Hamilton's annual Convocation took place on August 28th in Wellin Hall, bringing together members of the administration, faculty and students for the opening of the college's 194th year. After being introduced by John H. O'Neill, Edmund A. LeFevre Professor of English, President Joan Hinde Stewart welcomed new and returning students alike to the new academic year.
President Stewart then ceded the podium to Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty David C. Paris, who spoke at length about the nature of the college as a "reality-based community." Dean Paris addressed the frequently discussed dichotomy between "reality" and the academic world, stating that the so-called real world is in fact estranged from reality, mentioning the distorted views often put forth in politics and talk shows. He suggested that the college has a responsibility to pursue truth and objectivity, which he distinguished carefully from "polite neutrality," and a right to venture into the political realm.
Dean Paris also stated that civility must characterize the manner in which the Hamilton community conducts itself, defining it as the ability to disagree in a way that facilitates meaningful dialogue. Alluding to the controversy last spring over inviting University of Colorado Professor Ward Churchill to speak on campus, Dean Paris maintained that it is the college's business to engage ideas to understand reality, and that freedom of thought and opinion are essential for progress.
After Dean Paris concluded his remarks, President Stewart introduced Dean of Students Nancy Thompson, who began by thanking Resident Advisors, Orientation Leaders, and Adirondack Adventure leaders for their recent efforts in welcoming the class of 2009. Dean Thompson then spoke about her hobby as a beekeeper, citing her observation of bees pollinating flowers as an example of leaving things and places better than how one finds them. She noted that the each member of the Hamilton community has a role to play and unique experience and talent to bring to the school, forming an integral part of the school's academic and social fabric.
President Stewart followed Dean Thompson's comments by naming the recipients of prize and achievement scholarships, awarded to returning students for their exemplary work in the previous year. She then addressed the topic of civility in greater detail, explaining that civility finds expression chiefly through good manners. President Stewart said that civility, respect and decency toward others allow diverse members to coexist peacefully in a society.
She noted that manners hold great importance in campus life, saying that they generate a dynamic of understanding, growth, and tolerance. Such a dynamic is crucial on a college campus, according to President Stewart, who added that civil dialogue is the form of rational exchange to which we must aspire as members of an academic community.
The ceremony was followed by an all-campus picnic at the McEwen breezeway.
--by Greg Gencarello '06
President Stewart then ceded the podium to Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty David C. Paris, who spoke at length about the nature of the college as a "reality-based community." Dean Paris addressed the frequently discussed dichotomy between "reality" and the academic world, stating that the so-called real world is in fact estranged from reality, mentioning the distorted views often put forth in politics and talk shows. He suggested that the college has a responsibility to pursue truth and objectivity, which he distinguished carefully from "polite neutrality," and a right to venture into the political realm.
Dean Paris also stated that civility must characterize the manner in which the Hamilton community conducts itself, defining it as the ability to disagree in a way that facilitates meaningful dialogue. Alluding to the controversy last spring over inviting University of Colorado Professor Ward Churchill to speak on campus, Dean Paris maintained that it is the college's business to engage ideas to understand reality, and that freedom of thought and opinion are essential for progress.
After Dean Paris concluded his remarks, President Stewart introduced Dean of Students Nancy Thompson, who began by thanking Resident Advisors, Orientation Leaders, and Adirondack Adventure leaders for their recent efforts in welcoming the class of 2009. Dean Thompson then spoke about her hobby as a beekeeper, citing her observation of bees pollinating flowers as an example of leaving things and places better than how one finds them. She noted that the each member of the Hamilton community has a role to play and unique experience and talent to bring to the school, forming an integral part of the school's academic and social fabric.
President Stewart followed Dean Thompson's comments by naming the recipients of prize and achievement scholarships, awarded to returning students for their exemplary work in the previous year. She then addressed the topic of civility in greater detail, explaining that civility finds expression chiefly through good manners. President Stewart said that civility, respect and decency toward others allow diverse members to coexist peacefully in a society.
She noted that manners hold great importance in campus life, saying that they generate a dynamic of understanding, growth, and tolerance. Such a dynamic is crucial on a college campus, according to President Stewart, who added that civil dialogue is the form of rational exchange to which we must aspire as members of an academic community.
The ceremony was followed by an all-campus picnic at the McEwen breezeway.
--by Greg Gencarello '06
