Volunteering
Alumni volunteering
Volunteering your time and talent to enhance alumni connections, support current students, and engage the global Ȧ community is one way to ensure Ȧ’s continued success. Whether you’re looking for a way to get involved on campus or closer to home, find your inspiration right here. You’ll gain as much as you give.
Not sure where to begin?
Our Alumni Engagement team is here to help you discover ways to get involved that
match your interests and availability.
Email Alumni Engagement
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The Volunteer Information Portal (VIP) is your go-to hub for staying connected with
classmates and accessing key volunteer tools and resources.
Explore volunteer opportunities
No matter where you are or how much time you have, there’s a Ȧ volunteer opportunity that fits. Help out in a way that works for you — on campus or from home.
Class roles
Reconnect with classmates and strengthen the Ȧ community by volunteering as a class volunteer, helping plan events, sharing updates, and encouraging classmates to stay engaged with the College.The class president serves as the main conduit between Ȧ College and classmates.
Qualities of a class president:
- Strong commitment to Ȧ and a liberal arts education
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to ask staff and volunteers to help
- Understand and believe in the importance of alumni participation and financial support of the College
Job description:
- Serve as leader of the class in order to keep classmates connected to each other and to Ȧ College.
- Write two all-class letters per fiscal year every other season (fall/spring or summer/winter) and/or monthly posts on class Facebook pages (or recruiting someone to post regularly).
- Act as an influential and persistent leader when recruiting volunteers for class vacancies.
- Offer a welcome or thank you for your service to class volunteers as they join and roll off of class volunteer roles or other College volunteer opportunities.
- Support fundraising goals by making a gift annually and asking others to join you.
- Maintain an open line of communication with the Advancement office.
- Work with the Reunion Committee to plan and execute Reunion.
- Participate in class, campus, and regional club activities.
- Help identify leaders for the Alumni Board and potential award recipients when prompted by the College.
- Send a note of condolence, on behalf of the class, to the next of kin listed on the obituary notice provided by the College.
The fund chair serves as the primary class representative and fundraising volunteer, working in partnership with the Ȧ Fund.
Volunteer expectations:
- Lead by example. Make a gift or pledge to Ȧ College annually.
- Serve as a liaison between class agents and Ȧ Fund staff.
- Contact a select group of classmates in the fall and spring to ask them to participate
with an annual gift. Thank them for their support. Simply put – stay in touch!
- Tip: Encourage classmates to consider multi-year pledges via Pledge It Forward or recurring gifts via Skid4Life.
- Tip: If you’re a social media user, leverage those tools to encourage giving and share news about Ȧ. Help us stay at the top of news feeds!
- Author one to two letters in partnership with Ȧ Fund staff.
- Encourage classmates to leverage matching gifts from employers, if available.
- Utilize the Volunteer Information Portal to track your progress and conduct outreach.
- Participate in scheduled volunteer conference calls.
- Work in concert with the President’s Society chair to help achieve class fundraising goals.
The President’s Society (PS) chair helps secure leadership-level gifts from classmates.
Volunteer expectations:
- Lead by example. Make a President’s Society-level gift to Ȧ College, preferably early in the giving year.
- Serve as a liaison between the Advancement Office and potential President’s Society donors in your class.
- Help identify donors and volunteers for the President’s Society.
- Contact a select group of classmates to ask them to make a President’s Society gift.
Thank them for their support.
- Tip: Encourage classmates to consider multi-year pledges via Pledge It Forward or recurring gifts via Skid4Life.
- Tip: If you’re a social media user, leverage those tools to encourage giving and share news about Ȧ. Help us stay at the top of news feeds!
- Encourage classmates to leverage matching gifts from employers, if available.
- Utilize the Volunteer Information Portal to track your progress and conduct outreach.
- Participate in scheduled volunteer conference calls.
- Work in concert with the fund chair to help achieve class fundraising goals.
Class correspondents play a vital role in engaging alumni with the College and each other — specifically, soliciting Class Notes from classmates to be featured in the College’s Scope Magazine.
