Barnes says, “She created stunning stage pictures, and her shows moved beautiful- ly.” Barnes also credits her with helping students get involved in HMT, adding “we still have working relationships with a number of Skidmore alumni.” Becker’s survivors include her husband


of 33 years, Steve Coats, and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life and work was slated for September 21, on campus. Nancy Davis, longtime member of Skid - more’s phys-ed faculty, died March 13; she was 90. She taught at the universities of Maine and Maryland before joining Skidmore in 1948, where she taught until her retirement in 1987. The Eastern As - soci ation for Physical Education of Col - lege Women gave her its merit award in 1979 and its honorary membership award in 1987. In 1985 Skidmore’s Alumni As - sociation recognized her with an Out - stand ing Service Award, noting, “Because of her skill as an instructor—particularly in working with beginners—she has earned the respect of her students, who have cited her patience, enthusiasm, and encouragement. As an advisor, she worked closely with senior physical edu- cation majors on their independent-study projects.” She was inducted into the Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006. Beverly Becker, professor emerita of PE, remarks, “When alumni returned to the campus and visit the department, they asked for Nancy first and foremost. Her ability to blend theory and practice, indi- vidualize instruction, and set high but attainable standards enabled students to accomplish far more than they initially felt capable of achieving.” An avid golfer, Davis was a longtime member of the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club. She is sur- vived by a twin sister, a niece, and three nephews. Madeleine Ortoleva ’60, longtime pro- fessor of French, died July 4; she was 89. She joined the Skidmore faculty as an instructor in 1957 and, after earning a Skidmore BA, obtained master’s and doc- toral degrees at SUNY-Albany. She was promoted to full professor in 1981 and


retired in 1986. Her scholarly presenta- tions and publications ranged from French writers like Malraux and Huys - mans to the teaching of language and cul- ture. Ortoleva served two terms as presi- dent of the American Association of Teachers of French, Hudson Valley chap- ter; the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers gave her its Wasley Distinguished Teacher Award in Post-Secondary Education in 1986. Lynne Gelber, professor emerita of French, says, “I loved Madeleine. She gave me the warmest support and friend- ship, and became a dear friend.” Gelber adds, “Students flocked to her office. Her warmth and kindness will be remembered by a generation of students.” Ortoleva was predeceased by husband Michael; she leaves two sons, two grand- children, a sister, and many nieces and nephews. Erline Youngblood, possibly Skidmore’s


first female cook, died May 16; she was 77. A South Carolina native, she moved with husband Larry to Saratoga in 1954. After working at Saratoga Hospital she joined Skidmore in 1968 as a third cook; she later became a second and then first cook and retired in 1997. Larry also worked in dining services for many years; daughter-in-law Debi is with the Skid - more Shop, and former daughter-in-law Karen Garnsey works in advancement services. Former co-worker Tom Bayer says,


“Working with Erline and Larry, I ate food that I never thought I would try. They were such good cooks.” He adds, “Erline was outspoken. If you needed a fire lit under you, she could do it.” Recalling the days of Skidmore’s old campus, when the staff had to eat their meal before the din- ing hall opened for students, colleague Marlene Williams says, “Erline would always take care of us, making sure we ate before the doors opened.” Williams adds, “She loved the students and wanted everything in place and ready for them.” Youngblood’s survivors include three sons, six grandchildren, and two great- grandchildren.


Trustees Dennis Dammerman, trustee emeritus,


died July 23; he was 67. A graduate of the University of Dubuque, he worked for General Electric starting in 1967, first in financial management and later in light- ing, capital services, and consumer prod- ucts. He became senior VP of finance and chief financial officer in 1984 and later served as vice chair of GE’s board of direc- tors. In 1998 he won CFO magazine’s inaugural “Lifetime Achievement Award for CFO Excellence.” Drawn to Saratoga Springs by their love


of horses, Dammerman and wife, Marsha, had a summer home in town, and he joined the boards of Adirondack Trust, the New York Racing Association, and the Saratoga Automobile Museum. He joined Skidmore’s board in 2003 and served on its financial, investment, strategic plan- ning, and audit committees. In 2005 he gave Skidmore’s 21st annual Harder Lec - ture in Business Administration. The Dam mermans supported Skidmore’s horse show and other scholarship benefits and also established their own scholarship fund. In 2007 Skidmore inducted them into the Parnassus Society, which honors donors of more than $1 million to the College.


Dammerman is survived by his wife, his mother and stepmother, a son, a daugh- ter, a sister, three brothers, three grand- children, and nieces and nephews. A cele- bration of his life was held in August at Skidmore.


REMEMBER A FRIEND


Friends of deceased alumni may make contributions in their memories to the Yellow Rose Memorial Fund, Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Please include the name of the person being memorialized and, if appropriate, the name and address of a relative to whom the college can send an acknowledgment.


FALL 2013 SCOPE 63


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