Communications

You’re Invited! Aspirational Design 101 Tabling Events Thursday, August 28, 2025

By Joe Shelley

August 28, 2025

Dear Hamilton Community:

I am thrilled to serve as chair of the Aspirational Design Core Team, charged with coordinating the design process for this year.

Following President Tepper’s message this morning, I want to invite you all to collaborate with us as we continue to design for the future of Hamilton College – together. The design thinking approach offers many ways to connect, contribute, and create, so there are lots of ways to get involved. It is our hope that every member of our community has the opportunity to participate in the design process. Here are three ways to learn more about the process and get involved:

• Explore the new Aspirational Design website. Learn more about the design process, see progress so far, and find upcoming events and opportunities to engage.
• Take a two-minute survey. Share which topics interest you most and how much time you’d like to contribute. Based on your input, we’ll recommend ways to participate. We’re also planning a small number of full-day, theme-based design charrettes (by invitation), and your input will help us identify students, staff, and faculty to join those sessions.
• Join us in person Thursday, August 28. Stop by the tables between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at McEwen Courtyard, Sadove Terrace, or the Western Quad (near SCCT) to share your thoughts and ideas (and donuts).

As we begin a new round of design activities this fall, I want to recognize and thank those who have already contributed to shaping Hamilton’s future. More than 500 students, staff, and faculty shared creative ideas through the What If initiative. Since last spring, about 40 faculty and staff have volunteered their time as Aspirational Design Fellows, joining us for community building, design training, and workshops that laid important groundwork for the months ahead. During our summer community lunches, several of you also took the time to share your perspectives in one-on-one interviews with our team. Thanks to you, Aspirational Design is already off to a great start.

Thank you in advance for your engagement with the Aspirational Design process as we begin the fall semester. As a reminder, you can now reach the entire Core Team by emailing aspirationaldesign@hamilton.edu. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or thoughts – we’re always happy to hear from you.

Thank you,

Joe Shelley
Vice President for Innovation and Information Services

Aspirational Design Core Team:
Joe Shelley
Marisa Benincasa
Kimberly Butler
Mike Klapmeyer
Lisa McFall
Miriam Merrill
Ngoni Munemo