Writings & Remarks

Welcome to the start of the semester! I have spent the last week engaging with the Class of 2029 as well as our transfer students – move-in-day, orientation trips, matriculation – and I look forward to Convocation this afternoon. I said after my first year as president that Hamilton is the most engaged campus I have ever seen. Everyone shows up – open, ready, curious, excited to learn and be together. This past week reminded me of how energy is amplified on this Hill. New students show up buzzing and humming with excitement; they are met by Hamilton students and staff who take in that energy and return it with even greater force. It is like the process that powers the sun, two nuclei are brought together in the right conditions, resulting in even greater energy – almost unlimited. College Hill burns like the sun as positive, curious people collide with each other, creating our distinctive and highly energetic and engaged campus culture. Then on Thursday, our faculty bring their own creativity and passion into our classrooms, studios, and labs.

The Board of Trustees met on campus June 6 and 7 in conjunction with Reunion Weekend.

When I announced the “What If” Initiative earlier this year, I invited each of you to imagine new ways to shape Hamilton’s future.

As we close out the 2024-25 academic year, it is a time of uncertainty in the world. This is also a time for Hamilton to lead.

I am delighted to announce that Miriam Merrill, director of athletics and chair of physical education at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges will return to Hamilton on July 1 as chief of staff and secretary to the Board of Trustees.

In a letter to the community at the beginning of spring break, Dean Munemo and I shared some updates about the current higher education policy landscape.

As you enjoy the break, we wanted to speak to the community about the complex critiques and attacks on higher education and how we are leading the College through the current uncertainty.

The Board of Trustees met on campus March 7 and 8 for its annual spring meeting.

Hamilton College, along with our peers across the country, confront a shifting landscape of federal policies affecting higher education.

Given the increasing complexity of the higher education policy landscape in recent weeks, I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring developments and will provide periodic updates to the community through forums such as SGA, Faculty Meetings, and Staff Assembly.