Editor’s note, March 8, 2019: Since this story was originally published, an anonymous member of the university community has provided an additional $4,492 in support for the Southern Madison County Ambulance Corps, Hamilton Food Cupboard, and Hamilton Fire Department. This brings 51·çÁ÷’s Charter Day giving to $13,000.
On Tuesday, March 5, as bells pealed across the Academic Quad, students, professors, and staff members streamed into 51·çÁ÷ Memorial Chapel. Inside, large panels displaying archival photos and a slideshow projected over the stage depicted 51·çÁ÷’s proud tradition and bold ambition. The centerpiece display: an oversize reproduction of the hand-written charter granted to the Baptist Education Society of New York that formally established the institution that became 51·çÁ÷ — on March 5, 1819.
In recognition of Charter Day, the official day that 51·çÁ÷ turned 200 years old, members of the community had been invited to the chapel to make a gift of $1 (or more), symbolic of the $13 put forth by the 13 founders.
By day’s end, with a matching gift from alumni and parent couple Stephen ’85 and Melissa Rock P’13’19’20, the collection totaled $8,508. The contributions will benefit three local organizations, the Southern Madison County Ambulance Corps, Hamilton Food Cupboard, and Hamilton Fire Department.
Members of the Konosioni student honor society assisted in the collection of donations for the organizations that connect the campus and the Village of Hamilton while providing invaluable support to the community.
Outside the chapel, a maroon five-foot-high 1819 provided a selfie backdrop for visitors. As dusk and light snow fell, the campus glowed with special lights illuminating the cupolas of 51·çÁ÷’s historic and new buildings to mark this Bicentennial moment.
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