When asked to talk about his Hamilton experience, Caleb immediately smiles and becomes animated. He jokes, “To be brutally honest, the only bad experiences I’ve had here were primarily due to the freezing weather and the slippery walkway to Wertimer!”

From Rosedale, New York, Caleb is majoring in philosophy with additional interests in government and sociology. “Growing up in the city, I wanted to escape from all of the hustle and bustle and be in a quiet environment where I would be able to work at my optimal level with very little distractions. Hamilton was the one school that matched perfectly with what I was looking for in a college. The size, the location, the prestige and the sheer beauty of the campus sealed the deal for me.”

Life on College Hill has been full of unexpected encounters and opportunities that have both broadened and re-shaped Caleb’s horizon. He arrived thinking he would be a “sure-fire government major” but an encounter with philosophy, via Professor Todd Franklin, changed all that. He cites Franklin as a “valuable resource” from the outset. “He would often meet with me to discuss potential study strategies, gave me little pointers on how to be academically successful and informed me about research grant opportunities.” The latter led to Caleb securing an Emerson Grant to explore “The 21st Century New Negro”—a project that was a direct outgrowth of Franklin’s course, “The Black Self.”

Alongside the knowledge Caleb has acquired through his academic pursuits have come life-lessons about asking questions, putting himself “out there” and giving back. Outside the classroom, he has enjoyed participating in club ice hockey and tennis, the Voices of Color lecture series, the Black and Latino Student Union, Brother’s Organization, HAVOC, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and the culinary, fine dining and bowling clubs.

“Hamilton is unique because of the continued love and support of its alumni, parents and friends. They have allowed the students to prepare themselves for the real world, while at the same time providing resources that allow us to have an unforgettable college experience. As an Opportunity Program student, I can say that I am truly grateful for all those who support the College. You have made it possible for me and numerous other students to truly get ahead in life. Thank you.”