(Editor’s note: The following is a tribute to Distinguished Professor Emeritus Jim Skibo, written by former colleague Joan Brehm, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology.)
As most of us are profoundly aware, Jim Skibo died on Friday, April 14 doing what he loved: pursing historical artifacts in a diving mission on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin.
Jim was a committed teacher, mentor, and scholar at Illinois State University for 27 years, serving as department chair from 2014 until his retirement in 2018. Following his retirement, he continued to pursue his passions and champion archaeology for all as the state archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Jim was unwavering in his focus on education for the greater good. He was passionate about learning and ensuring that all students had the opportunity to engage in critical thought and experiential learning about the value of history and our past and its impact on our present.
Every year, he looked forward to the month of June, when he would take a group of students to work on his field site on Grand Island, where he collaborated with students and forest service personnel to understand the specific activities of the people who lived and used the resources of the island while at the same time teaching students advanced skills in the field techniques of archaeology.
He was also a tremendous leader and mentor. On a personal note, Jim was always a cheerleader and advocate for my own work as an environmental sociologist, supporting me as I moved along my career path and promotions at Illinois State. When I reached a point in my career where I wanted to explore more leadership roles, Jim was an invaluable resource and mentor. I honestly would not be chair were it not for his encouragement, mentoring, and support. I know that Jim provided this same support and encouragement for so many throughout his life and career. His support, guidance, and friendship is a gift that I treasure and hold very dear.
As a way to honor and celebrate the tremendous life and legacy of Jim, we have worked with the Skibo family to create the “Skibo Scholars” Scholarship. The goal of Skibo Scholars is to support first-generation college students and underrepresented students with an interest in anthropology or sociology by building community, creating a sense of belonging, and empowering them with the skills, tools, and connections to flourish in the pursuit of their dreams at Illinois State. You can read more about the scholarship in a recent news story. Through the amazing generosity of so many friends and colleagues near and far, we have raised over $15,500 to date to support future students at Illinois State. If you would like to contribute to this scholarship fund, you can do so via the Skibo Scholars scholarship page. We are all better people in so many ways for having Jim in our lives. he will be deeply missed by many near and far. But through the Skibo Scholars, his impact and commitment to higher education will live on and grow.
You can read more about Jim’s life and his tremendous impact in a story on Wisconsin Public Radio. To learn more about his recent work recovering a historic canoe from Lake Mendota, you can visit the Wisconsin Historical Society’s page on the Mendota Canoes.
