Index
Scholarships
The Dixon-Comstock Scholarship
The Edwin W. Dixon, Mary E. Dixon, Julia D. Comstock, Helen B. Comstock and Doane C. Comstock Scholarship was established in 1996 by Doane Comstock, a member of the Class of 1927, and his wife Helen Brancati Comstock. It is awarded to students at Hamilton College who are U.S. citizens, and who have demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability as well as a need for financial assistance.
Born in Brewster, New York, Doane Comstock ’27 was raised by his mother, Julia Dixon Comstock, and her parents, Edwin and Mary Dixon, following the death of his father when Doane was a young boy. Although dedicated to his family and to helping on the family farm, Doane demonstrated throughout his years in the Brewster public school system that he possessed both the intellectual ability and the self-discipline to excel in an academic setting. Thus, his family felt it important that he have the opportunity to attend college. The Dixons and Comstocks were of modest means, however, and sacrificed much, even mortgaging their farm, to send Doane to Hamilton.
During his time on College Hill, Doane joined the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and was business manager of the Hamiltonian. A recipient of the Winslow Prize in Greek, he became a member of Phi Beta Kappa, graduating with honors in both philosophy and political science. Following graduation, he returned to Brewster and worked for a time on the family farm. He enrolled in law school at New York University, receiving his L.L.B. degree in 1933. He practiced law in both Brewster and New York City before opening a private practice as a self-described “country lawyer,” specializing in real estate law.
Doane married the former Helen Brancati, in 1946. They served their community through various volunteer positions. Doane died in June 1994. Helen, his wife of 48 years, died two years later in August 1996.
Firmly committed throughout his lifetime to quality education for all, Doane was, in addition to his other civic involvements, president of the Brewster Board of Education for more than 25 years. His pride in his Hamilton education and his concern regarding education generally, led Doane, with his wife, Helen, through their estates, to create a scholarship fund to benefit Hamilton students.
June 2014
Please note: The named scholarships profiled on these pages are awarded as part of the College’s need-based financial aid packages. These funds help ensure the Hamilton Promise of keeping education affordable through meeting a student’s full demonstrated financial need.
Materials published here were diligently researched and written by students who strived for historical accuracy.
