Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025: A celebration of connection and creative thought
ľ«¶«AV welcomed alumni, families, and friends to campus Oct. 17–19 for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 — a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and Thoroughbred pride.
As always, the weekend reflected Skidmore’s motto, Creative Thought Matters, and core values of creativity, caring, and curiosity.
From athletic milestones to celebrations marking 25 years of the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, the weekend showcased the spirit and energy that make Skidmore such a special place to learn, grow, and return.
Jaidaly Cruz ’29, second from right, with her family (including some future Thoroughbreds) at Skidtoberfest, a festive part of the weekend.
Career Jam
Community and creativity came together at Career Jam, hosted by Skidmore’s Career Development Center. Students met with alumni and professionals from a range of fields to explore career paths, gain insights, and make meaningful connections. The event highlighted the lifelong support and mentorship that define the Skidmore network.
Mkhonzi Dlamini '28 at Career Jam
Filene Scholar celebration concert
The Filene Scholar Celebration Concert showcased some of the most talented young musicians in the country. Recipients of Skidmore's prestigious Filene Music Scholarship are able to advance their musical studies while pursuing any major. Their inspiring performances demonstrated the artistry, discipline, and imagination that embody Skidmore’s belief that Creative Thought Matters in every field of study.
Marlowe Jacques ’26, Clara Frost ’28, Bea Kelzenberg ’29, and Sophia Ma ’28 performing at the Filene Scholar Celebration Concert
Supporting Skidmore Athletics
Friends of Skidmore Athletics (FOSA) rallied support for at the Thoroughbred Bred Cup at Saratoga National Golf Course, bringing together alumni and many other community members for a good cause.
Athletics also took center stage during the All In to Win initiative — a five-day fundraising challenge for Skidmore Athletics. More than 850 fans, families, and Thoroughbreds across generations rallied to raise a record $429,000, topping the $290,000 goal.
Homecoming weekend featured exciting competition across multiple sports. Men’s soccer stunned Bard College with a 5-0 shutout in the Liberty League on Saturday. Women’s tennis team wrapped up its fall season with several impressive wins against Wellesley and Division I Siena at the Thoroughbred Invitational, including singles wins from Mia Sarzynska ’28 and Ellie Lake ’28 and a doubles victory from Sarzynska and Beilynn Geiss ’26. The men’s ice hockey team hosted the Czech University Selects in an exhibition game. And Field hockey closed the weekend with a spirited home contest, hanging on to beat Ithaca College 2-1 and earning Head Coach Beth Hallenbeck her 400th career win.
Alumni also returned to the field with exciting alumni games in men’s and women’s lacrosse, softball, and ice hockey.
A 5K Fun Run/Walk benefiting FOSA brought an active close to the weekend.
From left, Josh Hocheiser '26, Rumi Schemmerer '26,Jacob Humienny '29, Colin Goodhines '27 celebrate during the men soccer team's 5-0 victory against Bard College.
Skidtoberfest
A highlight of the weekend, Skidtoberfest brought students, families, and alumni together for a lively fall celebration filled with color, creativity, and community spirit. The event featured a tailgate with Brooks BBQ, local vendors, student artisans, live entertainment, and seasonal treats.
A performance by the student dance group Rithmos during Skidtoberfest.
FOSA Hall of Fame
The FOSA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honored the achievements of Bill Jones P’18, Rachel Talanian ’17, Liz Catinella Casey ’11, Grant Copeland ’97, Gerard O’Shea ’12, and Lindsey Phibbs ’02, along with the 2013–14 women’s field hockey team and the 2012–13 women’s tennis team.
Their stories — spanning decades — exemplify the passion, teamwork, leadership, and dedication that characterize Skidmore Athletics.
Rachel Talanian '17, a member of the women's lacrosse team, was among those recognized at the ceremony.
Tang Teaching Museum 25th anniversary
This year’s celebration also shined a spotlight on the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery as it marks its 25th anniversary. The Tang is a cornerstone of Skidmore’s commitment to integrating art, ideas, and interdisciplinary learning, inspiring generations of students and visitors to see the world through the lens of creative thought.
Dayton Director Ian Berry (right) leads ľ«¶«AV trustees and others on a tour of "See It Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection."
A weekend for families, friendship, and belonging
The weekend’s most heartwarming moments featured students and their families reconnecting across campus — sharing hugs on Case Green, cheering at games, and taking in the vibrant colors of fall in Saratoga Springs. These joyful scenes captured the essence of what it means to be part of the Skidmore family: a community rooted in creativity, caring, and curiosity, where every visit feels like coming home.
Fireworks brought a magical end to an eventful day at Homecoming and Family Weekend. (Photo: Linden Auster)
