on Saturday afternoon.
In the first game Saturday, a 3-4 loss, all three Thoroughbred runs came in the first inning. Leejay Pollacchi '13 started things off with a walk, and then his teammates moved him along as Geoff Green '13, Erik Watkins '14 and Alex Barber '13 hit three consecutive singles. Matty Tatkow '13 then scored Watkins with a sacrifice fly. Green and Watkins each went 2-4 with a run scored, and Watkins also added an RBI. Nick Petrella '15, who ended up going six innings, struck out five, and gave up four runs (one earned) on seven hits. St. Lawrence scored their final run in the fifth inning to go up 4-3.
The Thoroughbreds then went on to score eight runs on 14 hits in the second game, with Watkins again having a strong game. The junior went 4-5, scored three runs and hit an RBI. Barber went 3-5 with three RBIs and scored a run of his own, while Spindel and Pollacchi were both 2-5. Pollacchi again got things started with a leadoff single and scored on an Alex Barber single. Max Martins '13 moved to 2-2 on the year after going 6.2 innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on just three hits. Isaac Forman earned the save in his two innings of relief.

On Sunday, St. Lawrence won both games, beating the Thoroughbreds 2-1 and 7-2. Skidmore dropped to 3-5 in Liberty League play and 6-10 overall.
Matty Tatkow '13 scored Skidmore's only run in the first game off of a Mike Pannozzi '13 single. Skidmore starter Jordan Keysor '13 went 5.2 innings, giving up two earned runs on seven hits. Nick Masterson '16 and Mike LaVita '16 combined to hold the Saints scoreless in the relief effort.
In the second game the Saints went up 1-0 in the first inning and never looked back winning 7-2. Skidmore starter Andrew Bannon '15 pitched four innings, giving up three runs on four hits (two earned). Pollacchi had a strong day at the plate, hitting two doubles, while Geoff Green went 2-5 with a stolen base and Matty Tatkow went 3-5 with two stolen bases. Watkins, Spindel, Pannozzi and Jeremy Selecky '14 each added a hit for the Thoroughbreds.

Los Angeles Guitar Quartet to perform April 21 with guitar orchestra at Zankel

The Skidmore College Department of Music will welcome a return visit by the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, for a concert featuring a new concerto for guitar performed by the quartet and a guitar orchestra. The orchestra will include approximately 50 musicians ranging in age from 14 to 70 years from throughout the region.

Joel Brown, senior artist-in-residence at Skidmore, an acclaimed guitarist and chair of Skidmore's Music Department, calls the LAGQ "the premier guitar quartet in the world." The quartet's participation in this event, says Brown, "will make a special concert even better."  The concert will feature the performance of a new work by Kyoto-based composer/guitarist Shingo Fujii titled "Shiki: Seasons of Japan." The piece is dedicated to the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The guitar orchestra features performers drawn from a number of the region's campuses, including UAlbany, SUNY Adirondack, Schenectady County Community College, the College of St. Rose, and the Crane School of Music, SUNY College at Potsdam. Douglas Rubio, professor of classical guitar at Crane, will conduct the performance. There will be a professional guitarist in each section of the orchestra, notes Brown, who will be in the third section.

The LAGQ comprises four uniquely accomplished musicians who bring new energy to the stage in programs ranging from bluegrass to Bach. Their inventive, critically acclaimed transcriptions of concert masterworks provide a fresh look at the music of the past, and their interpretations of contemporary and world music continually break new ground. They consistently play to sold-out houses worldwide.

Winner of a 2005 Grammy Award, the LAGQ's Guitar Heroes CD released on Telarc is a brilliant follow-up to the group's Grammy-nominated LAGQ Latin.

Quartet members are John Dearman, Matthew Greif, William Kanengiser, and Scott Tennant. Dearman is a versatile guitarist whose repertoire ranges from samba to bluegrass, from flamenco to classical. He enriches the sound of the LAGQ by performing on a unique seven-string guitar with extended upper and lower registers. Greif, the newest member of the quartet, is a classical guitarist with a background playing in jazz, rock, flamenco, and bluegrass. Kanengiser has earned critical acclaim for his imaginative arrangements for solo guitar and guitar quartet, and for producing two instructional videos for Hot Licks. Tennant is celebrated as a world-class performer, author, and teacher who has been concertizing since the age of 12.

Admission for the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet concert is free for students and children, $8 adults, and $5 seniors and Skidmore community. For advance reservations or more information visit www.skidmore.edu/zankel or call the Zankel box office (518) 580-5321. 

