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Stephen Fuchs '68, rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, Conn., will present an Alumni College during Reunions '08 about his campaign against violence in media. Tragic events like the shootings at Columbine, Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, are, Rabbi Fuchs believes, the direct result of the growing and ever more graphic depictions of violence that children grow up with in television programs, movies, and video games.

Thanks to the generous support of its young alumni, Hamilton College is pleased to name Stephanie Ryder '09, of Brooklyn, NY, as its eighth GOLD Scholar. Steph came to Hamilton in 2005 from a large New York City public high school, ready to devote her time to academics and varsity women's ice hockey. Her athletic ambitions changed direction, however, and she now captains the New York State Division III women's rugby team, represents her class on the Judicial Board, works as an intern in the Athletic Department, and acts as a student representative to alumni and parents on behalf of the Annual Fund. Each of these activities formed the basis for her unique Hamilton experience and prepared her for success off the Hill.

Charter trustee Jack Withiam '71 posed his Leap Year Challenge with every confidence that Hamilton's 29 youngest classes would rise to the occasion -- and did you ever! Together you surpassed our ambitious goal of 841 commitments over 29 days, finishing at the end of the day on February 29 with an astounding 1,066 gifts and pledges. Your remarkable, collective accomplishment demonstrates the power Hamilton alumni have when they work toward a common goal. It's who we are!

The NCAA announced that Azure Davey '00 (Lowville, NY), NCAA associate director of membership services, will join the Division III governance team. In addition to her new role, she will also manage the Division III provisional and reclassifying membership program, active member education program, and conference contact program.

The Cambridge Friends School in Massachusetts announced that Peter Sommer '76 would be their new head of school starting July 2008. This decision came after an extensive national search; the Board of Trustees ultimately chose Sommer based on his "extensive knowledge and experience in the education of primary and middle school-aged children." Sommer graduated from Hamilton with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Religion. He was an active member of Hillel and the Hamilton College Choir. He went on to receive his Master of Arts degree from Princeton University in 1978.

The Red Room Gallery located on the second floor of the Stanley Theatre in Utica, N.Y., is presenting the work of Jake Muirhead '86.  The show opened on January 7 and runs until February 7. Muirhead earned his bachelor's degree in art at Hamilton. He lives with his wife Ginna and their seven-year-old son in Takoma Park, Md.

Thanks to the generous support of its young alumni, Hamilton College is pleased to name Caitlin McGilley '08, of Northfield, NJ, as its seventh GOLD Scholar. Caitlin's Hamilton experience began in 2004, but it wasn't until the fall of 2007 that she realized one of her greatest triumphs: helping the Hamilton Women's Soccer team beat previously undefeated Williams in NCAA Division III sectional semifinals.  With the cards stacked against the Continentals, McGilley, Hamilton's fearless goalie, made eight saves ensuring a 2-1 victory on Williams' home pitch that left the Ephs wondering what happened.  A crowning achievement on a great Hamilton career, the victory is emblematic of Caitlin's poise, competitive spirit and character.

According to the Boston Business Journal, Oasis Technology Partners Inc. founders: Jeff McMahon, Nick Laidlaw, and Robert Naughton, all 1997 graduates, have managed to build their second internet business after venture number one, PlanetLink.com, sold in 2000.

Almost 50 alumni, family and friends gathered for the "Three Kings Day" celebration at Salsa Catering in New York City. Daniel Garcia '84, the owner of Salsa Catering, not only hosted but also provided all the food, helping to make it, according to Larry Arias '84, who organized the event, an "evening to remember!"

Twenty-five years of art by Richard Lennox '61 will be shown in "A Retrospective Exhibition" at the Gratz Gallery in New Hope, Pa. The show opened Jan. 6 and will run through February 17. Lennox earned a bachelor's degree in French literature at Hamilton. He lives with his wife Stana in Erwinna.