Here it is! Our final issue of the semester. Although the past 12 issues feel like they have come and gone quickly, a moment of reflection prompts memories of the many topics and issues we covered in all five sections.
At the beginning of the semester (all the way back on Aug. 30), we wrote about a Hamiltonian identity and wondered what parts of our community best define it. Rather seeking a final or holistic answer, we opted to simply listen, learn, and publish. Here are a few highlights from the past months:
In September, Doc Woods shared his tribute to Aretha Franklin and Professor Sam Pellman’s legacy lived on through his Tower of Voices 9/11 memorial. Opinion editor Gavin Meade ’20 wrote on a culture of sexual misconduct in downtown nightlife and Ghada Emish ’19 started what would become a semester-long series of articles on Egyptian cinema. The merits of sororities — and Greek life as a whole — were debated and Dean Martinez announced the creation of a Blue Ribbon Committee and Alcohol Strategy Working Group to address many of the concerns surrounding Greek life and drinking on campus. Waka Flocka performed in a packed Annex. Clinton, aka Hockeyville USA, hosted the Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets for an NHL preseason game. The weather was warm, then it wasn’t.
October brought Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph ’80, who spoke on the importance of taking risks. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified before Congress as it — and the nation — debated the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. The football team shocked Wesleyan by blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown to cap off a thrilling victory. After Fall Break, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron came to campus as 2018’s Sacerdote Great Names speaker. All the while, HamVotes was visible and active as it registered voters and sought to increase civic engagement in the student body.
The midterms occupied much of the national spotlight at the beginning of November. Here in New York’s 22nd Congressional District, Anthony Brindisi defeated incumbent representative Claudia Tenney, one of many Democratic victories around the country in what some have termed the “Blue Wave.” Mike Dubke ’92 P’19 and Mark Elias ’90 discussed politics as part of Hamilton’s Common Ground program, while the new Joel and Elizabeth Johnson Center for Health and Wellness was dedicated that same weekend. Before Thanksgiving, the Theater Department’s main stage show, King Stag, captivated audiences with its otherworldly setting and story. The fall sports teams ended their seasons and the winter teams took their place over Thanksgiving Break.
We returned from break daunted but resilient still despite the impending finals week. In our last two issues, we featured Religious Studies students swapping homework for community internships, new food options in Clinton, and the kickoff of the “Because Hamilton” capital campaign, which has set a $400 million fundraising goal.
It’s been a full and enriching semester. Looking back, we think it’s been one to be proud of too. From our vantage, the Hamiltonian identity is a mashup of interests, new experiences, and history, constantly evolving and taking on new forms. Our community continues to grow and all signs point towards another great semester ahead. We look forward to being with you along the way. Good luck with finals and have a great break. See you next semester.
Best,
The Spectator
