Colgate Expands Mission and Reach of Institutes for Advanced Study Contributing Writer Thu, 09/04/2025 - 12:19 Colgate University is broadening the scope of its four major institutes for advanced study to enhance student intellectual engagement with the pressing issues of the day, to expand the engagement of the University to the wider public, and to strengthen connections with alumni and other scholars. “Colgate is a place of serious engagement with the world and the issues before us,” says President Brian W. