Patricia Sheehan of Aurora Earns Academic Recognition at Skidmore College

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (07/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Patricia Sheehan, a member of the Class of 2011 at Skidmore College, earned academic recognition at the college this spring.

She is the daughter of Patrick and Janet Sheehan of Aurora.

Sheehan received a B.A. degree magna cum laude with honor in neuroscience at Skidmore's 100th commencement. She also received high honors for academic work completed during the spring semester.

In addition, Sheehan was the recipient of two academic prizes: the Jo. C. Hebard '69 Memorial Prize, named in honor of an alumna and awarded annually to an outstanding senior who demonstrates promise of making a significant contribution in the field of health and human services. Sheehan also received the Hartnett Prize in Neuroscience, established by Skidmore psychology Professor Mary Ann Foley and awarded annually to a senior who conducts outstanding neuroscience research.

She was the recipient of a Porter Presidential Scholarship while at Skidmore. Porter Scholarships in science and mathematics are awarded on the basis of superior accomplishment and exceptional promise, without regard to financial need. Scholarship recipients are not required to major in a scientific or mathematical discipline but they are expected to demonstrate serious research and to participate actively in academic and co-curricular activities in these fields.

During her Skidmore career, Sheehan 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 a member of the Skidmore Honors Forum, which strengthens the intellectual life at the college and provides positive leadership on campus and in the community. Membership is open to students based on their academic accomplishments and commitment to excellence.

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.