Late in February, I got an email from a Skidmore alumna who I don’t know asking if she could call me with some good news. Her request felt credible (lives in Vermont and has two dogs), and I was down in the dumps. Grace hit “reply” on my keyboard, and we spoke on the phone the next day.
Dana chairs the Skidmore Alumni Association Awards Committee. She told me I was nominated for the College’s Creative Thought Matters Award of Distinction! For those of you who have just joined my journey, here is what that means.
“The Creative Thought Matters Award of Distinction recognizes an alumna/us who has made a demonstrated contribution through innovation and/or creation of a fresh approach that inspires or enlightens the lives of others and contributes to the greater good. This contribution may have been made in the scope of the award winner’s career, community work, government or volunteer service. Throughout Skidmore’s history, the College has challenged itself to make no small plans — to make no ordinary choices — and this award recognizes an alumna/us who purposely demonstrates this belief in his or her life and work. Five years must have passed since the recipient graduated from Skidmore and the winner must return to campus to accept the award at the Awards Ceremony during Reunion Weekend (June 2-5, 2022).”
My first response was something like, “Seriously? Me?”
Dana had done her homework, and we walked together through my life as a social changemaker. I have indeed learned to make lemonade for many out of my own life’s lemons. It was a lovely conversation until we tripped over the “must return to campus” clause. I explained my current challenges, and we both took a big sigh. This required creative thought, and we needed the help of others.
A few days later, Dana called with more good news. Skidmore decided to waive the in-person requirement if I pre-recorded a two-minutes-or-less acceptance with the Alumni Office. With tech-help on both ends, we managed to do this together. I recalled that the Dalai Lama teaches us to learn the rules well so we can break them wisely.
The Awards Ceremony was livestreamed on Saturday, June 4. In his introductory remarks, President Marc Connor noted that “Leadership is all about service.” I am in awe of my fellow award recipients, including two classmates. Lucy Skidmore Scribner, Skidmore’s founder, would be proud.
It was noted that some of my classmates on campus missed the Awards Ceremony. They were outside celebrating our class practice of protesting. As when we were students, there is much that stirs our social conscience in 2022: gun control, reproductive liberty, healthcare and education reform, racism, democracy, and climate change to name a few. I vowed to walk with them in solidarity after the ceremony.
It was a bit weird to watch myself speak. Seriously? Me? I could hear Sylvia Boorstein in my mind say, “Sweetheart, Relax.” When I did, this is what I heard myself say. What I want you to hear is that I accepted this award on behalf of everyone on this journey.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by this award—a delightful surprise!
Most of what I have achieved so far in life has been behind-the-scenes. I am more likely to give an award than to receive one. I accept The Creative Thought Matters Award of Distinction on behalf of the many people I have worked with over the years to create positive, sustainable, systemic, social change.
My ‘career,’ if you can call it one, began at Skidmore when I learned to lose, learn, and lead. All three led me to love, the heart of my work. My ‘no small plan’ is to change the global operating system from one based on fear to one grounded in love. Obviously, I need a lot of help.
Skidmore gave me a safe and encouraging space to experiment and to practice at a time of change in our history and in my life. It was at Skidmore that I learned that I have choice and voice. It’s where I began to build a case for Grace.
I was told in elementary school, after a bout with standardized testing, that I would never amount to anything. I am glad I came to Skidmore in protest in 1968. I see my work now as Graceful Mischief for The Common Good.
It’s time we put down our signs, so we can join hands. Creative thought matters, especially in community. It begins in each of our hearts.”