Thump… thump… thump. Hamilton's College Marshall John H. O'Neill struck the stage of Wellin Hall three times with his ceremonial staff to begin Hamilton's 196th convocation. Thus began a new year for all the students and faculty on the Hill and the first for the newly matriculated Class of 2011. O'Neill's call to order was followed by a brief invocation by College Chaplain Jeffrey McArn who appealed to the "Great Teacher" to give students the strength and enthusiasm to embrace the contentions that make the college experience so valuable.
After the singing of "America the Beautiful" with organ accompaniment provided by Professor of Music Samuel F. Pellman, students and faculty listened to messages from Dean of Students Nancy R. Thompson, Dean of Faculty Joseph R. Urgo and President Joan Hinde Stewart. Thompson said she worked hard each year to find "some profound bit of advice" for the students. This year, she reflected on statements in the popular radio show, "This I Believe," in which people – some famous, some not – sum up their stance on the world in a short essay beginning, "I believe…" read aloud on the radio. After providing snippets from the essays of Albert Einstein, Michael Oatman, Mary Chapin Carpenter, a 14-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome, a mother and others, she told the students that a major goal of their Hamilton experience should be to "write and re-write your own essay."
Urgo began by reading Wallace Stevens' poem "Two Things of Opposite Nature Seem to Depend" and shared his perspective on college as being "a place that will shape you by its oppositions." He told students to embrace these contradictions and said that any student who did not receive contradictory opinions from their professors should, "come to see me and file a complaint." He then recounted the sightings of a group of deer that survived by keeping on schedule and a very determined robin as illustrations of two useful principals for college success: "be on time," and "against all odds, do your best." After reciting Lucille Clifton's "Blessing the Ships," Urgo concluded by saying, "Let's get behind the mule in the morning and plow."
President Stewart followed with a message of welcome and related stories of Hamilton's founder, Samuel Kirkland, and the college's namesake, Alexander Hamilton, to the opportunities provided by today's Hamilton College. She told students that although a liberal arts education does not necessarily predict success, it "might just make the difference for you." She encouraged students to read, write, speak and argue well and respectfully. She also spoke of the ongoing Excelsior Campaign, noting that the $175 million total that will be raised will be focused on support of students through scholarships, new buildings and other improvements. Finally, Stewart noted that just as yesterday's leaders built today's Hamilton, today's Hamilton community will build the college of tomorrow. "Welcome, then," said President Stewart, "to the Hamilton of tomorrow."
Next, approximately 23 prize scholarships were awarded to students who had excelled in leadership, character, academic achievement and in various subject areas. Achievement prizes and writing prizes were awarded to more than 30 Hamilton students for various scholastic achievements. After the awarding of the prizes, the assembly sang "Carissima," and the ceremony was concluded. The 196th convocation was a vibrant reminder of the value of the academic accomplishment, the college's history and direction and the value of a strong liberal arts college education.
by Elijah Lachance
