TRUSTEES THOMAS, WHITMAN, AND TOOHEY
Asked about his strengths, Thomas says simply, “He has it all—the academic background, a philosophical approach, people skills.” Whitman talks of his thoroughness, his strong but calm leadership, his active role and visibility in the wider world of higher education. “He presents the case for private, small, liberal arts education,” she explains, “and he repre- sents Skidmore so well—we feel we’re unique, and he feels we’re unique.”
All three have enjoyed occasional re- laxed evenings with the Glotzbachs, where the conversation might range from higher education to politics, litera- ture, movies, and theater. While it’s not easy to separate the man from the job— “he thinks about Skidmore all the time,” says Thomas—they all say he is fun and has a great sense of humor. And he sure loves his dog, Summit. Whit- man fondly recalls evenings at the Sur- rey-William son Inn, after long days of board business, when man and dog would stop in after their walk “for a few laughs.”
The trustees point to the fruits of Glotzbach’s solid strategic planning. Thomas lauds Skidmore’s “increased di- versity, incredible improvements in the physical plant, moving forward in the sciences, and national visibility.” Too - hey, who lives in Saratoga Springs, cites “enormous strides in strengthening the college-community relationship,” not- ing that “Phil and Marie have been very welcoming of the community.” And Whitman is impressed with his careful attention to Skidmore’s distinctive ap- proach to interdisciplinary liberal arts
education. Ultimately, she says, “I think his proudest accom- plishments would be his students. He’s very focused on pro- ducing a Skidmore graduate who is going to contribute to the world.”
Then and now
Endowment value 2003: $156 million 2013: $303 million
Indoor square footage added, 2003 to 2013 Zankel Music Center: 55,000 Northwoods Village: 163,000 Hillside Apartments: 42,720 Sussman Village: 106,400
Geothermal wells 2003: 0 2013: 423
Mileage logged by Phil Glotzbach during “Creative Thought, Bold Promise” campaign 110,000+ (about 4x around the globe)
Pounds of student-garden produce 2003: 0 2013: 2,100
Summer research students 2003: 6 2013: 85
Study-abroad students 2003: 325 2013: 498
League-champ T’bred teams, 2003 to 2013 41
Skidmore’s economic impact on Saratoga area 2003: under $342 million 2013: over $416 million
While it is quite common for college presidents to move on after a major campaign or initiative, Glotzbach is staying, and these trustees understand why. “I can’t see him ever thinking that his job is finished,” says Thomas. “He has brought us a long way, but he can’t stop thinking about Skidmore and where we can still go.” “He truly loves his job,” Toohey says. “While most of the components of his strategic planning initiative are finished, a few big ones aren’t. He would feel as if the job weren’t fin- ished if he didn’t help raise the money and see the new science build- ing to fruition.” Also, she says, he sees more work to do in “diversifying the student body, faculty, staff, and administration” and in “ensuring that our students leave Skidmore equipped to live in a global culture.” Whitman says, “I think he’s found satisfaction. And challenge—it’s a very tough job. You have to satisfy so many different constituencies.” Clearly he has satisfied the con- stituency responsible for his employ- ment: “There’s not a person on this board who wouldn’t want him to stay forever,” declares Thomas. “He has just been outstanding.” And as for that glimmer in his eye? “He still has it,” she says.
24 SCOPE FALL 2013
EMMA DODGE HANSON ’93, CHARLIE SAMUELS
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