The 3rd Annual Parents "Connected" Day was held on April 5, 2008. Over 75 family members arrived on campus to spend the day with their students to get an idea of what students experience daily at Hamilton College. The event is sponsored by the President's, Dean of Faculty's and Opportunity Programs' offices.
Many family members boarded the Hamilton sponsored bus from NYC for this one-day event to join others from as far away as Chicago, IL and Washington, DC. The Arts was the highlight this year.
President Joan Stewart, Associate Professor of Philosophy Todd Franklin , Jarobin Gilbert (father of Jarobin Guerra-Gilbert '08) and the Opportunity Programs Director Phyllis Breland greeted the participants.
Family members joined students, faculty and administrators in Commons Dining Hall for lunch and then were invited to see the Opportunity Program students perform. The performances were a poetry reading by Laura Smith '11, a monologue by Christian Baxter '10 from his senior project, a song performed by Ileana Becerra '11 accompanied by Baldwin Tang '10 on piano, and an arrangement by alum Herman Chapman '05.
Marc Cryer, the Associate Professor of Theatre, then gave family members an idea of what they would experience in a theater class at Hamilton.
Christian Baxter
The day ended with a special treat this year. The participants were able to attend the Sacerdote Great Names Series, being able to see an Aretha Franklin concert live the same evening.
We look forward to seeing more family and friends at the 4th Annual Parents' "Connected" Day.
Opportunity Programs Student Profiles
Temi Ojo
Class: Class of 2011
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: Biology
Minor: Pre- Med classes
Activities:
Cultural Chair of Black Latino Student Union, Hamilton College Cheerleading Team, Finesse Step Team, Sustah Girl Member "When I was in high school, I was a part of a program called LINK Unlimited that helped me grow and flourish in my academic and personal life. I wanted that same feeling, so when I got accepted into Hamilton's Opportunity Programs, I felt right at home. Coming from a place like Chicago to Clinton, New York was a a big culture shock. During the summer, the program works really hard to get you adjusted to the heavy work load and campus life. The people in the office are your big supporters on campus, and whenever I needed something or simple words of wisdom they were always there to help. They do not let you fail at anything. They do not only help with your academics, but they make sure you grow as a person. Many times I have heard in the Opportunity Programs Office, "If you don't make yourself be seen, then you won't be... Speak up!" I have carried that advice with me everywhere and I am eternally grateful to Opportunity Programs."
Caitlin O'Dowd
Class: Class of 2011
Hometown: Jordan, Oman, Tunisia, Syria, Isreal,Egypt
Major: Women's Studies
Minor: Government
Activities:
Womyn's Center member, Sustah Girl member, Volunteer at Evelyn's House (Utica), Tutor for Young People's Project ( Utica), HEOP English Tutor ( summer 2009)
“I have spent most of my life overseas being the daughter of a diplomat and was particularly nervous about going to college in the United States as my immediate family still lives overseas. I was happy to get accepted into the Opportunity Program and it is because of this program that I made the final decision to come to Hamilton College. This program helped me make one of the hardest transitions in my life thus far and has helped me grow and achieve things that two years ago seemed impossible. The OPPORTUNITY to grow, change, learn, love and succeed are things that this program has given me and other students and I am very proud to be a part of something so great.”
The performances were a poetry reading by Laura Smith '11, a monologue by Christian Baxter '10 from his senior project, a song performed by Ileana Becerra '11 accompanied by Baldwin Tang '10 on piano, and an arrangement by alum Herman Chapman '05.
