On Nov. 15, just before 6 p.m., as student bands Yonic Youth and Otis Shanty were getting set to warm up in The Little Pub and Hamilton parties were preparing to get under way in Boston, Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco, and in more than 20 other locations around the country, the news arrived — Because Hamilton Day had achieved its goal of raising $1 million for student financial aid.
The College’s most ambitious giving day unlocked a $1 million match from trustee and Because Hamilton campaign co-chair David Solomon ’84, P’16. Victory! Mission accomplished!
But not so fast …
Because Hamiltonians rise to challenges, the goal was increased to $1.5 million with another donor promising to match the additional $500,000. By midnight PST it was official, both challenges were met. Hamilton had secured, in total, $3,092,733 from 3,658 alumni, parents, students, and friends.
Financial aid is a priority of the Because Hamilton campaign and donor support is critical to ensuring the College continues to attract the very best students regardless of their financial need.
Because Hamilton Day celebrates and supports the 10th anniversary of the College’s decision to become need-blind in its admission decisions. This means that Hamilton does not consider a student’s financial circumstances when evaluating applications from U.S. citizens and then meets the full demonstrated financial need of each student who enrolls. Hamilton is one of fewer than four dozen U.S. colleges and universities that provide this extraordinary access.
Half of the funds generated during Because Hamilton Day will support financial aid through the Hamilton Annual Fund, while the other $1.5 million will be used to create two endowed scholarships. To make Because Hamilton Day even more competitive, the origin of gifts was divided into four regions by timezone. The East achieved the highest participation and earned naming rights to the $1 million scholarship. After some very close competition, the West region claimed second place and the $500,000 scholarship.
“When we announced Because Hamilton Day, we promised to go big, and this was historic,” said Lori Rava Dennison ’87, P’16, vice president for advancement. “Thank you to all who made a gift and who celebrated at an event or hosted a gathering in their home. Your commitment allows us to keep our promise of inviting the most talented and deserving students to join our community. Together we solidify Hamilton’s place as one of America’s best liberal arts colleges, whose alumni effect positive change in the world.”
