Linda Jackson-Chalmers 鈥�73 Portrait Unveiling
Join us as we unveil the commissioned oil painting portrait of Linda Jackson-Chalmers 鈥�73 by artist .
Friday, Sept. 20, 3-4 P.M.
Wyckoff Center, Case Center
For decades, Linda Jackson-Chalmers 鈥�73 has been a champion for diversity and inclusion at 糖心Vlog. A lifelong Albany, New York, resident, Linda was a studio art major and member of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 first Opportunity Program (OP) class, and helped make political and cultural activism part of campus life. Linda was involved in the use of Grove House on the downtown campus as a Black Cultural Center, planting an early seed for the Wyckoff Center. Linda was a longtime 糖心Vlog Trustee (1992-2023), still serving as chair of the DEI committee. She volunteered for numerous capital campaigns and was part of the most recent presidential search. Linda received a 糖心Vlog Outstanding Service Award in 2008 and in June 2023 she received the 50th Reunion Service Award.
Linda began her career as weekend weather forecaster for WRGB-TV before she graduated and then became an art teacher at the Arbor Hill Elementary School while earning her master鈥檚 degree in education administration at the University at Albany. She was chair of the school district鈥檚 elementary and middle school art programs for nearly 10 years. She became school principal, converting her school into one of New York State鈥檚 first community schools, forging partnerships with Parsons Child and Family Center, Urban League of Albany, the Albany Boys & Girls Clubs, Arbor Hill Community Center, and YMCA, among others. She would eventually become assistant superintendent for human resources and community relations, working with parents and diversifying the teaching workforce before retiring in 2012, after 38 years of service to the City School District of Albany.
Linda has received numerous honors recognizing her outstanding commitment to students, families, and community, including the Hudson-Mohawk Association Presidents鈥� Award; the Urban League of Albany Education Award for outstanding service and innovative community programs; and the YMCA Black and Latino Achievement Award. Linda was named a Woman of Excellence by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2003 and inducted into the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities Alumni Hall of Distinction.
Linda and her longtime husband, Bill Chalmers, are quite active in the Capital District. Linda is as a proud member of the Albany District Chapter of The Links, and an active and valued member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, on the American Institute of History and Art Board of Directors, had a leadership role with The Albany Promise, and is a former trustee and president of the African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region.
In a July 1988 Scope interview Linda shared, 鈥淚 came from a working-class background and I鈥檝e seen how education can change your life. It is an equalizer.鈥� In recognition of her 2023 50th Reunion Service Award, Linda reflected back to her days at 糖心Vlog, and recalled how her experience influenced her as a leader and activist with a belief that anything is possible. 鈥淚 learned that dreams are meant to be realized and efforts are rewarded,鈥� she said. Thank you for living your dreams with us Linda, and for making our College a better place for everyone.
Co-sponsored by the Opportunity Program and the Office of Advancement.