TOWN OF KIRKLAND
H A M I LTO N C O L L E G E
A NEWS L ET T ER fo r t he K I R K L A N D a n d C L I N TO N COMMU NIT IE S
In 2021, the Hamilton Town-Gown Fund reached a milestone — $1 million in gifts and grants to aid the work of local nonprofits and public service agencies that serve our community — support that will continue growing over time. DEAR NEIGHBORS, Nearly 230 years ago, Clinton founder Moses Foote joined dozens of local residents in pledging land, materials, labor, and money to establish the Hamilton-Oneida Academy. The Academy was the idea of Reverend Samuel Kirkland, for whom our town is named, and it had the support of President George Washington and Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton. Nineteen
Hamilton also makes contributions each year to support the services that help keep our community safe, attractive, and running smoothly. The Municipal Contributions Agreement (pg. 14), initiated in 2006, was recently extended for five more years. We’re also committed to “shopping local,” whenever possible, when making purchases, identifying vendors, and hiring contractors, all of
years later, in 1812, the Academy was rechartered as Hamilton College.
which contribute to the College’s economic impact (pg. 18) in the region.
The histories of the Village, the Town, and the College are closely linked, and
These direct and indirect contributions are only part of Hamilton’s
our successes are mutually dependent. Today, Hamilton has become one of the most highly regarded liberal arts colleges in the country, and Clinton has become one of America’s most charming and desirable small towns, with an outstanding school district, an active business community, and an attractive
commitment to our neighbors. Our students, faculty, and staff regularly volunteer their time and expertise working with children in the Clinton schools, serving on local boards, visiting with seniors, and assisting with the local food pantry, among other activities. We’re grateful for these
quality of life.
opportunities to give back to the community that helped launch the College.
In 2001, two local residents established the Hamilton College Town-Gown
This newsletter captures some of the ways Hamilton partners with our
Fund to foster goodwill and communication among the College, the Town, and the Village, and to perpetuate the College’s ongoing support for the local community. Last year, the fund reached a milestone — $1 million in gifts and
Clinton neighbors and works to repay the investments Moses Foote and other community leaders made in establishing what is today one of America’s oldest institutions of higher learning.
grants to aid the work of local nonprofits and public service agencies that serve our community (see pg. 7) — support that will continue growing over time.
David Wippman President
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HAMILTON COLLEGE TOWN-GOWN FUND
$1,233,679
$2,477,187
Total value of gifts received as of June 30, 2021
Total value of the endowed fund on June 30, 2021
19 Number of years making grants**
466 Individual donors who made at least one gift*
PURPOSE OF THE TOWN-GOWN FUND THE HAMILTON COLLEGE TOWN-GOWN FUND was created in 2001 by anonymous donors to foster goodwill and communication among the College and residents of the Town of Kirkland and the Village of Clinton, and to formalize and perpetuate the College’s support of the local community.
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154
Number of organizations that have received Town-Gown grants
Number of Town-Gown grants awarded
Since its founding, the endowed fund has received $1.2 million in gifts. The income earned from investing those donations is used to make grants to organizations and agencies serving the Town of Kirkland and the Village of Clinton, with a primary focus on education. A committee composed of College and community members meets regularly to invite proposals and award grants.
2001 Year established
*Includes Hamilton employees, alumni, parents, friends, trustees, local businesses, and corporations and foundations **Grant-making was suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic
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COMMITTEE MEMBERS (PAST AND PRESENT AS OF DEC. 31, 2021) Fran Alteri Alteri’s Restaurant Owner* Jack Behrens Village of Clinton Trustee Carole Bellini-Sharp Hamilton College Professor Andy Burns ’78 Hamilton Point Investment Advisors President Pat Curtin Clinton Central School District Interim Superintendent Mike Debraggio Hamilton College Administrator+* Carrie Evans P’25s Village of Clinton Former Trustee* John Fehlner Clinton Cider Mill Owner Annette Foley Town of Kirkland Supervisor Corrine Gachowski ’81 Krizia Martin Owner* Gill Goering Village of Clinton Mayor Karen Green Hamilton College Administrator Steve Grimm Clinton Central School District Superintendent* George Joseph North Star Orchards Owner and Oneida County Legislator* Jack Lane Clinton Shoe Center Owner and Village of Clinton Mayor Jeff Little ’71 Hamilton College Trustee Linda McHarris Artisans’ Corner Owner Tara McKee Hamilton College Professor* John Nester Clinton Fire Department Chief John O’Neal Hamilton College Professor Mike O’Neill Town of Kirkland Councilman Tom Owens Access Federal Credit Union President and CEO Amy Owens Goodfriend ’82 Hamilton College Trustee* Matt Reilly Clinton Central School District Superintendent Deli Rogers Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service Owner* Jeffrey Roudebush Clinton Central School District Superintendent Joan Hinde Stewart Hamilton College President Dick Tantillo Hamilton College Administrator+* Margie Thickstun Hamilton College Professor Gene Tobin Hamilton College President Jim Torrance Clinton Central School District Superintendent Nick Venero Town of Kirkland Councilman Marie Wiles Clinton Central School District Superintendent David Wippman Hamilton College President* Jack Withiam ’71 Hamilton College Trustee* * current member + ex officio Titles noted are at the time of committee membership
