On Friday, March 5, the Board of Trustees held their annual March meeting via Zoom to discuss the triumphs and challenges currently facing the college. Among the topics was the state of the
Because Hamilton
campaign, one of the College’s most ambitious fundraising projects. In a statement released by President Wippman, he noted that “Vice President Lori Dennison ’87 reported that the
Because Hamilton
campaign is currently on target to reach its $400 million goal, even though nonprofits nationwide are reporting that the pandemic is hurting charitable giving.”
Ms. Dennison offered more of her insight with
The
Spectator
, adding, “The
Because Hamilton
campaign, scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2023, is nearly 80% of the way to the $400M goal with $314M committed to date. In particular, there has been a strong response to the financial aid initiative within the campaign, which has an ambitious target of $120M. The most Hamilton has previously raised for financial aid in a capital campaign is just over $40M, but as of the beginning of March, donors have committed more than $90M toward this target.”
Ms. Dennison further noted that the campaign’s digital initiative has received strong support, with donors endowing “new, distinguished professorships in Computer Science” as well as “new space that is being planned to support digital initiatives across the curriculum” which will “provide a home for computer science and house dedicated space for digital exploration and collaboration for students and faculty.”
A recent study conducted by USA Today reported that “Donations to nonprofit organizations […] are dropping as Americans give less due to pandemic-fueled job losses and fears of getting laid off,” and that organizations “related to the arts and education” are being hit the hardest. The success of the
Because Hamilton
campaign amidst the COVID-19 crisis reflects the unbridled loyalty of our alumni and the generous spirit of our benefactors, which has prevailed despite unfavorable circumstances.
In its mission statement,
Because Hamilton
states that it serves to “fulfill the promise represented in the students we attract to College Hill and the promises we make to those students during their search for a life-altering college education.” The campaign pledges to “smart, ambitious students interested in a rigorous liberal arts education” that Hamilton will advance goals centered around the mantras of “study what you love, be who you are (and be respected for what you believe), and find your future.”
Because Hamilton
established its many campaign priorities in order to target the College’s most critical needs. The campaign’s primary goals have been built around funding financial aid for students, advancing digital leadership, enhancing learning and living areas, bolstering career exploration, renovating humanities spaces, as well as contributing to the Hamilton Annual Fund.
Because Hamilton
is well on its way to conquering these initiatives and is still working steadily to achieve its goals. Ms. Dennison expressed, “It is a privilege to work with alumni and parents who care so deeply about accessibility for students to attend Hamilton, and who are also committed to making sure that while at Hamilton, students have opportunities to engage with new technologies as part of their Hamilton education.”
Track the latest news about the campaign by following #becausehamilton on social media. To contribute, visit
hamilton.edu/becauseHamilton/ways-to-give
. Now more than ever, in whatever way we can, it is vital that we all support the community we call home.
