Writings & Remarks

April 2024 Families Newsletter: From the Dean's Desk

April 15, 2024

Tags Note to Parents

Dear Parents and Families,

I’m beginning to believe that spring is, in fact, coming to Clinton, and those of us on the Hill cannot be grateful enough for the longer days and warmer weather! 

In this issue of our newsletter, you may notice that the notion of gratitude pops up a lot. And while it’s not the Thanksgiving season, it is customary for our campus to enter into a period of both thanks and transition as we approach the end of the academic year. As our students think about transitions – be it to another year at Hamilton or the realities of the world of work or graduate school – it is typical for them to reflect as they prepare  for what comes next. Quite often, a sense of gratitude is at the forefront of our minds.

I’ve had the privilege of joining a committee of seniors, faculty, and staff to select the senior speaker at this year’s Commencement ceremony. As we interviewed the students who were nominated to speak, I couldn’t help but notice how many mentioned that they wanted the honor because they were grateful for what the Hamilton community has meant to them. 

I am grateful to our students and their leadership and energies over this past year. Our seniors deserve a special “shout out” for all their efforts and engagements throughout their time at Hamilton; I am grateful for all they have taught us as we lived and learned together. 

I’m also grateful to Associate Professor of Chemistry Adam Van Wynsberghe, who will return to the faculty after three years of service as the associate dean of students for academics. Dean Van Wynsberghe has been a strong advocate for your students and played a significant role in helping them navigate our academic policies and curricula. I will share information about his successor in the next issue.

As we continue to shape the incoming first-year class, we are grateful for our colleagues in the enrollment division who work to provide access to Hamilton’s educational treasures to a new class of students. 

Of course, I remain deeply grateful for our partnership in the success of your students. Your support, encouragement, and feedback are helpful to our work as we seek to deliver a first-rate educational experience for those whom you entrust to our care. Please take some time to explore this sentiment of gratitude with your student as we enter this time of transition. While the journey thus far may have been challenging for some (if not all), I’m sure that upon reflection, you and your student will find that there is much about the Hamilton College experience that deserves a moment or two of gratitude.

Best regards,

Christopher D. Card
Vice President and Dean of Students