GRANT RECIPIENTS A BETTER CHANCE OF CLINTON AND THE MOHAWK VALLEY • Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps • CLARK MILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT • Clark Mills Historical Society • CLINTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT • Clinton Central School Foundation • CLINTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • Clinton Early Learning Center • CLINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT • Clinton Historical Society • CLINTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESCHOOL • Clinton Youth Foundation (Boynton Pool) • ST. JAMES PRESCHOOL • St. Mary’s Preschool • ST. MARY’S SCHOOL • Kirkland Art Center • KIRKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT • Kirkland Town Library • KIRKLAND TRAILS • Kirkland Ventures • THANK YOU ALBERT PRETTYMAN • The Country Pantry • TOWN OF KIRKLAND PARKS & RECREATION • Village of Clinton
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SAMPLE GRANTS A BETTER CHANCE OF CLINTON & THE MOHAWK VALLEY ■ $3,200 to purchase computer software and home appliances (2009) ■ $5,000 to purchase furnishings (2021) CENTRAL ONEIDA COUNTY VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS ■ $3,800 to implement electronic patient care reporting systems (2009) ■ $4,200 to equip four vehicles with mobile data connections (2012) CLARK MILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT ■ $2,000 for a youth defibrillator (2006) ■ $5,000 for current operations (2008) CLINTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ■ $2,900 for a Power of Produce Kids Club at the Farmers Market (2017) CLINTON YOUTH FOUNDATION ■ $6,000 to sandblast and paint the Boynton Pool (2012) ■ $5,200 to construct a pavilion at the Boynton Pool (2017) CLINTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ■ $16,000 for the school playground (2006) ■ $18,331 to make the campus wireless (2011) ■ $25,000 to create a modern language learning lab (2014)
KIRKLAND ART CENTER ■ $1,200 to refinish the hardwood dance floor (2004) ■ $6,700 to replace two air conditioners (2006) ■ $20,000 for the capital campaign (roof replacement and a new teaching kitchen) (2021) KIRKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT ■ $7,875 for a traffic speed display (2002) ■ $6,000 for an “Evening Police Academy” (2004) ■ $5,670 for 10 mobile radios (2010) KIRKLAND TOWN LIBRARY ■ $15,000 to resurface the driveway and parking lot and purchase furnishings (2011) ■ $11,500 to replace windows and convert lights to LEDs (2015) KIRKLAND TRAILS ■ $15,000 to develop biking and hiking trails using existing canal and railroad paths (2018) TOWN OF KIRKLAND PARKS & RECREATION ■ $16,000 to demolish, remove, and replace playground equipment at the town park (2018) VILLAGE OF CLINTON ■ $20,700 to trim, remove, and replace unsafe trees (2017)
CLINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT ■ $4,315 for defibrillators (2004) ■ $7,500 for testing equipment to remain airpack certified (2006) ■ $8,469 to purchase EMS equipment (2011) ■ $20,000 for upgrades to emergency communications equipment (2021) CLINTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY ■ $1,800 for a summer history camp (2008) ■ $5,000 for exterior painting (2014) ■ $4,000 to update the CHS media collection to digital formats (2017) 9
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Town-Gown grant recipients and committee members at an August 2021 reception marking $1 million in total grants from the fund
We’re fortunate we’re able to receive these grants that allow us to more fully meet our mission to educate, engage, and inspire our community. It’s an incredible resource.
Kirkland Town Library Director Anne Debraggio
Kirkland Town Library Director Anne Debraggio
Last year, the College program disbursed $8,500 to
expresses gratitude for those years she gets Town-Gown
offset increased construction costs for an outdoor deck
funds for her organization. To Debraggio, it’s also a time
and funded a permanent setup for curbside service that
for thanks whether or not it’s her time for grants.
began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In a small town, the nonprofits tap the same pool for
“The monies are released the same year you know you
support, whether in the form of volunteers, fundraising, or both,” she said. “Whoever receives grants each year keeps all of us strong because we won’t be vying for help at the same time. This allows community resources to be spread further, and that benefits everyone.” Debraggio said College funding has allowed the library
want to do a project. That’s the nice thing about these grants,” she said. Debraggio also eyes making the library more conservation friendly. Monies requested and received ($11,500) in 2015 funded new interior LED lights and energy efficient replacement windows. “We’re certified as a green business now by the Green
to maintain its 150-year-old historic building and
Business Partnership because of our commitment to
enhance the on-site experience for patrons.
sustainability,” she said.
