The Skidmore Shop is one store that knows how to connect with college students. Their array of social programming includes everything from a weekly Farmer’s Market to local restaurants who let students sample a big tasting menu at the store. One event that the store is known for, however, is Newfie Night.
By partnering with a local club, the store brings nearly 20 Newfoundland dogs, known for their size, calm dispositions, and loyalty, into the store and surrounding student center on various occasions throughout the semester.
“We just set them free in the student center and let them run,” Bob Carlton, social programming administrator and technology sales, said. “Students love to come in and visit with them.”
According to Bob, the event is a great stress-reliever for students during busy times of the year, especially around finals.
“Many of our students are away from their home, friends, family and their pets, so they’re homesick,” he explained. “This is a way for them to connect with the same ideas at school and just take some time to have fun.”
The event also offers great exposure for the club, made up of owners and lovers of Newfies alike.
“They’ve been able to connect with potential volunteers and gain awareness for their organization, which is always a plus,” he added.
The Newfies aren’t the only dogs who have made an appearance in the store, either. Forrest, a golden retriever who belongs to an employee at the school’s Business Department, was the store’s original canine celebrity.
As a Hurricane Katrina rescue dog, he holds a special place in the hearts of Skidmore staff and students.
“After the Hurricane, no one had claimed him and so his current owner drove down and adopted him,” he explained. “He started coming to the store a lot after that and the students just love him. He’s the sweetest, most amazing dog.”
After many years of visits, however, Forrest has retired from the spotlight at The Skid Shop and the Newfies now fill the void that he left.
“I still have students who have graduated email me and ask how Forrest is doing,” he said. “They love to hear about him!”
These fun events are just a few examples that embody The Skidmore Shop’s mission: to provide an atmosphere that allows students to not think about school for awhile.
“College is hard, but it should be fun too,” Carlton stressed. “These events make students look at us differently. They usually think of a college store as the expensive place they go to buy textbooks. We’re trying to break that perception and show them that we’re not just here to take their money but to be a part of their college experience.”
