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Hamilton’s Class of 2026 has been celebrated, and now its grads are setting off to explore what’s next. They’re launching careers, starting grad school, and pursuing internships to further explore interests they discovered on the Hill. We asked a few recent graduates to tell us about who influenced them, memorable moments, and proudest accomplishments.

Tracy Adler, director of the Wellin Museum of Art, was recently invited to lead a conversation with former Wellin exhibiting artist Alyson Shotz during a recent ArtTable exhibition walkthrough in New York City.

In its final meeting of the 2025-26 academic year, the Hamilton Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa elected 33 additional members of the Class of 2026.

Chef, chocolatier, and Hamilton alumnus Stephen Durfee ’85 urged the Class of 2026 to be present and patient enough to find what they love during the College’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 24, in the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House, where 510 bachelor of arts degrees were awarded.

This year, we celebrate 10 faculty members whose years of teaching have left a lasting mark on the Hamilton community. Retiring in June are Mark Bailey (computer science), Erol Balkan (economics), Sally Cockburn (mathematics), Ella Gant (art), Patty Kloidt (physical education), Cheryl Morgan (French), Quincy Newell (religious studies), Onno Oerlemans (literature), Margie Thickstun (literature), and Bruce Walczyk (dance).

Provost and Dean of Faculty Ngonidzashe Munemo recognized 10 faculty members with Dean’s Scholarly Achievement Awards in three categories — career achievement, early career achievement, and notable year — at the May 5 faculty meeting.

Sofia Santana ’26 came to Hamilton from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with a plan. Now a senior, she has accomplished many of her goals, but her path has taken some unexpected — and exciting — turns.

Caroline Boies ’26, a math and art double major, and Elise Kwon ’26, a biochemistry major and music minor, have both been awarded the William M. Bristol Jr. ’17 Fellowship for International Travel, providing them the opportunity to engage in independent studies abroad. The fellowship sponsors projects “based on strong personal interest and commitment” and that “exhibit a spirit of inquisitiveness and a seriousness of purpose.”

Four Hamilton seniors are finalists for the 2026-27 Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, a national fellowship for purposeful, independent exploration outside the U.S.

Professor of Art Robert Knight and Michael Shapiro ’71, director emeritus of Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, first taught From Collecting to Curating five years ago, but it has returned this year with a twist. The course is divided into three parts with one new goal: to curate an exhibition at the Munson in Utica, N.Y.