President Wippman’s Writings & Remarks

I am writing to share the sad news that Alex Egresits, a member of our community for nearly 27 years, has died following a long and determined battle against cancer.

A two-century-old college has many traditions, including the long-standing practice of welcoming new students with music, signs, and tasteful costumes as they drive up College Hill Road.

We recently received the tragic news that John Fecunda ’24 died earlier this month.

This morning the United States Supreme Court ruled that the race-conscious admission programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina are unconstitutional, reversing over 40 years of precedent and forcing many colleges and universities across the country to revamp their admission processes. Our Admission Office has long been preparing for this outcome, and we are working with outside counsel and our New York Six partner institutions to study the decision and determine the best course of action. We will do everything we can within the law to ensure that Hamilton College remains a diverse and inclusive living and learning community.

The Board of Trustees gathered on campus over the weekend for the annual June board meeting and joined approximately 1,200 alumni to celebrate Reunions.

Since arriving at Hamilton in 2016, I have witnessed time and again the unique bond students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and close friends build with this College.

I am delighted to announce that the goal for the Because Hamilton campaign has been reached. 

Several of you have written to ask that the College cancel classes Monday and Tuesday. We understand the concerns you have raised and the stress and anxiety created by last night's threat of an active shooter and police presence on campus.

I write to you today knowing how stressful the last 24 hours have been for our community after a threat of violence was posted on social media yesterday. 

The Board of Trustees met on campus for its annual spring meeting, March 2-4.