Bristol Pool was the unlikely site for the most recent celebration of a new endowed chair. Alumnus Henry Kaufman ’67 donated the portable aquatic lift chair and tested it on Thursday, Dec. 7. The 1200-lb. apparatus allows those who are wheelchair-bound to enter the pool easily, as Kaufman demonstrated. He continued swimming for the next hour, stopping occasionally for tips offered by swim coach John Geissinger.
“This is the least expensive chair you can endow here,” Kaufman quipped. Major Gift Officer John Murphy responded, “You can start small and work up from here.”
President Wippman, who was also on hand for the lift’s debut, commented, “This is a great asset for members of the Hamilton community and for current and future Hamilton students who may have physical limitations.” Athletic Director Jon Hind, Associate Dean of Students for Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility Services Allen Harrison, and Associate Director of Physical Plant William Huggins were also on hand for the event along with members of the swim team.