[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 22, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3421-S3422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING HAMILTON COLLEGE

 Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, today I wish to honor one of 
New York's finer institutions of higher education, Hamilton College in 
Clinton, NY. On Saturday, May 26, 2012, Hamilton College will celebrate 
its 200th anniversary as a chartered institution of higher education in 
the State of New York.
  Founded in 1793, by the Reverend Samuel Kirkland, missionary to the 
Oneida Indians, the college was originally called the Hamilton-Oneida 
Academy. Samuel Kirkland presented his proposal for the academy to 
President George Washington who expressed approbation and to Secretary 
of the

[[Page S3422]]

Treasury Alexander Hamilton who consented to be a trustee of the new 
school, to which he also lent his name.
  On May 26, 1812, Hamilton College received its charter from the 
Regents of the University of the State of New York ``for the 
instruction and education of youth, in the learned languages and 
liberal arts and Sciences.'' The third college to be established in New 
York State, it is today among the oldest in the Nation. Originally an 
all-male institution, Hamilton taught a traditional classical 
curriculum focusing on Greek, Latin, philosophy, religion, history, 
mathematics, and stressing the importance of public speaking.
  In 1978, Hamilton College merged with all-female Kirkland College to 
form one coeducational institution of higher learning dedicated to 
academic freedom and the pursuit of truth. Alumni of Hamilton College 
are some of the most distinguished individuals and include public 
servants at every level. Among them are a former Vice President, 
numerous U.S. Senators and Representatives, U.S. district and appellate 
court justices, Cabinet members, ambassadors, Governors and State, 
county and local officials.
  Hamilton College also boasts alumni recipients of the Noble Prize, 
the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Pulitzer Prize; and its 
graduates are among the Nation's most prominent business leaders, 
scientists, artists, teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, entertainers, 
writers, journalists as well as my brother.
  Hamilton College is known for teaching its students to express their 
ideas with clarity and precision, to think creatively and analytically, 
and to act ethically and with conviction.
  Mr. President, today, I ask all Members of this esteemed body to join 
me in celebrating Hamilton College's 200th anniversary. Here is to 
another 200 years.

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