On Wednesday, May 30, Robert Meelan, supervisor of the Town of Kirkland, will present President Joan Hinde Stewart with a proclamation from the town in honor of the college’s 200th anniversary of the May 1812 signing of the charter by Regents of the University of the State of New York. The presentation will be made at the town meeting.
The proclamation notes, "Many of Kirkland's native sons and daughters have attended Hamilton, including 1912 Novel Peace Prize recipient Elihu Root, and two Hamilton graduates founded the Bristol-Myers Company in Clinton;..." The full text of the proclamation can be read below.
Other events that have marked the 200th anniversary include:
o U.S. Representative Richard Hanna sponsored a statement in the Congressional Record on Tuesday, May 15.
o On Tuesday, May 22, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand read a resolution into the Congressional Record honoring the college.
o The New York State Senate passed a resolution recognizing Hamilton’s anniversary sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo and co-sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky on Wednesday, May 23.
o On Thursday, May 24, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a resolution to commemorate the 200th anniversary and to celebrate the college’s sustained commitment to its charter.
o Thursday, May 24: Hamilton representatives rang the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
o The College Arboretum hosted an event that included remarks from Professor John H. O’Neill, co-chair of the Bicentennial Committee on Saturday, May 26.
Celebrations will continue with Reunion Weekend which will be held from May 31 to June 3. A highlight will be the Bicentennial Meeting of the Alumni Association Saturday morning (A webcast for those unable to return to campus will be available.).
PROCLAMATION
TOWN OF KIRKLAND, New York
WHEREAS: May 26, 2012, marks the 200th anniversary of Hamilton College receiving its charter from the Regents of the University of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS: Local residents were instrumental in the founding of Hamilton’s predecessor, the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, and remain proud of their local College; and
WHEREAS: Since its founding, Hamilton College has become one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country; and
WHEREAS: Many of Kirkland’s native sons and daughters have attended Hamilton, including 1912 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Elihu Root, and two Hamilton graduates founded the Bristol-Myers Company in Clinton; and
WHEREAS: Hamilton College has made important contributions to the Kirkland community;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Robert J. Meelan, Supervisor of the Town of Kirkland, do hereby applaud Hamilton College for its 200 years of leadership and declare May 26, 2012 to be Hamilton College Day in the Town of Kirkland.
