50th Reunion Gift Program

The 50th Gift

There are many ways to give to your class gift purposes or another College priority of personal interest. In addition to cash, outright gifts could include those made with appreciated securities or qualified contributions from an IRA. Planned gifts are those made as part of your overall financial and/or estate planning. In many cases, these gifts provide tax advantages and even an income stream for you and/or loved ones.

All contributions and pledges received by Hamilton over the five-year period between your 45th and 50th reunions count toward the total 50th class gift announced at your 50th reunion. This includes Hamilton Fund gifts and pledges, gifts and pledges for your class gift purpose, and any other gifts designated toward a different college priority.

Class Gift Purpose

The unique personality of every Hamilton class is reflected in the special designated class gift purpose(s) created for the 50th reunion as selected by reunion and class leadership and College leaders. Recent gift purposes have included:

• The Class of 1969 Alexander Hamilton Scholarship, in honor of Alexander Hamilton and in recognition of the principals of the founding fathers
• The Class of 1970 Alexander Hamilton Scholarship, to make a lasting contribution to Hamilton’s scholarship program
• The Class of 1971 Memorial Scholarship, in memory of classmates they have lost over the years and in support of Hamilton’s scholarship program
• The Class of 1972 Alexander Hamilton Scholarship, to make a lasting contribution to Hamilton’s scholarship program
• Kirkland Charter Class Kirkland Green, an outdoor amphitheater and landscape enhancements, reflecting the spirit of Kirkland Everlasting 
• Class of 1973 - The Professor Robert L. Simon Scholarship, in honor of philosophy Professor Bob Simon, an engaging teacher, advisor, mentor, and friend, and in support of Hamilton's scholarship program
• Kirkland Class of 1973, an outdoor project near Minor, McIntosh, and Keehn residence halls, including a circular bench, new trees, and landscape enhancements.
• The Class of 1974 Scholarship, with contributions from members of both Hamilton and Kirkland Classes of 1974, to make a lasting contribution to Hamilton’s scholarship program
• Kirkland Class of 1974, the complete renovation of a courtyard space outside of List, home to the Literature and Creative Writing departments. The courtyard will be used as a gathering space for students, alumni and visitors, and will enhance "Kirkland Everlasting" on the campus.
• The Hamilton and Kirkland Class of 1975 Social Justice Experiential Learning Fund, to provide financial support to students who endeavor to recognize, understand, and advance work toward social justice through experiential learning projects.

Each class will discuss opportunities and determine its own selection process to commemorate the milestone event. Please contact Victoria Kidd ’94, Director of Milestone Reunions, with any questions at vkidd@hamilton.edu or 315-859-3338.

Ways to Give

Outright Gifts

There are many ways to give to Hamilton, and all types of gifts will be included in the 50th reunion class gift total. In addition to cash, outright gifts could include those made with appreciated securities or qualified distributions from an IRA. Gifts initiated by relatives, foundations, and corporations, including matching gifts, can also count.

Make a Gift Today

Please note: Gifts can be split between the Hamilton Fund and the class scholarship. Please indicate in the designation field. 

Outright Pledges

Outright gifts toward class gift purposes and/or the Hamilton Fund can be pledged and made over periods of up to five years with the full amount of the pledge crediting the 50th Reunion class total. 

To make a multi-year pledge between one and five years out, or to contribute to an area other than your class gift purpose, please contact Victoria Kidd ‘94 at vkidd@hamilton.edu or call 315-859-3338.

Planned Gifts

Consider becoming a member of the Joel Bristol Associate recognition society by including Hamilton in your estate plans.

Contributions to your 50th class gift total can also include planned (deferred) gifts ranging from real estate and other unique assets, revocable bequest pledges, and life-income gifts like Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts.  In many cases, these gifts provide tax advantages and even an income stream for you and/or loved ones.

Hamilton 50th Reunion Gift Committee

Class volunteers will reach out to their classmates to build the class gift through individual conversations with classmates. As everyone’s circumstances differ, often a conversation with a member of the Hamilton Gift Planning team can help an individual determine the best option to meet personal objectives.

Visit the Planned Giving website to explore 50th reunion gift possibilities or contact Julie Ross, Director of Gift Planning at jross3@hamilton.edu or by calling 315-859-4640.