Graduation date for the class of 2016 might seem really far away, but that does not mean there aren’t opportunities to start thinking and preparing for it. The Office of Alumni Relations and College Events recently launched a new program: Senior CoRD. CoRD stands for Connect, Return and Donate, and the program will last the duration of the academic year, until May.
Senior CoRD is a program where seniors who complete four or more of the eight tasks get a special Skidmore color graduation cord to wear at graduation on top of their regalia. The eight tasks were chosen “because they are great examples of the kinds of ways that students can stay involved in the life of Skidmore as graduates,” said Megan Mercier, Director of Alumni & Volunteer Engagement.
The tasks range from attending Big Green Scream to making a senior gift. So far, seniors have already been able to complete events, such as liking the alumni Facebook page and commenting on the Senior CoRD specific post. Other activities include attending events including Career Jam, on October 16th, and Grad Fair. I “think that CoRD was a really good way to encourage seniors to participate in activities [like Career Jam and Grad Fair] that will help them after they graduate, which they might not have otherwise gone to,” said Laura D’Agati (’16). “This program is all about introducing the concepts and behaviors that define the alumni relationship to Skidmore before students graduate,” said Mercier.
For 5th year student, “super-senior” Samantha Kogan (’16), she was originally hesitant to participate as she said she feels a bit disconnected from Skidmore, but
“after doing a bit more thinking and research, I changed my tune and think this is a great opportunity for myself, as well as anybody else in their last year here, to become more involved if they haven't been able or motivated to do so in their past couple of years here” said Kogan.
Mercier said “this is the only place you can get this commencement cord.” So, seniors, if you want to rock this cord on graduation day, start participating in the CoRD activities before it is to late. “Our goal is to give out as many cords as possible and we really see this as an investment in a long-term relationship between the Class of 2016 and the College for years to come,” said Mercier. Kogan believes that “the opportunity to wear a cord at graduation if you are not expecting to graduate with any honors that give you the privilege of wearing a cord as well is something motivating many students.”
For seniors like D’Agati “I think this program and the idea of having something visually represent your ties to the Skidmore community during graduation is a really nice idea.” Other seniors, like Kogan, agree with D’Agati and said, “I think it is great that students who may otherwise not be wearing a cord at graduation signifying their honors or GPA rank and such will be given the opportunity to wear something signifying their commitment to Skidmore both present and future.”