Bookplates
The Patricia Pogue and Richard Watrous Couper Library Fund
April 29, 2025
Established in 1995 by Patricia P. and Richard W. Couper ’44, this fund’s original purpose was to allow the College Librarian to obtain rare and esoteric materials, the purchase of which would not be possible without the support of the fund. With the College’s agreement, in 2004 the Coupers decided to broaden the scope of this fund also include providing for enhancements to the Burke Library.
Richard “Dick” W. Couper, Class of 1944, was born in Binghamton, New York. During his years on College Hill, he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the debate team, played varsity basketball and soccer, and participated on the varsity track team. In 1942, Dick admirably left the College to serve in the U.S. Army. After being discharged as a Captain in 1946, he resumed his studies. That same year, he married Patricia “Pasty” Pogue, a Smith College graduate. Upon the occasion of his commencement from Hamilton (Phi Beta Kappa and with honors in Greek and history), he received the prestigious James Soper Merrill Prize, presented annually to that graduating senior “who, in character and influence, has best typified the highest ideals of the College.” After earning a master’s degree in history from Harvard University, Dick pursued a career in the insurance industry. He eventually became president of the New York Public Library. One of the College’s most beloved and prominent supporters, Dick was elected as a Hamilton Trustee in 1959 and served in that capacity until his death in 2006. He was also appointed acting president of the College from 1966 to 1968.
Dick’s beloved wife, Patsy, was a 1945 graduate of Smith College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art history. As a passionate life-long learner, Patsy frequently enrolled in Hamilton classes where her classmates and instructors learned as much from her as she did from them. Beyond the classroom, she was ever-present at campus events, ranging from Convocation to Commencements, music and theatrical performances to summer picnics, nearly always surrounded by a group of friends and admirers. At Reunions 2007, the College presented her with the prestigious Bell Ringer Award, bestowed in recognition of contributions made to the College and its community. In 2011, Hamilton dedicated the Patricia Pogue Couper Research Room in the Burke Library and presented her with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Beyond College Hill, she was involved with and supported many other nonprofit agencies, including the Kirkland Town Library and the Oneida County Historical Society. Patsy remained a fervent Hamiltonian until her own death in 2014.
