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Paul Alan Hagstrom, associate professor of economics and director of the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center, has been named to the board of directors of the Utica Mutual Insurance Company, principal member of the Utica National Insurance Group. Hagstrom assumes a post left vacant by Jacob Worner, who retired from the board in February.

As part of Alumni Weekend, President Joan Hinde Stewart delivered the "State of the College Address" to a capacity crowd in the Chapel. She discussed curricular changes, public speaking, the incoming class of 2008, study abroad and the college endowment. She praised alumni for their dedication to the college, noting that Hamilton ranks sixth nationally in terms of college involvement. "Hamilton alumni are the most engaged, passionate and committed alumni group I've ever seen. When you leave the Hill, you don't leave the Hill," she said.

The Smiegal family residing in the "A Better Chance" house on the Hamilton College campus has been named "Family of the Year" by the Family Nurturing Center of Central New York Inc. A Better Chance is a locally funded program that brings minority, inner-city high school students from New York City to Clinton High School for four academic years. The four young boys that live with the Smiegal's nominated the family when they heard of the contest.

As one of the Reunion Weekend events, John Adams, visiting professor of rhetoric and communication, gave the lecture "Rhetorical Designs: Stop the Rhetoric and Get to the Reality" in the Kirner-Johnson Red Pit. Adams displayed his expertise on the subject, explaining how the different assumptions people have about rhetoric shapes understanding about the subject matter and about language itself.

As part of Alumni Weekend, two faculty members and three students participated in the panel "Today’s Hamilton." Sandy Webb ’05, Professor of Anthropology Douglas Raybeck, Haley Reimbold ’06, Assistant Professor of Computer Science Mark Bailey and Ann Hapanowicz '05 fielded alumni questions about social life, diversity, political discussions in classes, student views of the current situation in Iraq and student/faculty interaction.

Two Hamilton alumni and one professor participated in a panel, "Nation Building—Winning the Peace," on June 4 as part of Reunion Weekend. John Hewko '79 talked about the transition from communism to capitalism in the former USSR. Visiting Assistant Professor Carlos Yordan spoke about reforming U.S. foreign policy in Iraq. Maria Zammit '74 discussed Iraq and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

The James S. Sherman Associate Professor of Government Philip Klinkner was quoted in a recent Newhouse News Service article discussing Pearl Harbor hero Dorie Miller. Miller, an African-American mess attendant, served with distinction during the Japanese invasion by saving several soldiers and manning a machine gun until ordered to abandon ship. Miller never received the Medal of Honor. The article quoted Klinkner as saying Miller's experience typified that of soldiers of color during WWII. "Despite not being able to share in all the blessings of being American, they helped defend their country," he said.

A group of alumni were treated to the first Reunion tour of the College Arboretum. This tour, led by arborist Terry Hawkridge, Assistant Director of the Physical Plant, took alumni on a walk of the campus to see some of the older and more interesting trees.

Hamilton College welcomed back over 1,100 alumni sons and daughters and their guests when it hosted the annual Reunion Weekend June 3-6. Celebrants enjoyed President Stewart's State of the College Address, 20 Alumni Colleges, performances by the Alumni All-Star Jazz Band and national recording artist Jen Shankman '94, tours of the new science facilities, Root Glen and the Arboretum and much more. 

William R. Kenan Professor of Government Cheng Li was quoted in a recent BBC World News story concerning the poor health of former China Prime Minister Zhao Ziyang. Zhao was heralded for reforming the Chinese economy and recognized for his attempts at political reform, but he was placed under house arrest 15 years ago for his sympathetic attitude toward students before the Tiananmen Square massacre. Li explains that Zhao was flawed in his inability to control the Tiananmen protests and was actually a target of the students despite his progressive political stance. "He will always remain a tragic figure in Chinese history," said Li.