Interview with Barry Pritzker

Interview with Barry Pritzker

March 31, 2026

Skidmore Saratoga Memory Project

Barry Pritzker joined Skidmore’s Advancement team in 2000 as the institution’s first Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. In this interview, he discusses the multifaceted background that gave him the writing skills, humanistic perspective, and interest in teaching and learning required for the role. Pritzker describes his position as a form of matchmaking: aligning foundation funding interests with Skidmore’s academic priorities to secure seed money for innovative programs. He identifies more than 20 programs that benefited from grants he secured. Using a prestigious Luce Foundation grant as an example, he explains the steps in this matchmaking process. His main challenge as CFR Director was persuading colleagues that grant requests should enhance programs rather than reduce budgets. Throughout his tenure at Skidmore, Pritzker collaborated with colleagues across the College, engaged in many lively, idea-filled conversations, and fulfilled his primary professional goal: strengthening Skidmore’s excellence and national visibility.

English (en)

Retiree Oral History Project

Oral History

Susan Bender

Barry Pritzker

Saratoga Springs, NY

Audio recording

41:08