Writings & Remarks

Announcing the First Funded "What If" Proposals

May 20, 2025

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Dear Hamilton Community,

When I announced the “What If” Initiative earlier this year, I invited each of you to imagine new ways to shape Hamilton’s future. And you delivered; more than 300 initial ideas were submitted last fall, each reflecting the creativity, care, and commitment that make this community so extraordinary.

From that remarkable response came 51 proposals submitted for funding consideration. Today, I’m excited to share the “What If” Committee’s full report, which includes those proposals selected for funding, as well as those that will continue to inform our planning. This reflects our commitment to transparency and our belief that bold ideas, whether funded or not, deserve to be seen, acknowledged, and appreciated.

Each idea and proposal is part of a broader wave of imagination and momentum shaping Hamilton’s next chapter. Several are receiving immediate support, while some will be referred to Senior Staff for further consideration. Others will be explored more deeply through the upcoming design charrettes as part of our aspirational design work. Still others are already finding traction within academic departments or administrative divisions, where teams are beginning to explore next steps.

I’ve reviewed the committee’s recommendations and fully support the directions outlined in the report. If your proposal has been selected for funding, you can expect to hear from the committee with next steps at some point after Commencement/Memorial Day.

I’m especially grateful to the “What If” Committee — a group of dedicated faculty, staff, and students who invested months of thoughtful work into launching and guiding this process.

Congratulations to those submitters whose proposals will be brought to life here on the Hill, and to everyone for contributing your voice and your vision to this important conversation. The “What If” Initiative is just the beginning of a more creative, collaborative, and innovative approach to shaping Hamilton’s future.

Onward,

Steven