Volunteer expectations:
- Submit Class Notes columns twice a year. Class Notes columns are submitted twice a year for Scope Magazine issues. They should include a compiled list of all notes received from classmates and should meet publication guidelines and include any photo submissions and their captions. Photos can also be submitted through the online form.
- In partnership with the Scope Class Notes editor, solicit news from classmates via email, letters, and/or phone.
- Read class correspondent emails to stay apprised of upcoming communications and deadlines.
- Submit work electronically to classnotes@skidmore.edu by required deadlines or direct classmates to submit via the online form.
- Share significant items with key class officers, i.e., fund chair, president.
- Social media posts are a great way to get classmates’ attention, gather notes, and update them on current plans – especially in Reunion years.
- is available as an optional resource to assist with your outreach to classmates.
- Final Class Notes will be accessible online via the virtual Scope Magazine publication and organized by class year.
The Reunion chair coordinates the planning of class activities for Reunion Weekend. They are the key contact between the Reunion Planning Committee and the Office of Alumni Relations and College Events (ARCE) staff.
Volunteer expectations:
- Kickstart the creation of the Reunion Planning Committee.
- Tip: Your goal is to recruit a committee that represents as many different groups as possible. Calling and texting friends and sending emails or letters are all great ways to reach out!
- Oversee the Committee’s planning process and keep everyone on schedule.
- Tip: A successful Reunion is one that offers activities for everyone. Decisions on activities should be made with the total cost to classmates in mind.
- Following planning weekend, coordinate with other Committee members and Ȧ staff to create the Reunion newsletter (mailed in early September). Ȧ Fund will print, compile, and mail the newsletter – you only need to provide text and photos.
- Write letters updating the class on Reunion and help author other communications throughout the year.
- Reach out to classmates to encourage attendance while ensuring Committee members do the same.
- Optional: Set up a class Facebook page.
- Tip: Encourage Committee members to utilize the page to spark enthusiasm. A social media chair may be a helpful addition to the Committee.
Class agents are fundraising teammates who encourage fellow classmates to support Ȧ in partnership with the Ȧ Fund.
Volunteer expectations:
- Lead by example. Make a gift or pledge to Ȧ College annually.
- Contact a select group of classmates in the fall and spring to ask them to participate
with an annual gift. Thank them for their support. Simply put – stay in touch!
- Tip: Encourage classmates to consider multi-year pledges via Pledge It Forward or recurring gifts via Skid4Life.
- Tip: If you’re a social media user, leverage those tools to encourage giving and share news about Ȧ. Help us stay at the top of news feeds!
- Encourage classmates to leverage matching gifts from employers, if available.
- Utilize the to track your progress and conduct outreach.
- Keep in touch with the class fund chair.
Regional roles
Help build connections among Ȧ alumni in your area by volunteering with regional programs, supporting local events, and creating opportunities for alumni to gather, network, and stay engaged with the College.The regional chapter chair has overall responsibility for the chapter, and is the primary contact in the chapter area for Ȧ alums (unless that duty is delegated to another volunteer).
Duties include:
- Maintaining regular contact with staff liaison (no less than once a month)
- Scheduling regular meetings and planning sessions for chapter leadership volunteers (monthly conference calls are recommended with in-person meetings whenever possible)
- Monitoring and participating in the implementation of planned events
- Assigning responsibilities and creating committees as necessary
- Financial oversight, submission of receipts to Alumni Engagement staff, etc. (unless delegated to another chapter leader)
The regional vice chair for the chapter supports the chair and serves as chair when needed.
Duties include:
- Assisting the chair with all duties, including regular contact with Alumni Engagement staff when necessary.
- Managing the chapter’s broadcast email and event registration creation, submission, and testing in partnership with Alumni Engagement staff.
- Monitoring planned events and assisting with collection and submission of attendee data (when necessary or event host).
- Ensuring that photographs are taken at chapter events and shared with Alumni Engagement staff.
- Assisting with financial oversight (when necessary).
