About Us
Developing the ability to communicate in a clear, organized, and effective way is a central goal of the liberal arts education at Hamilton. To help all students strengthen their writing abilities, the College established the Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center in 1987. The central focus of the Center’s services for students is peer review provided through writing conferences.
The Writing Center is named in honor of George L. Nesbitt (1903-1985), Professor of English from 1930 to 1973, and Thomas McNaughton Johnston (1904-1986), Professor of English from 1934 to 1972. Demanding and inspiring teachers, they helped two generations of Hamilton students to write thoughtful, coherent, clear, and sometimes elegant prose. Professor Nesbitt, who chaired the Department of English from 1952 to 1968, was instrumental in establishing the English composition sequence; Professor Johnston, the principal author of Hamilton’s Essentials of English Usage style guide, was known for his own graceful style, which his best students aspired to emulate. Together they constructed the foundation for Hamilton’s present reputation as an institution that teaches and values effective writing.
Student Assistants 2018-2019
Kaja Bielecka ’21
Kaja is a sophomore Sociology major born and raised in Poland (Poland, Europe, not Poland, NY - a distinction she never thought she’d have to stress). When she’s not at the front desk of the Writing Center, she can be found working on costumes in KTSA or running around campus and taking photos for The Spectator. She loves reading, cooking, and wandering around in Kirkland Glen.
Aliane Douyon ’20
Sam Foley ’21
Sam is a sophomore from Needham, Massachusetts. In addition to working in the Writing Center, Sam plays on the football team and is a member of Psi Upsilon, Finance Club, and SAAC. He is an avid Boston sports fan and enjoys spending his free time with family and friends.
Deb Gakpo ’19
A Biology and Dance & Movement Studies major, Deb has worked at the Writing Center since her first year at Hamilton. On campus she’s involved in the Pre-Health Club, Operation Smile, and Sustah Girls. When she’s not busy studying, she enjoys singing, dancing, and (like any good pre-med student) watching The Good Doctor and Grey’s Anatomy.
Victor Lou ’21
Victor is an Anthropology major from Beijing, China. His favorite thing to do is probably to try all sorts of new things. He also loves photography, curry, the praying mantis, the color mint in the summer, and purple in the winter. He runs in the woods and plays lacrosse for fun.
AlMahdi Mahil ’20
Abroad-Spring 2019
Mahdi is a junior from Sudan, where it snows once every 200 years (maybe). He likes reading, writing (!!), and is the president of Model UN at Hamilton.
Hersheena Rajaram ’19
A senior from Mauritius, Hersheena is an Economics major with minors in Mathematics and Government. She is involved in On The Move, HAVOC, and the International Students Association.
Megan Taruc ’21
Megan is from Chicago, where it’s just as cold but a lot flatter than New York, so she now has to deal with slipping down steep surfaces. She likes curling. She is a Biology major, so you can talk to her about DNA. And she loves all fruits, as they are the #1 food group.
Karianna Torres ’20
Abroad-Spring 2019
Karianna is a junior majoring in Literature and minoring in Mathematics. She comes from the Boogie Down Bronx and of course she is a hardcore Yankees fan. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, eating breakfast, and rapping Cardi B lyrics.