Palamountain scholar describes joy in learning at Skidmore
Members of the Skidmore and local communities gathered to support scholarships and
honor Liz Bracht 鈥�24 during the 45th Palamountain Benefit.
Held July 16 at the College鈥檚 historic Surrey-Williamson Inn, the event supports the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund, benefiting
students who, because of financial need, might not otherwise be able to attend Skidmore.
The Anne T. Palamountain Scholar Award is presented each year to a Skidmore student or recent graduate who has demonstrated
leadership, service to others, and a commitment to the larger good of society. This
year鈥檚 award recognized Bracht, a psychology major and dance and Honors Forum minor
who has earned honors from the College and the Psychology Department.
Bracht described the many unforgettable experiences she has enjoyed at Skidmore, including presenting at a psychology conference, co-creating a dance research project, mentoring two cohorts of first-year students, becoming president of Craft Club, skydiving, camping out for a piece of artwork from the Tang, and traveling to Botswana for an education seminar.
She recalled the sense of warmth and community she first felt when she toured Skidmore, then repeated the words she has shared with prospective students and parents as an Admissions guide.
Skidmore provides a rigorous and challenging environment while equipping you with the resources and support you need to succeed.鈥�Liz Bracht '242024 Palamountain scholar
鈥淚 have felt such deep support from my professors and supervisors that has extended
well beyond the classes or jobs I had with them. I have found so much joy in pursuing
learning, especially in psychology and dance and in the classes, performances, and
research I鈥檝e been able to take part in. I have also gained some of the most incredible
friends, whom I am incredibly grateful for.鈥�
Bracht intends to pursue a Ph.D. in school psychology, with the goal of one day working
with young children, incorporating movement with counseling practices and encouraging
them to find different ways to express themselves.
She thanked the donors who give to the scholarship fund, which has provided nearly
450 scholarships since it was started in 1979 in honor of Skidmore鈥檚 late president
and his wife, Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain.
鈥淭he successes, growth, and all that I am walking away from my time at Skidmore would
not have been possible without the generosity of donors like you making my time here
possible,鈥� Bracht said.
This year鈥檚 event co-chairs, Maureen Pasco 鈥�13 and Tamie Ehinger, presented Bracht
with the Palamountain Award.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful moment, when all of the planning comes to fruition and culminates
in this beautiful event,鈥� said Ehinger, who has been a member of the Palamountain
Benefit Planning Committee for over 15 years. 鈥淚t is so gratifying to see the Skidmore
campus and surrounding community come together in a common mission to support scholarship
for these most deserving students.鈥�
In addition to the award presentation, the benefit featured a gourmet dinner prepared
by Skidmore鈥檚 award-winning chefs, as well as silent and live auctions featuring items
gifted by local businesses, partners, and donors within the Skidmore community.