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Chef, chocolatier, and Hamilton alumnus Stephen Durfee ’85 urged the Class of 2026 to be present and patient enough to find what they love during the College’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 24, in the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House, where 507 bachelor of arts degrees were awarded.

A maxim for Evan Reed ’26 is “Saying yes to as many things that I have an interest in and stumbling into something else.” Reed’s can-do approach has landed him summer internships with the Sapere Aude Consortium, AMG Funds, and First Citizens Bank; spurred participation in three semesters of cohort-based experiential learning; and balanced seeking out challenges with cherishing the familiar.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of a beloved Hamilton tradition. At every Commencement ceremony since 1976, a wooden cane has been presented to each graduate as a token of the College’s affection and a nod to its long history. The head of the cane forms a Continental tricorn hat in honor of Baron von Steuben, drillmaster of Washington’s Continental Army, who laid the cornerstone of the Hamilton-Oneida Academy on July 1, 1794.

Shey Sanges ’26 created her own interdisciplinary concentration, Sustainable Behaviors in Food, Waste, and Energy, at Hamilton in pursuit of her passion for sustainability and environmental studies. Sanges’ experiences on College Hill have paved the way for her to attend graduate school at Clarkson University for a master’s degree in environmental policy.

Hamilton honored employees for exceptional service and milestone anniversaries at the 42nd annual Employee Service Recognition luncheon on May 18 on the Dunham Green.

Earlier today, Hamilton President Steven Tepper contacted members of the Board of Trustees with the following message to share news of the death of Mary McLean Evans ’82. Over the course of more than four decades, Mary helped generations of alumni and friends stay connected with Hamilton and assisted thousands of students with their postgraduate plans. Mary demonstrated an immense love for and commitment to her alma mater – a legacy that will endure for years to come.

Five members of Hamilton’s Class of ’26 will be leaving College Hill for classrooms abroad through the prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship program.

This year, we celebrate 10 faculty members whose years of teaching have left a lasting mark on the Hamilton community. Retiring in June are Mark Bailey (computer science), Erol Balkan (economics), Sally Cockburn (mathematics), Ella Gant (art), Patty Kloidt (physical education), Cheryl Morgan (French), Quincy Newell (religious studies), Onno Oerlemans (literature), Margie Thickstun (literature), and Bruce Walczyk (dance).

Four Hamilton College faculty members were awarded Hamilton’s highest awards for teaching by Provost and Dean of Faculty Ngoni Munemo. Announced during the May 5 faculty meeting, those honored were selected from among 175 nominations received from 58 students.

At Hamilton’s annual Class & Charter Day convocation on May 12, 146 students received well-deserved academic prizes and scholarships, and faculty teaching award recipients were recognized. Associate Professor of Chemistry Max Majireck served as keynote speaker.