Attend the Tale: Department of Theatre presents Sweeney Todd: Love, Revenge, and Pies- take a trip to the streets of London with the demon barber of Fleet Street

Posted by Zoe Dartley

The theater department is excited to announce its spring 2013 mainstage production, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and libretto by Hugh Wheeler. This production is directed by Carolyn Anderson with Scenic Design and Co-Creation by Garett Wilson. Music Directed by Emma Weiss '13. Performances are April 12-14 and 18-21, 2013. All shows are in the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater at 8:00pm, except Sunday matinees at 2:00pm.
Set in mid 19th century London, the musical thriller follows the dark tale of barber Benjamin Barker. A victim of the law, Barker is unjustly imprisoned for years in Australia by the judge who ravaged his wife. Seeking vengeance, Barker returns to his native England as Sweeney Todd and opens a barbershop above Mrs. Lovett's pie shop. Together, the two develop a murderous partnership as Mrs. Lovett gladly grinds up the bodies of Todd's victims into her meat pies, which grow to be a hit on the streets of London.

While the production has involved plenty of hard work and elbow grease, it has been immensely rewarding for those involved. Weiss proposed the project to Carolyn Anderson of the theatre department last year, and has received a great amount of help from the faculty. States Weiss: "I've been in an independent study in Conducting with Dr. Holland all year and have had so much support from him. We have also had a lot of help from Kathy Mendenhall in the theater department who has taught a few "master classes" in singing technique which has been a great help to both the leads and chorus members." While the work has been hard, Weiss is incredibly grateful for the experience: "I [also] have been leading rehearsals with our small orchestra and they have been just amazing to work with. I am so lucky to have been able to work with such a determined and passionate group... The cast has come an incredibly long way from back in January. It's not every day you have the opportunity to be a part of such a historic production like this. Skidmore hasn't done a musical in the theater department in almost 20 years. None of this would have been possible without Carolyn and Gary's vision and all the help from Dr. Holland. They have let me feel like a collaborator in this immense undertaking and I couldn't be more grateful and proud to have been a part of this production."

For reservations, call the Skidmore Theater Box Office at (518) 580-5439 or email boxoffice@skidmore.edu. Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. For group sales, contact Kathy Mendenhall at (518) 580-5431 or kmendenh@skidmore.edu.

Campus Safety Reports: March 29 to April 4

Incidents of Note:

Saturday, March 30-Criminal Mischief: Officers reported locating a large opening at 7:07 a.m. in the fence outside of the Hillside Apartments allowing for unauthorized entry. Officers secured the fence with wire at the scene. Report issued.

Tuesday, April 2-Campus Safety Assist: A German Shepard reported at 4:37 p.m. wandering in the North Broadway roadway. Dispatched officer located the dog and returned it to its owner.

Wednesday, April 3-Animals: A person reported at 7:01 p.m. that his dog had been attacked earlier that day while being walked on the North Woods trails. Investigation initiated and report issued.

Further incidents:

Friday, March 29:

College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 12:10 a.m. in the Wilmarth Hall common area. Officer dispatched reported that the subjects lowered the volume upon request.

Criminal Mischief: A window reported broken at 7:22 a.m. on a trailer in the construction site at Scribner Village. Damage recorded. No known perpetrator at this time. Report issued.

Criminal Mischief: A broken window reported at 12:05 p.m. in the west stairway of Penfield Hall. Damage recorded. Report issued.

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 12:42 a.m. in McClellan Hall. Officer assisted the subject.

Suspicious Activity: A suspicious male reported at 3:33 p.m. in the Spa in Case Center. All parties on upon arrival.

College Violation: Offer reported a college alcohol violation at 11:37 p.m. in Wilmarth Hall. Report issued.

Saturday, March 30:

Intoxicated Subject: An off-campus student reported concern at 12:53 a.m. for an intoxicated friend. Officers and the Emergency Medical System assisted the subject. Report issued.

Intoxicated Subject: An intoxicated female reported at 1:16 a.m. in Kimball Hall. Dispatched officers and the Emergency Medical System assisted her. Report issued.

Intoxicated Subject: Assistance requested at 1:42 a.m. for an intoxicated male in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers and the Emergency Medical System provided assistance. Report issued.

Campus Safety Assist: A smoldering ashtray reported at 2:11 a.m. outside of 3 Dayton Drive. Officer dispatched stated that there was no fire present and extinguished the ashtray by smothering it with snow.