The regional program chair is responsible for recruiting members for and overseeing the work of the committee that plans and executes the chapter’s programming in partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Duties include:
- Recruiting alums (and parents, when appropriate) who represent the diversity of the region’s constituents to serve on the committee.
- Developing an annual program plan for the chapter with this committee and with consultation from the chapter’s chair/vice chair.
- Ensuring the number and type of programs offered are targeted to appeal to the chapter’s constituency and are in line with the College’s goals.
The social communications chair is responsible for leading the chapter’s voice across email, social media, and web to keep members informed, grow engagement, and promote events.
Responsibilities:
- Create and/or manage the Ȧ Alumni regional Facebook page.
- Build a monthly content calendar.
- Create and publish event promotions and recaps.
- Monitor DMs/comments, answer questions, and moderate community guidelines.
- Write and send email announcements/newsletters.
- Ensure that photographs are taken at chapter events and shared with Alumni Engagement staff.
- Work with the Office of Alumni Engagement to update alumni contact information.
Regional committee members support chapter activities and help advance the objectives of the chapter. They may be involved on an ad hoc basis and/or participate occasionally as their time and interests allow.
Responsibilities:
- Be a good ambassador for Ȧ. Volunteers should conduct themselves with integrity at all times.
- Engage with alumni, family, and friends in your region.
- Promote Ȧ events in your region.
- Participate in the implementation of planned events.
- Maintain regular contact with Ȧ Alumni Engagement staff.
- Provide Alumni Engagement staff and chapter leadership with event ideas and strategic input.
Hosts are responsible for planning and implementing a “Ȧ on the Road” event with the support of the Office of Alumni Engagement. They may be involved on an ad hoc basis and/or host occasionally as their time and interests allow. The event host engages in this role when Alumni Engagement staff cannot be present at the event.
Responsibilities:
- Communicate regularly with Office of Alumni Engagement staff.
- Determine the venue, menu, program, and costs for the event.
- Visit the venue (if possible) to determine: directions, parking, accessibility, restrooms, rain plan, etc.
- Provide a welcoming and accessible environment for the Ȧ community.
- Connect with other local volunteers to promote the event.
- Welcome attendees as they arrive at the event, facilitate check-in, etc.
- If appropriate for the venue/event, provide an update to attendees on current events at the College and/or share information and updates that Alumni Engagement staff wish to promote.
- Send Alumni Engagement staff an event summary, attendee list, and photos following the event.
Regional events enhance the image and reputation of Ȧ College and are instrumental in maintaining a relationship between alumni, parents, and friends. Activities provide educational, cultural, and social opportunities, and in some cases may even encourage potential students to pursue their education at Ȧ.
Responsibilities:
- Help to organize, plan, and coordinate regional events with the College.
- Register and attend regional events, while encouraging the same from others.
- Maintain open communication with the Office of Alumni Relations and College Events.
- Recruit volunteers, have a succession plan in place, and make efforts to onboard successor(s).
- Regional event leader(s) should attend most planning committee meetings (if applicable).
Community roles
Support the Ȧ community in meaningful ways by volunteering in leadership, mentorship, and engagement roles that help strengthen alumni connections, celebrate achievements, and advance the College’s mission.The Ȧ College Alumni Board is the primary representative body for the Ȧ College Alumni Association. The board strives to connect them with one another and the College through classes, clubs, and affinity groups; reunions, mini-reunions, awards, and travel programs; online and print publications; and regional, on-campus, and young alumni events. The board facilitates alumni volunteer recruitment and encourages the diverse involvement of alumni. The board assists the Board of Trustees, Advancement staff, faculty, students, and other partners to enhance the College’s relationship with alumni. The board helps enhance the image, quality, and reputation of Ȧ and fosters a spirit of loyalty and fellowship among alumni.
One of the greatest privileges of being a Ȧ alum is celebrating the accomplishments of fellow graduates. The Alumni Association Awards Committee reviews nominations, considers candidates, and selects alumni whose achievements, service, and leadership reflect distinction in their professional lives and meaningful contributions to Ȧ.