The 11 grants received beginning in 2004 financed a
“We’re fortunate we’re able to receive these grants that
portable screen and sound system for the Bristol Room
allow us to more fully meet our mission to educate,
($1,000); purchased audiobooks and furnishings for
engage, and inspire our community. It’s an incredible
children and teens ($2,000 in 2009); and underwrote
resource,” Debraggio added.
building exterior maintenance ($13,000 in 2014), among other projects.
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MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTIONS AGREEMENT
Hamilton Contributions 2006 to 2021
700 600
Thousands
500 400 300 200
2021
2020
2019
2017
2018
2016
2015
2013
2014
2011
2012
2010
2009
2007
to the Town, Village, County, and Clinton School District. The
2008
drafted in 2006 to regularize contributions from Hamilton College
100
2006
THE MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTIONS AGREEMENT was
10-year agreement was renewed in 2016 for five years, and again earlier this year for another five years. The agreements formalized contributions already being made by the College and provide budget stability and predictability for all parties.
Annual Recipients of Hamilton Contributions 2021 to 2026 Town Highway 12%
$7,339,936 HAMILTON CONTRIBUTIONS to the Town, Village, County, and Clinton School District, 2006 to 2021
Town General 10% Town Recreation Fund 8% Village Fire Services 5%
Clinton Central School District 61%
Village Fire Equipment Reserve Fund via Oneida County 4%
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We exist in the same space with and for each other. The Municipal Agreement cements that accord.
Town Supervisor Bob Meelan
Mutual cooperation between Hamilton College and
The payments are something the College volunteers
the Town makes for a long-term positive relationship,
to do, Meelan noted. “It doesn’t legally have to do it.
Kirkland Town Supervisor Bob Meelan believes.
But it’s a question of having each other’s back,” he
With the signing of the third Municipal Contributions Agreement between the Town, Village, Oneida County, Clinton Central School District, and Hamilton College, the College provides budget stability for the local parties. Meelan said Town agencies — the fire and highway departments among them — and other agreement participants share in the yearly distribution that currently totals nearly $600,000.
said. “Hamilton needs the Town; the Town needs the College. I love having Hamilton here. I love having the kids in town. There’s nothing to be gained from being like the Hatfields and McCoys.” The supervisor said the College will continue to support the Town even beyond the agreement. “I firmly believe if I was in a pinch and went to President Wippman, he would find a way to help,” Meelan said. “He knows we respond immediately to anything on the
The first agreement was drafted in 2006 for 10 years; the
Hill that needs the attention of one of our departments.”
second was renewed in 2016 for another five; and the
That relationship bears fruit for all: “We have a
current agreement runs for another five years. The school district receives about 60 percent of the money and understandably so, Meelan said. “The agreement helps us to stabilize or minimize any tax hike
partnership. Hamilton College is in the Town of Kirkland. We exist in the same space with and for each other. The Municipal Agreement cements that accord,” Meelan concluded.
to the local residents in operating the schools,” he said.
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HAMILTON’S ECONOMIC IMPACT
HAMILTON’S ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT IN THE MOHAWK VALLEY
Employment 1,920 1,750
1,800
Estimated State and Local Tax Revenue* $2,100,ooo
1,790
$2,000
$1,870,000
$1,900,000
$1,400,000
Thousands
$1,600
EVERY OTHER YEAR SINCE 2013, the Commission on
840
930
870
870
2013
2015
2017
2019
Independent Colleges & Universities in Albany contracts with the Center for Government Research in Rochester to assess the economic impact of New York’s 100-plus independent, not-forprofit colleges.
the Mohawk Valley, and include direct spending by Hamilton for wages and benefits, instruction, and operating and maintaining the physical plant. “Hamilton College has a sizable economic impact in the Village of Clinton and the Mohawk Valley,” said Vice President for Administration and Finance Karen Leach. “In addition to the spending by our employees and visitors, the College strives to patronize local businesses and hire local contractors and laborers.”
