All News

ll students at Hamilton complete a senior project, a capstone experience in which they integrate, extend, critique, and apply knowledge gained during their four years on College Hill. The topics vary as much as the students who pursue them — and so do the lessons learned. See the list of senior projects for 2026.

Hamilton President Steven Tepper announced the promotion of five faculty members to the rank of professor, as approved by the College’s Board of Trustees at its June meeting. They include Kate Brown (Physics), Courtney Gibbons (Mathematics and Statistics), Max Majireck (Chemistry), Seth Schermerhorn (American Studies), and Pavitra Sundar ( Literature and Creative Writing). All will be effective July 1, 2026.

Madison Harland ’26 doesn’t see perfection as a goal. “You learn a lot from failure, from not being perfect,” she said. “If I had taken classes just to get perfect grades, my learning experience would’ve been entirely different.”

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.

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).

Between conducting research at multiple labs both at Hamilton and off campus, shooting photography for the Hamilton College digital media team, and coordinating educational opportunities for underrepresented students in Kazakhstan, Alinur Jaboldinov ’26 rarely takes a break.

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.”

Congratulations to 10 Hamilton faculty members who were approved for tenure at the March meeting of the Board of Trustees. They include Nadya Bair (art history), Charlotte Botha (music), Clark Bowman (mathematics and statistics), Anna Huff (digital arts), Amy Koenig (classics), Heather Kropp (environmental studies), Jack Martinez Arias (Hispanic studies), Arathi Menon (art history), Mahala Stewart (sociology), and Michael Welsh (chemistry).

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

Big — in fact GREAT — Names on campus. Student research with a practical use. Memorable seasons for the Continentals. Check out our most popular stories from 2025.