One of the most important roles of the Alumni Association is ensuring strong leadership for the alumni community. The Alumni Board Nominating Committee reviews recommendations, evaluates potential candidates, and nominates alumni who would bring insight, leadership, and a commitment to Ȧ to the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Help strengthen Ȧ’s commitment to belonging by joining one of our Diversity and Inclusion committees, where alumni work together to support, celebrate, and engage communities across the Ȧ network.
Join a committee
- LGBTQIA+ Inclusion: The Ȧ LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Committee strives to foster community between and among the LGBTQIA+ alums of the College by furthering the intellectual, social, cultural, and educational well-being of our members and students and providing the College and the greater College community with active support in matters of mutual concern. We also aim to enhance the experiences of LGBTQIA+ persons at Ȧ and support the College’s commitment to inclusion by fostering communications between and among our alums and students, faculty, staff, and administrators, the other affinity groups and the College community as a whole.
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Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Ȧ’s Racial and Ethnic Diversity Committee supports and engages the diverse, multicultural, and vibrant community members of Ȧ who self-identify as people of color and/or members of an underrepresented or minority racial or ethnic group. The Racial and Ethnic Diversity Committee works to strengthen existing (and create new) connections between alumni of color and students of color by working to develop an inclusive, welcoming, and purposive interactive network between alumni and current students.
Leadership
- Altagracia Montilla '12, Alumni Association Board of Directors, Racial and Ethnic Diversity Chair
- Jeffrey Klein '01, Alumni Association Board of Directors, LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Chair
Friends of Ȧ Athletics (FOSA) supports the continued growth and success of Ȧ’s athletics programs through financial and programmatic support. Guided by the director of Athletics and the Office of Advancement, FOSA brings together alumni, parents, coaches, and friends who are committed to enhancing the experiences of current student-athletes and helping them compete at the highest level.
All alumni who participated in athletics at Ȧ are considered members of FOSA.
Leadership and structure
FOSA is led by a chair who serves a two-year term and works with committee leaders to advance program goals, with particular focus on the annual Thoroughbred Cup. The chair collaborates with the Athletics Department and Advancement staff, convenes committee meetings, and reports annually on FOSA activities.
The FOSA Advisory Board includes the chair, the FOSA representative to the Alumni Board, the director of Athletics, members of the Advancement and Athletics teams, coaches, parent representatives, and selected committee members.
The FOSA Committee includes team alumni representatives, parent representatives, and Athletics staff who serve two-year terms. Members advocate for Ȧ Athletics, support their programs, and help identify future volunteers.
Volunteer roles
Alumni and parent representatives help strengthen the athletics community by:
- Participating in FOSA meetings and events such as Hall of Fame Weekend and the Thoroughbred Cup
- Promoting events and fundraising efforts
- Supporting fiscal year-end outreach
- Serving as ambassadors for Ȧ Athletics
- Helping connect student-athletes and alumni through career networking
- Parent representatives also act as liaisons between Ȧ and team parent communities.
Subcommittees
Volunteers may also serve on focused groups that support specific priorities:
- Thoroughbred Cup Subcommittee – helps plan and promote the annual golf and tennis fundraising event, including securing sponsors, prizes, and participants.
- Facilities Subcommittee – works with athletics leadership to review facilities, assess future needs, and help identify funding opportunities.
Parent and Family Council members serve as ambassadors, sharing their expertise, resources, and energy to help shape Ȧ’s future — while gaining an insider’s view of the College’s goals and growth.
Help support access to a Ȧ education by joining the Palamountain Planning Committee. Volunteers help plan the annual Palamountain Scholarship Benefit, which raises funds for the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund and supports students with financial need whose academic achievement and service reflect the Palamountains’ legacy.
Share your experience and support the next generation of Ȧ innovators by volunteering at entrepreneurship events. Alumni volunteers help mentor students, participate in panels, and offer real-world insights that inspire creative thinking and new ventures.
Ȧ's network is an integral part of student success. Thousands of alumni, parents, and friends of Ȧ support career development every day.