Around College

Family Weekend gave more than 100 Hamilton students who did summer research a big stage, and they made the most of it. Poster sessions for Emerson Summer Collaboration Grants, Levitt Summer Research Fellows and summer science research grants drew enthusiastic throngs to Kirner-Johnson commons and the Science Center's Wellin Atrium Oct. 31, impressing ­parents, alumni, classmates and faculty members with the depth and breadth of the work.

Hamilton students have a long history of serving the Central New York region through a ­variety of group and individual efforts, but until this year, one stone had remained unturned: an entire class heading out into the surrounding community for a single, intensive day of volunteer service. That was the mission of the Class of 2012 as its members arrived on campus for orientation, and they served with distinction.

Zipcar may be for you Zipcar, the world's largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, went into service on the Hill in October, presenting students and other members of the Hamilton community with an environmentally friendly alternative to the cost and hassle of keeping a car on campus. The partnership extends Hamilton's commitment to building a sustainable campus and marks Zipcar's entry into Clinton, bringing its operations to more than 50 cities, including London, England, and 28 North American states and provinces. More than 100 college and universities partner with Zipcar

The Hamilton Outing Club aims high. The goal for this year's High Peaks weekend in October was to have at least one member of the Hamilton community reach the summit of each of the Adirondacks' 46 High Peaks. While the group of students and community members fell just short of that perfect mark, the club conquered 41 peaks, easily surpassing the previous record of 38 peaks in a weekend.

Professor of French John O'Neal was honored recently as an officer of France's Order of Academic Palms. He had been named a chevalier of the order a decade earlier. The award was conferred by Kareen Rispal, cultural counselor of the Embassy of France, in recognition of O'Neal's service as a teacher, scholar and "distinguished friend of France."

Steve Bellona, the College's associate vice president for facilities and planning, was inducted into the U.S. Coast Guard ­Academy Athletic Hall of Fame Oct. 2 in New London, Conn. A retired Coast Guard captain, Bellona is a member of the Academy Class of 1973. He was a varsity athlete on the cross country and indoor and outdoor track teams. He participated at the NCAA Division III Nationals in the 880-yard dash in 1973 and was the record-holder for the two-mile relay in indoor and outdoor track in 1972-73.