Campus Safety Assist: A concerned counselor requested a welfare check at 10:46 a.m. after a student missed a scheduled appointment. The subject was located and his status reported satisfactory.

Criminal Mischief: Criminal mischief reported at 11:44 p.m. on the second floor of Wiecking Hall. Officer reported unknown perpetrators. Damage recorded. Report issued.

Sunday, March 31:

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at midnight for the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers reported a birthday party going on. Residents complied with the request to lower the noise.

? College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:19 a.m. from the Hillside Apartments. Dispatched officers advised the registered party to lower the volume. Several subjects dispersed from the area.

Criminal Mischief: Officer reported a shattered window at 2:07 a.m. in the west stairwell of Penfield Hall. Officer recorded the damage.

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 4:04 a.m. in a North Woods apartment complex. Dispatched officer requested that students turn the music down. Student complied without further incident.

Monday, April 1:

Criminal Mischief: Officer noticed at 12:25 a.m. that the construction site gate near the Hillside Apartments was unhinged. The lock and chains were still intact and the officer was able to secure the gate. Unknown persons had unhinged the gate.

Fire Alarm: Fire alarm received at 10:59 p.m. in Kimball Hall. All officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Source of activation was due to burnt food. Report issued.

Tuesday, April 2:

College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 12:05 a.m. in Rounds Hall. Officer checked the area and reported that all was quiet at the time.

Suspicious Odor: A strong odor of marijuana reported at 11:45 a.m. coming from the second floor of Rounds Hall into the reporting person's office. Officer dispatched reported that the subjects were gone on arrival.

Wednesday, April 3:

College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:25 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Officers dispatched reported that residents complied with the request to lower the volume.

Parking: Officer booted a vehicle at 3:30 a.m. in the Case Center parking lot due to excessive outstanding tickets. Report issued.

College Violation: A noise complaint reported at 9 p.m. in the Oak Apartments. Dispatched officer requested that the students use the band trailer to rehearse. Subjects ceased their activity.

Campus Safety Assist: A student requested transport at 8:48 p.m. to the Saratoga Hospital Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport.

College Violation: Loud guitar music reported at 11:19 p.m. in Penfield Hall. Dispatched officer reported the area clear. Call unfounded at the time.

Thursday, April 4:

Campus Safety Assist: Transport requested at 5:45 a.m. from Howe Hall to the Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport.

Fire Alarm: Fire alarm received at 4:26 p.m. for Dayton Drive residence. Dispatched all units, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. A cooking error determined as the cause.

Suspicious Odor: A suspicious odor reported at 4:50 p.m. on the back steps of McClellan Hall. Dispatched officer reported no one in the area. Call unfounded at that time.

Suspicious Activity: Officer reported at 8:25 p.m. finding the North Construction Gate unsecured on the north side of the Hillside parking lot.

College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 9:39 p.m. in Wilmarth Hall. Officer dispatched reported that subjects lowered the volume upon request.

Skidmore recognizes Autism Awareness Month with event-filled calendar: Schedule month-long events

For the fourth straight year, students of Skidmore College psychology Professor Rachel Mann Rosan have arranged a month of public events to observe Autism Awareness Month.

Since the early 1970s, the Autism Society has celebrated National Autism Awareness Month as a special opportunity to raise awareness about autism and issues within the autism community.

At Skidmore, students in Mann Rosan's psychology course PS 212b, "Developmental Disabilities and Autism" have annually arranged a slate of activities offering community-specific information. Mann Rosan provides a structure for the students to use, including learning outcomes. The students are then assigned various activities - speaker, panel discussion, informational posters - geared toward the learning objectives.

The learning objectives include understanding autism and the philosophies that influence diagnosis and treatment, researching the epidemiology of autism, examining the different causes and treatments, and looking at the impact of autism on the community. Mann Rosan encourages the students to research the topics and make decisions on what activity or speaker best addresses the topic.

The class has established the following schedule. All events are free and open to the public.

? Monday, April 8,6 p.m. in Tisch Learning Center, room 302

"The Role of a Clinical Team to Support Parents and Individuals with Autism," featuring

Cassandra Estey, Wendy Ashe, and Diana Graviano

Members of the Clinical Consultation Team from Saratoga Bridges, Inc., will provide an overview of their roles as a behavior specialist, certified occupational therapy assistant, and speech-language pathologist. Topics included will be positive behavior support, sensitivity training, feeding, expressive language, social skills, and the counselor-clinical role.