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Estimated Total Employment (direct and spillover)
2013
2015
2017
2019
2013
2015
2017
2019
$307,030,000
$344,200,000
$322,000,000
$325,500,000
$17,620,000
$17,500,000
$18,300,000
$20,500,000
$119,420,000
$132,400,000
$122,900,000
$115,400,000
stimated Output Impact E (College, construction and spillover*)
$289,400,000
$326,800,000
$303,700,000
$305,000,000
stimated Annual Average E Construction Spending
$10,760,000
$18,500,000
$8,400,000
$5,400,000
$130,100,000
$141,000,000
$139,300,000
$148,100,000
of individual colleges on their local regions. The figures on the following page show Hamilton’s estimated economic impact in
$800
$400
Estimated Direct Employment
The data are then extrapolated to estimate the economic impact
$1,200
Grand Total Economic Impact (direct and spillover*) Estimated Student & Visitor Impact* (direct and spillover*) stimated Labor Compensation E (College, construction and spillover*)
Estimated Total Direct Spending by the College
* Economic Impact Study Prepared by the Center for Governmental Research for the Commission on Independent Colleges + Universities in New York
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The fund supports the Clinton Central School District, making it stronger.
specific Town-Gown grant. “Working with our nonprofits, I know they need
That attracts people moving into the
organization.”
community, and that spills over into Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Walters
Walters said she’d have to think hard about a wish list leading to apply for a the support more,” she said. “I don’t want to take money away from another When Hamilton does award a grant to a nonprofit on the Chamber’s
business for the vendors.
145-member roll, everyone wins, she noted.
For Jackie Walters, executive director of the Clinton
stronger,” Walters said. “That attracts people moving into the community, and
Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton College and the community work together year round. On the job since 2015, Walters said she’s applied for only one grant from the Town-Gown Fund, $2,900 in 2017 for the Power of Produce Kids Club at the Farmers Market. Previously, the Chamber received a $1,500 grant in 2006 to support the Art & Music Festival in late August, and $1,000 in 2011 for the same event.
“For example, the fund supports the Clinton Central School District, making it that spills over into business for the vendors.” Eight new businesses have been inspired to open despite the pandemic, and Walters said members have been pleased how well they’ve continued to do. According to an Economic Impact Study prepared by the Center for Governmental Research for the Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities in New York, in 2019 Hamilton’s student and visitor impact, both locally and with spillover, was interpolated from a statewide estimate to be $20.5 million, and the College’s grand total economic impact both regionally and statewide amounted to $325.5 million. Overall employment, both direct and
“Overall, we consider Hamilton a major sponsor,”
spillover, was estimated to be 1,790 jobs.
Walters said. “The College and six other sponsors each
Walters said she doesn’t lose sight of that impact. “The community and the
donate $1,500 yearly to support the Farmers Market, Art & Music Festival, Shoppers’ Stroll & Holiday
College rely and support each other,” Walters added. “We benefit mutually.”
Parade, and the Jingle Jog. The College also supports the Art Rocks chair program.” In addition, Hamilton hosts Fall Fest, which includes a business scavenger hunt for the students. “This opportunity brings students into local businesses,” she said. 21
STUDENT VOLUNTEERISM
HAMILTON PREPARES STUDENTS FOR LIVES OF MEANING, purpose, and active citizenship. The Clinton and Hamilton communities each benefit from the volunteer activity of College students putting into practice what they’ve learned in their classes while simultaneously preparing to serve their future communities.
CCS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Sidekicks, Spanish tutoring, Hamilton Reads, Philosophy Project, remote tutoring in 2020-21
KIRKLAND TOWN LIBRARY: COOP** service intern, one-time service days, book sale volunteers, Outreach Adventure
CCS MIDDLE SCHOOL: Middle School Mentors, Hamilton Reads “2.0,” Hangin’ with Hamilton, Philosophy Project, remote tutoring
KIRKLAND ART CENTER: COOP** service intern, one-time service days, Outreach Adventure, volunteers at coffeehouses and other events
CCS HIGH SCHOOL: Philosophy Project, remote tutoring in 2020-21 (will continue in the middle and high schools, as well as in-person tutoring)
A BETTER CHANCE: Tutoring throughout the school year CLINTON POOL: volunteers each spring to open and beautify the pool and locker rooms
KIRKLAND TRAILS: intern who assists with databases, donation tracking, etc. COUNTRY PANTRY: volunteers one Tuesday each month to unload trucks; frequent recipient of funds raised by HAVOC*, as well as food drive items HOSPICE AT SIEGENTHALER CENTER: Holiday Giving Drive recipient ROOT FARM: COOP** service intern, Outreach Adventure, one-time service days, HAVOC* site
LUTHERAN CARE: HAVOC* site, one-time service days PRESBYTERIAN HOME: COOP** service intern, one-time service days CLINTON ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: provide volunteers *HAVOC is the Hamilton Association for Volunteering, Outreach, and Charity **COOP is the Community Outreach and Opportunity Project
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198 College Hill Road Clinton, NY 13323
