Hamilton College

In 1793 Samuel Kirkland, missionary to the Oneida Indians, presented his “Plan of Education” to President George Washington, who “expressed approbation,” and to Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who consented to be a trustee of th nder Hamilton, who consented to be a trustee of the new school, to which he also lent his name. The Hamilton-Oneida Academy was chartered soon thereafter. Nineteen years later, in 1812, the academy was rechartered as Hamilton College. Hamilton’s aspirations to offer an inclusive academic experience trace back to our founding in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, created to educate children of the Oneida Nation alongside those of the settlers relocating to the region after the American Revolution. After it was chartered as Hamilton College in 1812, our community on the Hill welcomed its first Chinese student and celebrated its first African American graduate before the century’s end. A men’s college from its beginning, Hamilton established a sister institution — Kirkland College — in 1968. The two merged a decade later, making Hamilton coeducational. Records confirm that none of these transitions was easy. There were failures and moments of contention. However, College leaders persisted, and we are better today because of those eager to facilitate and embrace change. This work is ongoing. Everyone at Hamilton has a role in creating a nurturing environment and ensuring our community is a welcoming and inclusive one where every voice matters and every person thrives. Our mission to prepare students for lives of meaning, purpose, and active citizenship is inextricably tied to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Serious intellectual inquiry and informed engagement with our ever-changing world depend on open dialogue among people with differing perspectives and values, and from different backgrounds. The work of achieving an inclusive, equitable community is of paramount importance. Hamilton is continually striving to make further progress through positive action, change, and growth. Building a community where everyone feels included, valued, and respected will take consistent effort from each one of us. We must all listen. We must elevate underrepresented voices. We must speak up against inequity, systemic racism, and bigotry. Through the Speak Up initiative, we encourage you to share your ideas with us. ...view more