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Courtney Kollmer ’10
Courtney Kollmer ’10
High School: Berkshire School
Major: Philosophy
Minor: Art
Campus Activities: Squash, Yodapez, Urban Outwitters, Phi Beta Chi
Last Movie Seen in Theaters: He's Just Not That into You
Favorite Movie: Old School
Favorite Song:
Brown Eyed Girl
Place you've Lived on Campus: Bundy East
Last Book Read:Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friederich Nietzsche
Favorite Book: One World by Peter Singer
Hobbies/Interests:
Painting, Printmaking, Crossword Puzzles
Favorite Place on Campus: The Squash Courts
Campus Dining Location: Commons
Fondest Hamilton Memory To-Date: Returning to Hamilton after the summer after freshman year- seeing all of my friends and being back at the place I love after such a long break.
Quote: "Forget regret or life is yours to miss." — Rent
 
What were your first impressions of the College? Do you find they're still true today?
The first aspect of Hamilton that I noticed the day I visited was its friendly atmosphere. The people are what I like most about Hamilton. There's something to be said for saying hi or smiling at everyone you pass. There's something to be said for professors bending over backwards to find time to meet with you. There's something to be said for a coach who comes in on his personal time to make you a better player. There's something to be said for Hamilton, and my first impression was right on.
 
What are three defining elements of your time on the Hill?
  1. Yodapez. Being in an improv comedy troupe on campus has been an incredible experience. Just knowing that at the end of the day I'll be laughing is enough for me. My favorite Yodapez show was last spring, when the troupe planned a sketch in which fellow member Francesca Villa '10 cut off 11 inches of my hair.
  2. Bundy. Living in Bundy with all of my friends and many members of my class was beyond fun and something I wish I never had to leave.
  3. Hamilton in NYC Program. Being in New York City through the Hamilton program was amazing. Anyone who's seen those apartments in Battery Park can just imagine. It was great going with Hamilton students and a Hamilton professor because even though I was in an extremely different setting it was like I was still on the Hill. It was even more comforting to see a bunch of the young alumni. It showed me that you never really leave Hamilton; our community is strong.
 
What Hamilton Professor has inspired you?
Professor Todd Franklin of the philosophy department has inspired and continues to inspire me. When I showed up at Hamilton, I was a student; Professor Franklin has transformed me into a scholar. He has taught me to think critically and beyond the surface of what seems to be. The intellectual stimulation that I have encountered from his teaching has helped shape my mind into something that will go way beyond the classroom. For that I am very grateful. Oh, and don't forget about his wit!
 
Have you volunteered as a student? 
Through HAVOC I volunteered to coach soccer to underprivileged children in Utica. I will never forget the first practice. I handed shin guards to a little boy, and his mother turned to me, on the verge of tears, and said what a great thing the program was. She couldn't afford shin guards and pointed out the smile on her son's face just to be there. She expressed how appreciative she was and how much this program meant to her and her son. The most rewarding part was realizing how something as little as an hour a week for me could mean the world to someone else. 
 
What advice or perspective would you share with alumni?
I would like to encourage alumni to look at some of these questions, reflect on their time at Hamilton, and think about what their answers would be. Alumni should feel great that their contributions are giving similar unforgettable experiences to other individuals. I am extremely grateful for the family I have been welcomed into and grateful for their support.

GOLD Scholars is an initiative supported by the Annual Fund, which has always provided direct support for the College's most important current priorities, especially scholarship aid. Starting this year, gifts from the GOLD Group – Graduates of the Last Decade – will specifically support students on campus.  With each $15,000 increment collectively contributed, the College will select a student as a GOLD Scholar for 2008-09.

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