We thought we’d share some thoughts on the first year of our existence. As a start up organization we are proud of the significant, though not perfect, progress we have made.
We do so because we seek your financial support to continue our important work.
The Fellows have delivered
The Fellows have created world class, traditional scholarly programs & initiatives of which we can be proud. They have done so with rigorous scholarly discipline and the highest standards. The AHI has provided much needed intellectual diversity and an open forum of scholarly debate. And they have done so without course relief or compensation.
Student engagement & participation is strong
The students have responded enthusiastically. All who have participated in or observed our programming, including friends of the AHI, public and private scholars, and alumni, have come away impressed by the quality and creativity of the scholarship. More important is the degree of engagement by the students . We invite you to explore their comments.
Annual colloquium a great success
Our inaugural colloquium on the meaning of freedom was a spectacular success. Over 200 students, scholars, alumni, and citizens participated, including classes from Hamilton, Colgate, and Harvard (both graduate and undergraduate). Students and professors–including Harvard’s John Stauffer–commented that it was one of the most stimulating intellectual events of their lives.We note that Professor Stauffer is revising his keynote address for publication by the AHI for national distribution.
This year’s colloquium has a theme of property rights. We are arranging a collaborative endeavor with the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester and anticipate that the University of Rochester will provide our third undergraduate class (along with those from Hamilton and Colgate). All indications are that this year’s event will be another success. Certainly, current events in the global economy and capital markets in concert with ongoing regulatory and legislative reforms make property rights a core issue of national attention.
Lectures
The AHI has sponsored or co-sponsored approximately 14 lectures including appearances by The Honorable Jeffrey S. Sutton ; Christina Hoff Sommers; Professor Barry Alan Shain of Colgate University; The Honorable Judge Hugh C. Humphreys ; Professor Robert Kraynak , Director of the Center for Freedom & Western Civilization at Colgate University; Professor Kathleen Marks , Assistant Professor of English at St. John’s University; Gerald Russello ; Carla Main , author of the prize-winning book Bulldozed ; and others. We invite you to explore the quality of speakers and the nature of topics supported by the AHI.
AHI receives national recognition (the good kind)
The AHI and its affiliations have brought national attention to our efforts. We are proud to note that President George W. Bush forwarded to the United States Senate the nomination of Robert L. Paquette for a seat on the National Council of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is a first for any NESCAC school. Stephen Balch , a member of the the AHI’s Board of Directors and founder and president of the National Association of Scholars, received the prestigious National Humanities Medal. Jane Fraser, a director of the Alexander Hamilton Institute, was honored as the Non Profit Times executive of the year for her work with the Stuttering Foundation of America.
Organizational progress
Today, the AHI is an established, independent 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation. We have a board of directors of national prominence and a growing programmatic footprint. Our bylaws segregate our scholarly and business functions , thereby ensuring academic freedom for our Fellows and professional expertise for our business operations. The scholarly activities are managed by the Fellows with support from our Board of Outside Academic Advisors , while our business functions are managed by officers, typically alumni, all with significant business expertise. No director or officer of the AHI is paid: we are a volunteer organization and dedicated to the efficient delivery of scholarly product. We have reached an agreement in principle and anticipate entering into a long term lease of our headquarters at the Alexander Hamilton Inn which is newly refurbished and ready to welcome new students, parents, and supporters. Lastly, we are in process of putting our structure under the domain of the Board of Regents of New York as a cultural institution.
How you can help
If you wish to make a donation to support the Alexander Hamilton Institute, please send your contribution to:
The Alexander Hamilton Institute for the Study of Western Civilization, Inc.
at The Alexander Hamilton Inn
21 W. Park Row
Clinton, NY 13323
The AHI is a tax-exempt organization within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, contributionsare deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. The AHI does not provide tax or legal advice, and we encourage all donors to check with their professional advisors. Please contact us if you have special concerns, wish to coordinate estate planning issues, or need instructions to wire funds or deliver securities. A member of our board of directors will respond. Institutional inquiries are welcome.
The AHI is a work in process. The notions of quality, performance, and accountability were implicit in the design of the AHI from inception. We are pleased to see growing awareness, enthusiasm, and participation by students, alumni, parents, and outside scholars.
We are acutely aware of the profound impact the economy and markets have had on all of us. Nevertheless, our work continues. We ask that you take a moment to consider the progress we have made, and if you can, consider making a donation.
Robert Paquette , Charter Fellow
James Bradfield , Charter Fellow
Douglas Ambrose , Charter Fellow
J. Hunter Brown , President & Director
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