Board Meeting Updates

I am writing to provide the campus with a summary of the quarterly Board of Trustees meeting that was held over Zoom on Friday, Oct. 2. The meeting was shorter than usual because of the Zoom format.

Over the weekend the Board of Trustees convened for its annual December meeting in New York City. We started the morning with a presentation by Sam Welch '86, associate vice president for constituent engagement, on the career-advising curriculum and industry-based programming that is heavily supported by successful alumni professionals. Margaret Gentry, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, and Tara McKee, professor of psychology and associate dean of students for academics, then presented an overview of the College’s developing initiative for advising and engaged learning, ALEX (Advise, Learn, and Experience). They explained how the integrated, team-based advising of ALEX will guide students on combining a broad liberal arts education with opportunities to complete research, immersive off-campus study, career-exploration, and community-engaged learning.

I write to report on the quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees and to express gratitude to all who helped make Fallcoming and Family Weekend such a success. More than 1,600 alumni, parents, and trustees were in Clinton for the weekend. I especially want to thank our colleagues in Advancement and Facilities Management who planned and executed dozens of events, and those members of the faculty who welcomed visitors into their classes and prepared our students for presentations and performances.

During what may have been the best weather weekend of the spring, Hamilton’s Board of Trustees met on campus June 7-8 for its quarterly meeting. Trustees heard progress reports on the Because Hamilton campaign, the Class of 2023, experiential learning and advising, and studies undertaken to assess and improve the College’s residential experience for students. Board members also participated in committee sessions on trustee governance, budget planning, and buildings, grounds, and equipment.

The Board of Trustees met Friday, November 30 in New York City in conjunction with the 21st Annual 1812 Leadership Circle Weekend and the Because Hamilton Campaign launch. More than 1000 alumni, parents, and friends of the College participated in the weekend's events, which included social gatherings, seminars, and the Because Hamilton Dance Party with Trustee David Solomon performing as DJ DSol. Photos and videos of the events, including our mascot Alex dancing up a storm, can be found on the Because Hamilton website. 

Hamilton hosted another successful Reunion Weekend thanks to perfect weather and many hours of preparation and service provided by many of our colleagues. More than 1,300 alumni and their families returned to College Hill to reminisce and reconnect. For everything from organizing events and greeting alumni, to serving thousands of meals, cleaning residence halls, and mowing lawns, thank you to all who made our guests feel welcome.

The Hamilton Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting on campus last weekend. In addition to attending regular committee meetings, a number of trustees visited classes to observe and lend their perspectives to the topics being discussed. Thank you to the faculty members who welcomed trustees to their classes, and those who joined members of the board for dinner Friday evening. I am also grateful to the faculty and students who made presentations on their joint research at a trustee lunch on Friday, and to the members of HALT who attended the reception with trustees Friday afternoon in the Wellin Museum. Trustees told me throughout the weekend how much they appreciated their interaction with students and professors.

The Board of Trustees met Friday in New York City in conjunction with the 20th Annual 1812 Leadership Circle Weekend. In addition to the trustees, more than 350 alumni, parents, and friends of the College participated in the weekend's events. I am especially grateful to Kira Jumet who led a seminar, Tracy Adler who hosted a reception and artist book signing, and our colleagues in Advancement for organizing a successful weekend for our guests.

Thank you for welcoming board members, alumni, and parents to campus during Fallcoming and Family Weekend. Preparing for more than 100 events and more than 1,500 guests requires an extraordinary effort from everyone. I am grateful for all of your help making the weekend an enjoyable experience for all who attended.

Thank you for welcoming board members and reunion participants to campus last weekend. Preparing for more than 1,300 visitors less than three weeks after commencement required an extraordinary effort—from cleaning residence halls to mowing lawns to serving countless meals and delivering outstanding programs. I heard many visitors say they have never attended a better reunion. Many thanks for showing Hamilton at its best.