? Tuesday, April 9,6:30 p.m., Bolton Hall, room 282

"Philosophical Perspectives of Autism Spectrum Disorders," by Susan M. Parillo

The discussion will center on philosophical issues as they pertain to Autism Spectrum Disorders, including understanding the current debate over the primary deficit thought to be a major contributing factor to autistic impairments, implications of the 2013 change to the diagnostic criteria and notions of whether Autism is something to be "cured" or "embraced".

? Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m., Tisch Learning Center, room 201

"Autism: Where is the Terminology Going?" by Anthony Malone, M.D.

In the midst of a likely expansion of the problem of Autism, there is a major change in how it is thought of diagnostically. The discussion will focus on how the two issues meet and how it affects children on the spectrum.

? Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m., Tisch Learning Center, room 302

"The Epidemiology of ASD's: A Brief Review of Recent Research," by Paul A.H. Partridge, Ph.D.

In recent years, there has been much discussion about the increasing prevalence and factors associated with increased rates of diagnosis.

? Tuesday, April 16, 6 p.m., Bolton Hall, room 282

"Modeling Behaviors Relevant to Autism in Inbred Strains of Mice," by Dr. Valerie Bolivar

Mice can play an invaluable role in modeling the biology underlying autism and in developing more effective therapeutic agents. Dr. Bolivar's lab has established the BTBR T+Itpr3^tf/J inbred strain as a useful model for autism-relevant behaviors and is currently examining brain development in these mice, looking for biomarkers relevant to autism.

? Wednesday, April 17,at 7 p.m., Davis Auditorium, Palamountain Hall

A screening of the movieTemple Grandin

This award-winning film paints a picture of a young woman's perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism at a time when it was still quite unknown. Starring Claire Danes, Julia Ormond, Catherine O'Hara, and David Strathairn.

? Thursday, April 18,6 & 7 p.m., Tisch Learning Center, room 201

6 p.m. - Panel on "Parenting Autistic Children"

7 p.m. - Panel on "What It's Like to Have Autism"

Parents: Julie Marks, Stephanie Veitch, Steve Oill, Skip Parry & Ronda Fein

Individuals on the Spectrum: Eric Olefson, Melanie Hecker, & Rebecca Shook

? Sunday, April 21, noon in Intramural/Dance Gymnasium

Second Annual Autism Awareness Informational Fair & Carnival, hosted by Saratoga Bridges, the Parent Network of the Capital Region, and the Skidmore Psychology Department and presented by

Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC. Skidmore is a partner on this event, which is organized and sponsored by community groups. Skidmore students assist with running the carnival for children attending the event. Admission is free and open to the public.

Ashley Reynolds '14 honored for civic engagement

Ashley Reynolds '14 has been named a 2013 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to fostering civic and social responsibility. Reynolds is among 180 students nationally to receive the award, which recognizes college students for their efforts to explore social issues and work toward positive change. 

A social work major from Ashburnham, Mass., Reynolds takes a particular interest in community-based research and its use in effecting social change. Through her work in a course titled Community Engagement, she assisted at two local agencies-the Saratoga Center for the Family, an advocacy center for victims of child abuse and domestic violence, and the Center for Hope, an organization that supports families with missing children and adults. She has volunteered at Shelters of Saratoga, a housing and advocacy center for the homeless, and has served as a Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

In the fall semester of 2012, while studying at Payap Univeristy in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Reynolds worked with the agency Grandma Cares, which helps children who have lost parents to HIV/AIDS. She began by teaching English, but noticing a shortage of personnel in key areas she proposed and was approved for additional responsibilities-conducting interviews in the field, compiling reports for the agency and their sponsors, and developing an English education assessment program.

On campus, Reynolds is a go-to person for students seeking help with social science research methodology. She is also an active member of the campus organization Christian Fellowship who reaches out to younger students who may be struggling with the transition to college life.

"Ashley is a multi-talented student who has the drive to make positive social change," said Crystal Moore, associate professor of social work and chair of the department. "She is effective in working directly with people, has strong research skills, and has a high degree of professionalism." Moore and Reynolds are currently working as co-authors on a clinical update of an article by Moore on communication issues in palliative care.

Distinguished professor emeritus and ecological engineer, John Todd, to give lecture

John Todd, a pioneer in the emerging field of ecological engineering, with a specialty in food production and living systems for water purification, will lecture at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 11, in Filene Recital Hall.

