Hamilton College
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| Alumni Login |
May 2013
Dear Alumni,
Below, you will find a message from my classmate and Acting Executive Director, Development George Nehme '79. It is worth reading and I hope you can take a few minutes to do so.
With best wishes,
Aron
Aron Ain ’79, P’09,’11
Chair, 2012-13 Annual Fund
Dear Fellow Hamilton Alum:
These words — as compelling today as they were in 1913 — clarify the meaning of the collective impact of many people coming together for a common purpose. In recent years, less lofty rhetoric has been used in an effort to encourage alumni to “participate” in Hamilton’s educational mission through a commitment of personal philanthropy. The assertion that a plea for alumni participation is nothing more than a transactional relationship diminishes the true meaning of why our community of alumni really matters.
For two centuries, Hamilton’s most striking contribution to society has been the generations of men and women the College has sent forth to lead in every conceivable pursuit. Such accomplishment is not accidental. Rather, it derives from a passion, carefully nurtured on the Hill, to cultivate the life of the mind. It is learning not for its own sake, but to strengthen and invigorate the human condition.
At Hamilton, nurturing students has always been an intensely personal enterprise. The intimacy of our community, the devotion to teaching, the commitment to learning and the demand for integrity are predicated on a determined partnership. As alumni, we are integral to this collaboration. Though each of us has experienced Hamilton differently, individually and collectively our impact on Hamilton cannot be measured in a single gesture, but through one continuous relationship with the place and its people. We know from our history that the College thrives because of the sustained involvement of its alumni.
Our enduring legacy of alumni engagement provides us a way to have an immediate and positive impact, expanding the value of our shared connections with our College and its students. This year, significantly fewer of us have chosen to give to the College than at this time last year. Whatever the reason, whether procrastination, increasingly busy lives or, perhaps, forgetfulness, I hope you will take a moment right now to reflect on your role as a partner of the College — and on the bonds of affection, respect and support that continue to position Hamilton to produce global citizens who will embrace the true spirit of those words so eloquently delivered one hundred years ago. Please give back if you can as you are able.
With gratitude,
George Nehme '79
