Writings & Remarks

Board of Trustees Meeting

June 11, 2021

Tags Board Meeting Updates

Dear Members of the Hamilton Community,

On Friday, June 11, the Board of Trustees held its annual summer meeting via Zoom. We expect to return to in-person meetings this fall.

In the morning, Vice President for Advancement Lori Dennison ’87 and Vice President for Enrollment Monica Inzer presented updates on the work of their divisions. Lori shared that, as of May 31, the Because Hamilton campaign has raised $324 million toward its $400 million goal. Monica presented an early look at the Class of 2025. The College received a record 9,380 applications, resulting in a record-low 14.1 percent acceptance rate. While final data will not be available until fall, the class is extraordinarily strong in number and quality, and is expected to be the most diverse in the College’s history.

In plenary sessions, trustees heard from faculty and staff about their experiences teaching students and delivering campus services during a year packed with additional responsibilities, stresses, and pandemic protocols.

John Hadity ’83 opened the formal board meeting with a prayer, and David Solomon ’84, the board-chair elect, gave a tribute to Stephen Sadove ’73 for his eight years of service as board chair. I gave a year-in-review update, acknowledging the challenges the College faced in reopening in person last fall, commending our community for all that was done to complete the year successfully, and recognizing the toll this year took on so many of us. I also reported that the College is expected to complete the year with a balanced budget or a small surplus, despite $15 million in COVID-19 expenses.

Trustee committee chairs shared updates from the committee meetings that were held in advance. The full board also passed several resolutions, including:

• Forming a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) to purchase The Arbor Inn located on Griffin Road, which will continue to operate as a bed and breakfast
• Promoting Nathan Goodale, anthropology, to full professor
• Accepting the updates to the Faculty Handbook proposed by the Committee on Academic Affairs and approved by the faculty; and
• Approving capital renewal expenditures for Root Hall renovation design and Root Glen stormwater mitigation projects.

The Committee on Board Governance and Affairs presented a resolution to clarify the selection process for student participants on board committees and their responsibilities. Student participants will be required to attend an orientation session and to sign a statement of commitment modeled after the statement of commitment signed by board members. Trustees accepted the recommendations, which will be effective with the October 2021 board meeting.

Trustees Aron Ain ’79, Robert Delaney ’79, Amy Owens Goodfriend ’82, and Lea Haber Kuck ’87 were re-elected as charter trustees for six-year terms. Stephen Sadove ’73 was elected a life trustee and chairman emeritus. Mr. Delaney and Linda Johnson ’80 were re-elected vice chairs for two-year terms, and David Solomon ’84 was elected chair. Each of these appointments is effective July 1. We’re grateful to each of these trustees for their service and dedication to the College.

Best wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable summer.

David