Clinton, NY -- Feb. 18, 2005 -- A New York City event originally scheduled to focus on the Excelsior Capital Campaign was recast to address alumni and parent questions surrounding the Kirkland Project's speaking invitation extended to University of Colorado Professor Ward Churchill.
Approximately 150 alumni and parents gathered at the University Club Thursday evening (Feb. 17) to hear President Joan Hinde Stewart speak.
After brief remarks and an introduction by Trustee Chairman Stuart Scott '61, President Stewart spoke for more than 20 minutes about the sequence of events leading to the controversy that has cast Hamilton in the national spotlight. She then answered nearly 20 questions from audience members, a number of whom were critical of her decision not to countermand the Kirkland Project's initial invitation to Churchill once his offensive remarks became public. Others spoke in support of the president and the College.
As part of his remarks, Scott said the 16-member Trustee Executive Committee had met the previous day and was unanimous in its support of Stewart for her handling of the Churchill matter.
A similar alumni event scheduled for February 16 in Boston was postponed. A new date has not yet been announced.
President Stewart will be the featured speaker at approximately 20 events throughout the spring, including engagements next week (Feb. 21-25) in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix.
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