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Hamilton’s annual reunions take on special significance this year as the college celebrates its bicentennial with an All-Alumni Reunion, May 31-June 3. More than 2000 alumni and their guests are expected.  A special welcome is extended to members of the class of 1962 who are celebrating their 50th reunion. A full schedule of events will keep attendees busy all weekend.

On Wednesday, May 30, Robert Meelan, supervisor of the Town of Kirkland,  will present President Joan Hinde Stewart with a proclamation from the town in honor of the college’s 200th anniversary of the May 1812 signing of the charter by Regents of the University of the State of New York. The presentation will be made at the town meeting.

In observance of the 200th anniversary of Hamilton’s founding, the Hamilton College Arboretum Association hosted the A.P. Saunders Tree Peony Fest on Saturday, May 26. A birthday cake to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the college’s charter was served.

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a resolution in the U.S. Senate on Thursday, May 24, to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Hamilton College. The senators proposed a measure to celebrate the college’s “sustained commitment to its charter two centuries ago.” They recognized the alumni, faculty and students of Hamilton for “helping the United States to grow as a diplomatic and industrial world power,” according to the senators’ statement. The college received its charter from the Regents of the University of the State of New York on May 26, 1812.

Senator Joseph A. Griffo sponsored a resolution into the legislative record of New York State on Wednesday, May 23, recognizing the college's bicentennial celebration. Senator Griffo said, "I'm pleased that I could join President Joan Hinde Stewart, the staff, students, alums and supporters of Hamilton College in sharing tremendous pride in commemoration of this event."

President Joan Hinde Stewart rang the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Thursday, May 24, at 4 p.m., as part of the bicentennial celebration of the NY State Board of Regents signing of the college’s charter on May 26, 1812.

In observance of the 200th anniversary of Hamilton College’s founding, the Hamilton College Arboretum Association will host the A.P. Saunders Tree Peony Fest on Saturday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, in Grant Garden of the Root Glen.  The community is invited to see the Saunders peonies at their peak and stroll the shaded paths of Root Glen.

Hamilton College turns 200 on May 26, the day the New York Board of Regents granted the College its charter. Many organizations are joining in the celebration.

Among members of the Class of 2012 who graduated on Sunday, May 20, was Josephine (Josie) Jones, who learned in January that she is a direct descendant of  George Albion Calhoun, the College's first graduate in 1814.  Jones' mother, Jody Clark Jones, made the discovery while researching her husband's family genealogy. The story of the two century connection, which is especially meaningful in Hamilton's bicentennial year, is featured in the Spring 2012 Hamilton Alumni Review. Josie Jones was also interviewed for a story on local Fox affiliate WUTR.

In recognition of Hamilton’s 200th anniversary, U.S. Rep. Richard L. Hanna (R-NY) sponsored a statement in the Congressional Record this week. The New York Board of Regents granted Hamilton’s Charter on May 26, 1812.