Todd's passion and work revolve around the broad field of planetary healing and regeneration. He has been active in shaping the field of ecological design for more than 40 years. He earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture and an M.S. degree in parasitology at McGill University, and holds a Ph.D. in fisheries from University of Michigan. Todd is an emeritus research professor and distinguished lecturer at the University of Vermont, and a fellow at the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics.

He is founder and chairman of John Todd Ecological Design, Inc., and president of Ocean Arks International, an NGO dedicated to publishing, and to healing the inshore oceans. He is based in Woods Hole, Mass. He was the co-founder of the New Alchemy Institute in 1969.

Todd has received a number of awards and honors, including the first Buckminster Fuller Challenge award for the best idea to help save humanity. His entry, recognized in 2008, was titled "Design for a Carbon Neutral World: The Challenge of Appalachia." In 2006, he received the Global Visionary Award from the city of Chicago and in 1999, he was named a "Hero of the Planet" by Time magazine.

Todd and his wife Nancy are co-recipients of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bioneers (1999); they also received the Charles and Ann Morrow Award for technological innovation on behalf of the planet (1998).

Author of more than 200 hundred scientific, technical and popular articles, Todd is also the author or co-author of seven books. He is the inventor of Eco-Machines and the holder of a number of patents. 

Book Review: Ninety Nine Years: A commemoration to the Leica camera that brought us the past century's most iconic photos

Posted by Dylan Lustrin

Anyone who has taken a photography class, fancies themselves to be even an amateur photographer, or simply has an appreciation for photography's representational properties surely has their photographic idols. Maybe that idol is Barbara Morgan, Henri Cartier-Bresson, David Douglas Duncan, or Alfred Eisenstaedt.

Or perhaps one feels an aesthetic attraction to a certain iconic image: Elliott Erwitt's artfully crooked 1950 image showing two side-by-side water fountains labeled "white" and "colored;" Alberto Korda's 1960 shot of an intent-looking Che Guevara - the same image reproduced on countless t-shirts and even the Cuban three peso banknote; or Thomas Hoepker's moving 2001 snapshot of five friends relaxing by an idyllic Brooklyn waterfront as thick smoke rises from the World Trade Center towers behind them. Although creating seemingly dissimilar works, these artists all had a commonality - they captured their photographs with Leica cameras. The instantly recognizable Leica design has come to conjure a specific element of admiration and connote quality in equipment and the resulting image.

The company's rich history is documented in the new book 99 Years Leica. As expected from a firm whose main focus is the creation of visual pleasure, the book's packaging is eye-catching yet far from ostentatious. The 300-page coffee table book-sized volume comes slipped into a thick matte black protective cover with a small square-shaped cutout in the middle meant to reveal, but not give away, the book's cover. Reading "Ninety-Nine Years" (stylized over four lines as "NINE / TYNI / NEYE / ARS") in glossy black letters against a flat white background, there is little possibility of mistaking 99 Years' purpose as a celebration of a legendary company's legacy and future on the occasion of its 99^th anniversary.

In 1914, optical engineer Oskar Barnack created the Ur-Leica in Wetzlar, Germany. This camera featured an all-metal body, a retractable lens, and used 35mm film - all features engineered to save space and weight in a time where heavy and largely unmovable cameras were the norm. By 1924, Leica had developed the small format Leica I. Upon its introduction and release in 1925, the camera was an instant hit, selling over 70,000 units between 1925 and 1930 and securing the company's place within the annals of photography.

Flipping through the pages of 99 Years Leica, it is difficult not to stop and do something of a double take at the strikingly-colored images, bold statements (in both content and typeface), dynamic page layouts, and compelling tales of photographers, their works, and Leica's development as a company. One such eye-catching two-page spread features a photo of the Eiffel tower taken from the bottom up and rendered in a tie dye-esque mixture of green, brown, blue, and white. Overlaid on the image in broad grey text is the witty statement "PARIS IS A BITCH (sometimes)." The text opposite this image speaks fondly of Paris and its ability to inspire the work of noted Leica users such as Henri Cartier-Breson and Brassa??.

I must admit, I was skeptical of this book at first. Although being a long-time Leica fan, I could not help but wonder if I was simply looking at a glorified advertisement. Despite that, I also could not help but be completely captivated by this book and emerge from the last page with a rekindled love for what are arguably the best cameras currently made.