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Developing the ability to communicate in a clear, organized, and effective way is a central goal of the liberal arts education at Hamilton. To help all students strengthen their writing abilities, the College established the Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center in 1987. The central focus of the Center’s services for students is peer review provided through writing conferences.

The Writing Center is named in honor of George L. Nesbitt (1903-1985), Professor of English from 1930 to 1973, and Thomas McNaughton Johnston (1904-1986), Professor of English from 1934 to 1972. Demanding and inspiring teachers, they helped two generations of Hamilton students to write thoughtful, coherent, clear, and sometimes elegant prose. Professor Nesbitt, who chaired the Department of English from 1952 to 1968, was instrumental in establishing the English composition sequence; Professor Johnston, the principal author of Hamilton’s Essentials of English Usage style guide, was known for his own graceful style, which his best students aspired to emulate. Together they constructed the foundation for Hamilton’s present reputation as an institution that teaches and values effective writing.

Meet Our Tutors

Jennifer Ambrose, Ph.D.

Writing Center Director

Student Assistants

Emma Earls ’24

Off-campus Spring 2023. Emma is a junior from Sturbridge, Massachusetts. She is majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Theater and Classical Studies. She enjoys reading and writing, inside and outside of classes. She also likes good movies, iced coffee, and fall weather.

Ben Peterson ’24

Off-campus Spring 2023. Ben is a junior from Pittsburgh. He is a Literature major. He loves to read and would suggest that anyone here at Hamilton take a course in literature. He is on the club soccer team and loves to play and watch the beautiful game (up the Red Devils).

Ely Silverman ’26

Ely is a freshman from Manhattan. He’s unsure about a major but loves photography. He spends his time hanging with friends, hosting a WHCL show, reading, and watching movies (and doing work, in case my mom reads this!).

Jaylaan Limon Ixehuatl ’26

Jaylaan is a freshman from West New York, New Jersey. She plans on majoring in Biology and minoring in Hispanic Studies. She loves reading manga, listening to Kpop, embroidery, and reading.

Sofia Gonzalez Alvarado ’26

Sofia is a Studio Art and Art History major from Caracas, Venezuela. She loves Lorde's music, foreign movies, and all sorts of artsy stuff. In her free time you can find her painting, blasting music in the studio, and finishing projects in KTSA until 2 a.m.

Contact

Office / Department Name

Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center

Contact Name

Jennifer Ambrose

Writing Center Director

Office Location
Kirner-Johnson 152
Hours
M
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tu
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
W
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Th
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Fr
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Su
1 p.m. - 10 p.m.

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