Introducing President Scrimshaw

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• President Scrimshaw Inaugurated as 9th President of The Sage Colleges

Written by Shannon Hunter, Senior Writer

After serving as the Interim President of The Sage Colleges from July 2008 to March of 2009, Susan C. Scrimshaw was announced the ninth president of The Sage Colleges. Since that time, her presence on campus has been apparent. While her impact is felt directly through her voluntary attendance of campus events, ranging from traditions, sporting events, freshmen orientation, and even classes, her efforts have improved the Russell Sage Campus in less obvious ways as well. For returning students, the newly painted classrooms in Gurley Hall added excitement and color to even those dreadful 8:00am classes. In addition, the newly landscaped McKinstry courtyard has further improved the beauty and appeal of our historic campus.

With an undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies and Anthropology from Barnard College and an M.A. and PhD in Anthropology from Columbia University, President Scrimshaw brings an international and cultural perspective to the Sage community. Along with her various involvements in the public health field, President Scrimshaw is a vital resource to The Sage Colleges in a time where public health is a pressing and important issue, particularly in light of the H1N1 pandemic.

Donna Esteves, class of 1970 and Chair of the Board of Trustees stated upon President Scrimshaw’s selection, “In Susan we have a leader of extraordinary talent and achievement. Her tireless efforts to address global healthcare issues and her ability to turn innovative concepts into successful applications ensure that Susan will enable The Sage Colleges to be a prime example of a 21^st century institution.”
Just a few of President Scrimshaw’s accomplishments before starting with Sage were serving on the Chicago Board of Health, receiving a gold medal from former President Vicente Fox of Mexico for her work on the health of Latino populations, and serving as president at Simmons College, another all women’s college in Boston. However, though her accomplishments are profound and honorable, perhaps what Sage students find most respectable about President Scrimshaw is her desire to put the needs and goals of the student body first. As mentioned earlier, her voluntary attendance at numerous campus events has not gone unnoticed and has often been praised by students and faculty alike.

President Scrimshaw’s belief in the success of Sage’s programs and students is convincing and contagious. Her positive ideas and statements about Sage’s success, both now and in the future, are uplifting and motivating for the entire Sage Community and have made in impression not only around Sage, but in the Capital District. Scrimshaw stated in March 2009 upon her appointment of President, “With its blend of programs and facilities, Sage has a ‘diversified portfolio’ that makes it a strong ‘buy.’ Add our location in the state capital and Tech Valley, and our network of graduates and broad opportunities, and the facts speak for themselves.” She added, “Having the unique opportunity to be a part of this vital community during a period of transformation completely sold me. I am honored and pleased to have the opportunity to lead Sage as we continue this exciting trajectory.”

Though President Scrimshaw’s journey with Sage has just begun, the changes which have already taken place have left Sage students excited about what the future will hold. One can only hope that many years after graduating from Russell Sage College, they can return to find a campus both recognizable, and improved, sustaining its traditions but modernizing and updating where necessary. With President Scrimshaw in place, that hope seems very plausible.

President Scrimshaw’s inauguration will take place Friday, October 23^rd at 1:30pm in Bush Memorial. Seating will be very limited; however, there will be a simulcast in Sage Park. The preceding week is filled with activities, including an Inaugural Ball on the Captain J.P. boat. The ball takes place from 6-9pm (begin boarding at 5:30pm) on Tuesday, October 20^th. Thanks to a generous donation from Student Government, students can attend the semi formal ball for free, however, spots are limited and non-Sage student guests pay $10. An online RSVP is available on MySage as well as a complete list of the inauguration week activities to honor Dr. Scrimshaw, the ninth president of The Sage Colleges.