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.
Meet our tutors
Student Assistants
Arianna Chai ‘23
Arianna is a Mathematics and Classics double major from Qingdao, China. She likes to travel, as well as stuff herself in a blanket, and hang out with friends. She loves watching movies and anime, singing, and cooking. She is a firm supporter of a ski lift from Bundy to Sadove.
Jungwon Kim ‘23
Jungwon is a junior from Los Angeles, CA. Majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Mathematics, he is hoping to work in tech after graduating. When Jungwon isn’t busy, he’s likes to spend time playing volleyball with friends or practicing the drums.
Katherine Kim '22
Katherine is a senior Creative Writing major from New Jersey. She enjoys analyzing film and media, is passionate about style, and is involved with the Feminists of Color Collective on campus. In her spare time, she likes to watch Korean movies, dance, and read the works of Audre Lorde and Mary Oliver.
Victor Lou ‘22
Victor is a senior Anthropology major and Digital Arts minor from Beijing, China. He is finally returning to campus after a year and half due to studying abroad in Athens, Greece, and Covid. He also works at the Admissions Office and the Student Activities Office on campus. During his free time, Victor also enjoys taking photos and playing lacrosse.
Jahmali Matthews ‘22
Jahmali Matthews is a senior from Boston double majoring in Creative Writing and Sociology. She is the editor-in-chief of Culture Magazine, presented by Grasping roots. Jahmali loves cooking, puns, thrifting, anime, and horror/thriller movies.
Ian Nduhiu ’22
Ian is a senior from Kenya. He is currently a Computer Science major and prospective Statistics minor. When not buried under Computer Science projects, he likes to write poetry and play FIFA.
Ben Peterson ‘24
Ben is a sophomore January admitted student from Pittsburgh. He hasn't yet declared a major, but is interested in Literature, Psychology, and Neuroscience. He loves to read and would suggest that anyone here at Hamilton take a course in Literature. He is on the club soccer team and loves to play and watch the beautiful game (up the Red Devils).
Aliana Potter ’24
Aliana is a sophomore prospective Public Health Interdisciplinary major and Government minor from Concord, Massachusetts. On campus, she is involved with the Sailing Team, Hamilton Democrats, Pottery Club, and she also writes for the Spectator. She enjoys all kinds of music, baking (especially lava cakes), and reading obscure articles from the Atlantic.
Ally Zamudio ‘24
Alyssa (or Ally) is a Classics major and possible Religion double major and Posse Scholar from a little south of Miami, Florida. She is a bookstagramer and is often seen studying, reading, or taking pictures of books. She was also a theatre child and has an ever-growing list of movies she hopes to watch.