President Wippman’s Writings & Remarks

Now that the semester has ended, I thought I would review with you a few of the Hamilton highlights of the past year and discuss how we are responding to some difficult challenges.

The norovirus, coming so close to the end of the semester, has added a substantial new burden on students preparing for papers, exams, and presentations. As a result, some students have urged that Hamilton cancel classes. We have given that option serious thought, but after consulting with experts and considering best practices have decided to continue normal operations.

I write to inform you of the sad news that life trustee Hans H. Schambach '43 has died. He was 97.

Many in our community were present last Monday evening or read the minutes from the Student Assembly meeting when Dean of Students Terry Martinez reiterated the College’s commitment to increase student wellness and provide specific support for students experiencing anxiety and depression. Dean Martinez also outlined some of the ways we continue to improve upon those services and programs as new ideas and practices become available.

The Hamilton Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting on campus last weekend. In addition to attending regular committee meetings, a number of trustees visited classes to observe and lend their perspectives to the topics being discussed. Thank you to the faculty members who welcomed trustees to their classes, and those who joined members of the board for dinner Friday evening. I am also grateful to the faculty and students who made presentations on their joint research at a trustee lunch on Friday, and to the members of HALT who attended the reception with trustees Friday afternoon in the Wellin Museum. Trustees told me throughout the weekend how much they appreciated their interaction with students and professors.

The Board of Trustees met Friday in New York City in conjunction with the 20th Annual 1812 Leadership Circle Weekend. In addition to the trustees, more than 350 alumni, parents, and friends of the College participated in the weekend's events. I am especially grateful to Kira Jumet who led a seminar, Tracy Adler who hosted a reception and artist book signing, and our colleagues in Advancement for organizing a successful weekend for our guests.

I write to address issues of serious concern to every member of the Hamilton community. Recently, Professor Paul Gottfried appeared as a guest speaker in two classes, one dealing with modern conservative politics and the other with European history. A number of students protested outside the classes in which he spoke.

"Suppressing speech, even offensive speech, runs counter to the aims of a liberal education,” notes President Wippman in this piece that champions the free exchange of ideas.

I write with the sad news that Edward C. Taylor ’46, a pioneering chemist, cancer researcher, and Hamilton benefactor, died on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The Taylor Science Center is named for Ted and his wife of nearly 70 years, Ginnie, who died in 2014. The couple also established significant endowments that have provided scholarship aid and research support for scores of Hamilton students during the past 10 years.

Thank you for welcoming board members, alumni, and parents to campus during Fallcoming and Family Weekend. Preparing for more than 100 events and more than 1,500 guests requires an extraordinary effort from everyone. I am grateful for all of your help making the weekend an enjoyable experience for all who attended.