Skidmore, the professors I’ve had here (especially Professor Krefting and Professor Owens), and Black women, this is my love letter to you. Ultimately, through these actions, I hope I can be remembered—that I, Raven Jade Villa, was here.
Read moreRA Unionization Updates and Spring Election
As of May 10, it was announced by Adrian Bautista, Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs, that “the RAs and CAs voted in favor of being represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).” The Union won with a unanimous vote of 37 to 0 in favor of being represented by the SEIU. The next steps will include the Skidmore administration bargaining with SEIU towards “mutually agreeable terms” regarding fair pay and equitable treatment for student workers.
Read moreThe Second Death of Eurydice
I’m a wanderer, a nomad of sorts
When I walk, you follow, and when I hurt, you hurt
If there were a path we went down
I wouldn’t look back or turn around
I’d go and know, you followed…
Read moreSkidmore College and SGA Partner to Eliminate Per-Cycle Laundry Fees
We write to share some exciting news about a College-SGA partnership to address the ongoing challenges around laundry services. Following approval of a joint-financial plan between SGA and the College by the Skidmore College administration, and a subsequent vote of approval by the SGA Senate, the College is eliminating per-cycle laundry fees, effective Fall 2023. This initiative is reflective of a 2022-23 academic year marked by increased communication and collaboration between SGA and the Skidmore College administration to better meet your needs and improve the residential experience.
Read moreWhat's in Your Car?
The collection of items in her hands falls in front of the cashier in a tumble of plastic that crinkles when it hits the hard surface. The boy behind the counter wears a blue baseball cap backwards, and is swallowed in a large yellow sweatshirt. She wears baggy clothes too, but it isn’t cool in the same way the cashier dresses. He looks ready to be photographed in magazines, and she looks like her clothes aren't her own. He chomps loudly on a piece of gum, and each time he pops a bubble, her jaw twitches. She tries to ignore the sound and motions to the stands behind him. He points to the cheapest pack. He doesn’t even turn around, one hand sliding across a brightly colored screen and the other grabbing blindly behind him. She stuffs her hands into the pocket of her cargo pants, and when she pulls them out, her nails are black and broken, her wallet matching the tips of her fingers. The beep of the scanner makes her twitch, and she swears she only has, at most, five things, but the sound keeps playing in her head relentlessly. Beep, beep, beep.
Read moreBlack Ink and Red Blood: How Journalists Ushered in Trans Panic
The United States has long had a paradoxical interest in freedom. While touting herself as the land of the free and home of the brave, she maintains massive mills of oppression, at home and abroad.
Read moreApogee and Wi-Fi Complaints in Skidmore Residence Halls and Apartments
Let’s face it: we’ve all had issues with the Skidmore Wi-Fi, which seems to be down every other week and only works well in certain buildings on campus. Consequently, there seems to be a constant uproar brewing amongst students regarding the issue of Wi-Fi in the dorms and other residence buildings.
Read moreMayday, Mayday! Know Your Labor History
Every May, people come together across the world to commemorate the heroic efforts of workers during what is now known as May Day, or International Workers’ Day. The celebration’s origins date back to 1886, when more than 300,000 workers across the United States from hundreds of different trades walked off their jobs in what became the first May Day celebration in history. For decades people had been putting up with inhumane working conditions and cruel 12–16-hour workdays. Regional demonstrations had been underway at this point. However, May 1st would mark a turning point in history, being the day of the first nationwide general strike demanding an eight-hour workday.
Read moreResilience and Culture Drive Historic Season for Skidmore Women’s Basketball
For the first time since the 2017-2018 season, the Thoroughbreds took home the Liberty League title with an impressive 54-52 win on the road at #1-seed Ithaca College on February 26. The team ended the season with a 22-5 record, marking the program record for most wins in a season. The team then celebrated Skidmore women’s basketball’s first-ever NCAA tournament win, defeating Johns Hopkins University 62-59 with an incredible comeback in the fourth quarter. Though the historic playoff run was cut short by a 59-50 loss to Tufts University the next day, there is no doubt that this Thoroughbreds team was dynamic, energetic, and committed.
Read moreMichael Thorbjornsen: Staying On Track
I was extremely fortunate to catch up with Michael Thorbjornsen, the world’s third-ranked amateur golfer. We discussed overcoming adversity on the golf course, having his best friend as his caddie, and competing in professional events against his childhood idols.
Read moreSkidmore's 2023 Earth Day Festival
Every year since 1974, Skidmore has welcomed musical acts, artists, and vendors to celebrate Earth Day and support the College’s sustainability initiatives. Lively Lucy’s, Skidmore’s live music event club, student radio station WSPN, and the student government, among other campus clubs, lend their hand in organizing one of the largest events at Skidmore: a day-long festival celebrating the Saratoga community. Skidmore’s Earth Day festival combines the outdoors, music, art, and community, something that is particularly important in the second year after the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Read moreA Celebration of Movement and Growth for Dance Seniors
Skidmore College senior dance majors have just come off of an amazing weekend filled with joy, sweat, and tears. The annual Senior Coda class, taught by Associate Chair of the dance department Jason Ohlberg, has come to a head with the final showing for the dancers before their graduation. This celebration included seven pieces in a variety of styles and showed a range of different talents from choreographers, lighting designers, and dancers.
Read moreOpen Letter from Resident Assistants at Skidmore College
To the Skidmore Community,
We, the Skidmore Resident Assistants (RAs), have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election to form a bargaining unit to improve our position as student workers at Skidmore College.
Read moreShadow and Bone Season 2: It Doesn’t Treat the Books as Bible, But It’ll Do
Released on March 16, 2023 on Netflix, Shadow and Bone has eight episodes each ranging from 56 to 64 minutes. It’s been a huge hit so far - the show currently ranks #1 on Netflix’s Top 10 Shows in the U.S. and boasts an 86 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Due to the show’s popularity, showrunner Eric Heisserer “is ready to launch [Six of Crows] as its own story,” according to an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Read moreSkidmore Group To Perform Sondheim Revue: A Journey Through His Remarkable Career
On Sunday, March 5, Skidmore’s Musical Theater- Opera Workshop will be performing a Stephen Sondheim revue titled You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow. This powerful medley honors the career of the late composer and Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim, showcasing some of his adored classics as well as his more obscure masterpieces.
Read moreJakub Jankto and the Importance of Gay Male Athletes
On Monday, February 13, Czech Republic’s Jakub Jankto came out via an earnest video posted to his social media accounts. The third active male soccer player, and some claim the highest-profile one, to come out, ever. Jankto is currently playing for the Czech Republic’s AC Sparta Prague club, on loan from Spanish club Getafe, where he will return next season. He has been a part of the Czech national team since 2017 and has made 45 appearances for them at the international level.
Read moreThe Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and What You Can Do to Help
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 5, causing destruction throughout the region. The epicenter of the quake was in the city of Gaziantep and radiated outward through Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. However, due to the strength of the event, its effects were felt as far as Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and Cyprus.
Read moreGeorge Santos: America’s Most Wanted (to Resign)
Republican George Santos is the House Representative for the 3rd District of New York. After a failed run for office in 2020, Santos defeated his Democratic opponent in the November 2022 election. In late December 2022, news broke that Santos had lied about his resume. On December 26, Santos conceded that he had embellished his resume and apologized, but stressed that he did not break any laws. Just two days later, however, the Nassau County District Attorney opened an investigation into Santos's questionable background. Since then, Santos has been accused of a plethora of lies, from lying about working for Goldman Sachs, to misusing campaign funds, to stealing money from a GoFundMe for a veteran's sick dog.
Read moreSGA Update: Laundry Concerns Survey and Recommendations to the College
Since I became the Student Government Association (SGA) President earlier this year, I have consistently met with students who are frustrated with the laundry services provided on our campus. The cost of the cycles, the frequently broken machines, and the lengthy repair times are some of the most prominent recurring issues experienced by the Skidmore students I have spoken with. On November 21, 2022, SGA released a survey to the student body to collect data on these concerns, asking students to identify the top laundry problems they have experienced at Skidmore. The survey received 387 responses.
Read moreThe Importance of "Betting on Yourself": USMNT Rising Star John Tolkin
New York Red Bulls and U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) defender John Tolkin is only 20 years old, but has matured into a world-class professional soccer player. I was lucky to have the chance to discuss many topics with him, including the importance of “betting on yourself,” being process oriented, and recognizing mental health. As impressive as his performances on the field are, the elite mentality of the rising star is equally inspiring.
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