Because Hamilton Did It! Historic Campaign Reaches $400 Million Goal

Hamilton has reached its goal for the Because Hamilton campaign, the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the College’s history. Gifts and commitments have topped $400 million with several weeks remaining before the campaign concludes on June 30.

The priorities for Because Hamilton, which include financial aid, learning and living, digital leadership, career exploration, the humanities, and the Hamilton Fund, have further strengthened and differentiated a Hamilton education, and increased access for talented and deserving students regardless of their financial circumstances. The priorities were selected following a year-long institutional strategic planning process that sought input from students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

The campaign, which launched in 2018, has set impressive giving records at nearly every level, illustrating the Hamilton community’s overwhelming endorsement of the College’s transformative liberal arts education and strategic vision for its future. The $400 million goal was more than double any previous fundraising campaign.

“The quality of the facilities, the depth of the programs, and, most importantly, the ability to attract talented people to live, work, and study on College Hill are all possible because of the financial support we receive from loyal donors dedicated to making Hamilton one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country,” said President David Wippman.

The campaign’s success is thanks to the more than 29,000 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, trustees, and friends of the College who have contributed, the more than 177,000 individual campaign gifts that have been tallied, and an impressive 80% alumni participation rate. The College received its largest gifts ever during Because Hamilton, yet gifts of $100 or less have accounted for more than 75% of total gifts made as of early May.

“The success of this campaign is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community to sustain Hamilton for future generations.”

“Hamiltonians always come through — even during times of uncertainty — and the Because Hamilton campaign proved no different,” said Vice President for Advancement Lori Dennison ’87. “One thing that is constant is our community’s faith and support of Hamilton.”

Trustee Jeff Little ’71 and Board Chair David Solomon ’84 have served as campaign co-chairs for Because Hamilton. Little, who has been at the helm during the College’s last four campaigns, has been pivotal in helping Hamilton raise more than $830 million, the largest percentage of which has been for student scholarship aid.

“Our goal to make a Hamilton education even more accessible and relevant is becoming a reality thanks to the amount raised and the support of so many,” Little said. “The success of this campaign is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community to sustain Hamilton for future generations.”

Solomon said, “The Because Hamilton campaign has been a critical investment in all Hamilton students to ensure they are equipped to pursue opportunities, navigate challenges, and contribute meaningfully to our local and global communities.”

Hamiltonians can still be part of this historic moment by making a gift before the campaign concludes on June 30. The full impact of the Because Hamilton campaign will be shared and celebrated in the coming months, culminating with December’s annual 1812 Leadership Circle Weekend in New York City.

Because Hamilton

Learn more about the campaign’s six priorities and how you can make a difference.

Campaign Priorities

Campaign Accomplishments:
A Snapshot

Financial Aid

Increased access and opportunity for the best and brightest students through exceeding the campaign’s $120 million financial aid goal
Established more than 100 new scholarships thanks to the MacLennan Scholarship Match

Learning and Living

Expert Faculty: Funded six new endowed professorships
Wellness: Enhanced resources through the new Johnson Center for Health and Wellness, additional positions, and innovative programming
Experiential Learning: Added opportunities for students to pursue original research, internships, and civic and community involvement
Common Ground: Expanded the widely acclaimed program, which fosters greater discussion around challenging issues
ALEX (Advise, Learn, EXperience): Launched a coordinated network of on-campus academic centers, resources, and advisors that work together to ensure students’ academic success and personal growth

Career Exploration

Provided more meaningful and marketable career-related experiences through $11.1 million in gifts

Digital Hamilton

Welcomed new faculty and technologists and created spaces that foster an environment of innovation and technology-enhanced learning to ensure students can use digital media to effectively communicate and collaborate

Humanities

Renovated Root Hall (expected to be completed in Fall 2023) and List Center to provide spaces for students to study and collaborate with their professors and each other