Skip Beitzel '76

Skip Beitzel graduated with the amazing bicentennial class of 1976 (followed shortly by sister, Tish ’77 and brother David ’80). Soon thereafter Skip attended Harvard Business School, focusing on marketing. He accepted an account management position with Young & Rubicam Advertising in New York City, working with major brands such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Oil of Olay, and Breyers Ice Cream.

However, Skip eventually made a major shift in his career and life when he purchased Hickory & Tweed Ski & Cyclery in Armonk, New York (a store Skip worked for all through high school and UVM). His passion for the store, retailing and, of course, skiing, subsequently resulted in Hickory & Tweed obtaining, “Best Ski Shop in America” status from Ski Magazine. Recently, Skip turned over ownership to his oldest son, Mac Beitzel. Hickory & Tweed is celebrating it’s 63rd year in business. Skip still puts in time at the store with wife, Michaela.

Skip’s 40+ years of UVM engagement began in the early 80’s, when he and classmate, Annalee Ash, reconstituted the New York City Alumni Club, with business luncheons and well-attended Hudson River cruises, among other events. That began an enthusiastic relationship for Skip with the UVM Alumni Council, culminating in becoming president of the council. Later, Skip became increasingly engaged with the UVM Fund, which lead to his service as President of the fund. These engagements and others were recognized with Skip being awarded UVM’s Young Alumni Award (along with classmate, Annalee Ash) and, later, UVM’s Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

Skip has been extremely fortunate to have had numerous UVM Alumni Mentors surrounding his UVM interests. He specifically points to Eugene Kalkin, Dan Burack and Barry Stone as true guiding lights in his lifetime. Skip now is also engaged in his class’s upcoming 50th reunion in 2026. He raised his family of three sons (one of which attended UVM) in Mount Kisco, New York with his awesome wife, Michaela.