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In 1774, a small but determined religious group left Manchester, England, for America, just before the Revolution. Although grounded deeply in Christianity, their beliefs were so revolutionary and passionate that they were called Shakers by surrounding communities. That is, their fervor and unusual customs shook the earth.

Bernadette McDonald visited Hamilton on Nov. 9 to discuss her experiences with some of the most outstanding Himalayan mountain climbers of the 20th century as she chronicled their lives in biographies. Her writing has taken her all over the world, driving her to ask personal questions, delve into complex characters, and develop countless friendships. Along the way, she dealt with difficult, “grumpy” personalities, faced exhausting climbs, read hundreds of letters and diary entries, and even learned to overcome personal fears.  

Caitlin Taborda, Hamilton’s only Senior Fellow for the class of 2011, has begun her research on American food movements with regard to how different people make choices about the food they eat. Her project is titled “Local, Organic, and Sustainable Privilege: Understanding the Social Significance of Food Movements and the Socioeconomic Factors that Influence Participation.”

Hamilton’s HANSA nonprofit management program enters its third year with three Student Fellows: Holly Donaldson '11, Michael "Dayne" Harris '11, and Xiaohan Du '12. The HANSA program, launched in 2008, partners with non-profit agencies in the Mohawk Valley on specific projects and staffs the agencies with student fellows interested in pursuing non-profit leadership roles.

 Matthew Kahn ’88 spoke to the Hamilton community about his latest book, Climatopolis on Sept. 21. His book offers an unusual approach to dealing with climate change: because little is currently being done to stop climate change, the world should switch its focus on adapting to the changes that have already been created and show no sign of slowing down.

Most college students and their parents worry about the recession’s effect on graduates’ job opportunities. While recent unemployment trends and hiring statistics may appear daunting, the numbers offer only a glimpse at the uncertainty involved in the job search. However, even in fearful times it is important to remember that finding employment is not, in fact, a hopeless endeavor. Hamilton College’s Career Center remains hard at work combining powerful resources to help students land an internship, secure a job and begin a career.

On April 26, Ambassador William Luers ’51, Linowitz Professor and keynote speaker, joined Ambassador Edward Walker Jr. ’62 and Professor Alan Cafruny for a discussion on U.S.-Iranian relations. Ambassador Luers provided an alternative view on U.S. relations with Iran that centered on more constructive communication rather than the accusatory and uncompromising policy currently employed.

Hamilton welcomed Harold Ford, Jr., as part of its Voices of Color Lecture Series on April 21. Ford is a former U.S. Representative and is currently the chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council and an NBC News analyst. His talk focused on the challenges facing the United States political system and ways in which they can be overcome.

In an April 15 visit to Hamilton College, Senior Vice President and President of Merrill Lynch Global Research Candace Browning Platt P'10 gave an honest and engaging lecture on her career and the advice that she would like to pass down to those interested in finance.

Chris Hedges’ April 5 lecture encompassed a large range of topics, from the United States’ political system to the economic crisis to global warming. He spoke within the context of large corporations’ overwhelming power over nearly every aspect of culture and society. At times, Hedges’ speech was nearly apocalyptic. And yet, it seems somehow fitting that he began with a description of Michael Jackson’s funeral.