Local Student Julia Grigel of Potsdam Earns Academic Recognition at Skidmore College

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (06/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Julia Grigel, a member of the Class of 2011 at Skidmore College, earned academic recognition at the college this spring.

She is the daughter of Theresa Witmer of Potsdam, and Glen Grigel, also of Potsdam.

Grigel earned a B.A. degree summa cum laude in government at Skidmore's 100h commencement in May. In addition, she was elected to membership in the college's Phi Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the national honor society that recognizes superior achievement in the liberal arts.

Grigel also received the Erwin L. Levine Prize in Government, named in honor of a former professor and awarded annually to a major in government who has done outstanding work in political theory.

She earned highest honors for academic work completed during the spring semester.

During her Skidmore career, Grigel was a member of Periclean, Skidmore's own academic honor society, which was formed in 1956 to stimulate intellectual curiosity, encourage creative activity, and honor academic achievement. She also was elected to membership in two other honor societies: to the Alpha Tau Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the international honor society in history; and to the Skidmore chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.

Founded in 1903, Skidmore College is a coeducational, liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. The college grants the bachelor's degree in some 60 majors, including both traditional liberal arts disciplines and preprofessional programs. Skidmore also awards the master of arts in liberal studies degree.