Building a ‘Beloved Community’ at Hamilton
In his remarks, President Steven Tepper connected King’s call for dignity and justice to the work of learning together. “For Hamilton to be a beloved community,” he said, “requires that everyone can bring their full humanity — all their beautiful complexity — into every space.”
Tepper reminded those gathered that progress is rarely linear, echoing King’s words that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” and encouraging the community to “stay in the game” and, together, “put a little extra bend in the arc.”
At the event, attendees were offered several prompts and asked to share their reflections. Below are just a few of the responses.
Dr. King once said that “life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” What is one small way you try to contribute to the well-being of others?
“Smiling at everyone and asking how you’re doing. It’s very easy to get caught up with life, so one thing I do to make it easier is to smile on my walk to class and check in with people (just listening).” – Chiamaka Kanu ’27
“I love working at Hamilton because I have the opportunity to help others every day. It is a joy to play a small role in someone’s growth.” – Melissa Marietta, executive director of the Maurice Horowitch Career Center
“I try to remember. I think to be loved is to feel seen, so I try to take a mental note of the things people love and why.”
Alizeh Qazi ’29
“Creating fun events for all students to enjoy.” – Ja’Riah Lamons ’28
“I try to put myself in the other person’s shoes. Assume good intent. Find ways to serve.” – Marisa Benincasa, vice president of communications and marketing
Dr. King spoke of building a “beloved community.” What do you think that asks of each of us as individuals?
“It asks us to be kind to one another regardless of our many differences.”– Deidre Pierson, interim director of athletics; senior women’s administrator
“I think that building a ‘beloved community’ asks that we all care about our community as well as each other. Knowing the people of our community more than surface level fuels of the development of a strong community.” – Lia Padilla ’29
“To be patient with and forgiving of each other despite conflicts.” – Addishiwot Dagnew ’29
“For me as a professor, this means being openly supportive of my students’ communities.”
“To focus on love rather than winning.” – Vige Barrie, senior director of media relations
“I think it asks us to be conscious of our actions and act not just for ourselves, but for the community as a greater whole.” – Surraia Islam ’29
“Self-reflection and openness to growth, even when it hurts.” – Katrina Schell ’03, access services librarian
“That we contribute to community-building and show up for others. One of the ways we can do this is by helping those in our community who are struggling.” – Michelle LeMasurier, professor of mathematics
What gives you hope as we continue learning how to live and learn together?
“My students’ resilience gives me hope!” – Peter Cannavò, professor of government
“What gives me hope is the fact that I know that humans make mistakes and learn from them when mistakes are made. That is why as the generations go on, we learn from the previous ones.” – Henry, 8th-grade attendee
“Seeing people of all generations working together to fight for justice within their communities.”
“What gives me hope, or rather what I hope for, is that I’ll get better at loving others.” – JJ Hall ’27
“This is a very warm community, which can be the start!” – Miriam Merrill, chief of staff and secretary to the Board of Trustees
“Appreciating the little moments each day.” – Victoria Vargulick, director of career development
The Hamilton College Community
A new semester also brought new students to Hamilton. This year, the College welcomed 50 January admits, commonly referred to as “Jans.” The newest arrivals on the Hill are wildlife conservation advocates, history buffs, and dedicated members of their communities—both at home and abroad.
33 Days to Take My Shot: How I Ended Up Writing and Rapping for Lin-Manuel Miranda
Alejandro Sosa Hernández ’26, a creative writing and Japanese double major who discovered an interest in theatre while at Hamilton, was recently called upon to write something he never expected. Read about his experience here.
