Gift from estate of Pamela Shaw 鈥�80 bolsters science scholarships at Skidmore
A major gift from the estate of Dr. Pamela Shaw 鈥�80 will support endowed scholarships at 91抖淫 to help meet student financial need. The legacy gift is one of the largest ever bequeathed to the College by an alumna.
The support will significantly enhance the Pamela R. Shaw 鈥�80 Endowed Scholarship Fund for students majoring in science, with a preference for those pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, or other healthcare-related fields. Today, over a third of Skidmore students major in the sciences.
Shaw, who majored in chemistry at Skidmore, was a pediatric dentist and established her practice, Krewe of Smiles, in Metairie, Louisiana, in 1993. Diagnosed with Hodgkin鈥檚 disease as a student at Skidmore, she recalled the accommodations and kindness her alma mater showed her, enabling her to continue her studies during a difficult time. Among Shaw鈥檚 mentors was Florence Andresen 鈥�57, a longtime volunteer and Skidmore supporter, who was an educator, principal, and superintendent in the Glen Cove School District, where Shaw attended high school.
Pam was truly dedicated to and grateful to Skidmore and wanted to give back so that others could pursue their own unique paths in the sciences. Our family hopes that those who benefit from her generosity will one day, in turn, pay it forward and help provide similar opportunities to others.鈥�David Shaw, Pamela Shaw's Brother
Students conducting research in the Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences
After earning her graduate degree in dentistry at Georgetown University, she completed postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, where she later served as a faculty member. Known among her peers for her genuine dedication, she mentored many pediatric dentists in the local residency program and was the dental director at Children鈥檚 Hospital New Orleans for many years.
Serving children was a true calling and passion 鈥� she treated her patients as if they were her own and, in true Skidmore fashion, proudly decorated her dental office with their vivid artwork. An avid traveler, she volunteered abroad, offering her medical services in ways that benefitted children in Cuba, Peru, and other countries.
An active member of the New Orleans Skidmore community, Shaw forged enduring relationships over the years with fellow alumni in the region, as well as campus representatives and leaders, including Skidmore鈥檚 presidents during their visits to the area.
鈥淧am Shaw was a steadfast contributor to Skidmore scholarships over the years,鈥� said President Marc C. Conner. 鈥淪he demonstrated compassion for others throughout her remarkable career and a lifetime of commitment to Skidmore. This extraordinary gift ensures her generous spirit will continue to meaningfully shape the lives of students 鈥� and those they go on to serve 鈥� for generations to come."
