Committee for Kirkland College
Spring 2008 Update
Dear Alumnae,
In the months since we last wrote, the Committee for Kirkland College has continued to brainstorm and move forward on many Kirkland issues. Here is a recap of what we've been up to:
On April 6, we hosted a brunch on campus to kick off Womyn's Energy Week. Kirkland women began this event in 1977. Our goal for the brunch was to lay the groundwork for the on-campus Kirkland presence we want to establish. More...
On Sunday, April 6, 2008 the Committee for Kirkland College hosted a brunch kicking off Womyn's Energy Week, which Kirkland women began in 1977. Our goal for the brunch was to lay the groundwork for an on-campus Kirkland presence we want to establish. Sixty-four people attended – half of them students. Thirteen alumnae shared their perspectives on Kirkland and the impact it had on their lives. All attendees, including Hamilton's President and the Deans of Faculty and Students, were enthusiastic about hearing the Kirkland story. We screened Indomitable Spirits: The Road Less Taken, the Kirkland film produced for our Reunion. Womyn's Center head Amy Tannenbaum remarked that our gathering visibly demonstrated our support for women on the Hill today, which was our hope.The Committee for Kirkland CollegeThe Committee for Kirkland College now has 45 members and has identified three key initiatives.We recently adopted a Charter to guide our path and ensure our credibility. We applied to the Hamilton Alumni Council for non-class specific Kirkland representation to strengthen our voice, and are developing procedures for elections. As a result of these efforts, we are now working with the support of the Hamilton administration and the Hamilton Alumni Council. Their support will be a big help as we move forward with our three key initiatives: 1) Developing the Kirkland Archive; 2) Mentoring current students and 3) Strengthening the bonds within the Kirkland Community. now has 45 members and has identified three key initiatives.
Hamilton is greatly upgrading the Kirkland physical plant. More...Hamilton is greatly upgrading the Kirkland physical plant. The addition to K-J will be complete this July; the renovation of the original K-J will finish in July '09. The Hamilton Board of Trustees is now selecting architects for the expansion of the Arts Facilities on the Kirkland side of the road – which includes a new theater and studio – and the renovation of Minor Theater into a gallery.
Our Committee members see Kirkland entering a renaissance. The momentum from our 2007 Reunion continues. It is clear to us that our plans are much closer to becoming reality because of the support of the Hamilton administration, alumni and Trustees.
Kirkland Giving Initiatives
It is equally clear to those of us working to create a living Kirkland legacy that our momentum will be even greater if we show our support of Hamilton by increasing our financial contributions.
We understand that many of you will only be comfortable supporting a Kirkland-specific initiative. For those of you who are comfortable supporting Hamilton in a more direct way, please consider the Annual Fund. More...It is equally clear to those of us working to create a living Kirkland legacy that our momentum will be even greater if we show our support of Hamilton by increasing our financial contributions. This is about demonstrating our commitment to our cause – and more effectively working the system. The Alumni Office and our class leaders have set modest goals for Kirkland participation. We firmly believe that if we attain those goals, we will add immeasurably to our credibility and clout on campus. To be frank, this is the reality of how academic institutions work. Even a small contribution to any Kirkland Initiative adds to that magic number: "Participation."
We understand that many of you will only be comfortable supporting a Kirkland-specific initiative. Again, your support of any Kirkland initiative will also add to our credibility and clout. For those of you who are comfortable supporting Hamilton in a more direct way, please consider the giving to the Annual Fund. An unrestricted Annual Fund gift allows the College to apply your support where the need is greatest. One such need is financial aid. While Hamilton is not need-blind, it does meet the full need of every admitted student – more than 50% of students on campus receive financial aid, with an average package of $29,200. Endowment income and other sources fund the majority of the nearly $22 million financial aid budget, but the College counts on the $5.8 million of the 2007-08 Annual Fund to fund fully this need. You can give to the Annual Fund at https://www.hamilton.edu/makeagift
Staying in touch: If you would like to join the Committee for Kirkland College or work with any of the three initiative teams, please send us an email. We have two dedicated Kirkland Liaisons in the Hamilton alumni office: Sharon Rippey, Director, Alumni Relations (srippey@hamilton.edu) for events, web space and communications; and Erika Klar, Associate Director, Annual Giving and Director, Reunion Giving (eklar@hamilton.edu) to support our philanthropic activities.
We believe we can finally make a difference for Kirkland, today, and thank you for your continued support. Please contact us if you have questions.
Best regards,
Penny Watras Dana, K'78
kirklandreunion@mac.com
Joanne Papanek Orlando, K'74
jporlando@cox.net
P.S. While we had a grand celebration last year at our All-Kirkland Reunion, do consider coming to the Hill for Reunions '08, June 6-8. The Weekend has events for all attendees, including those specially planned for the Reunion years of 1973 and 1978.
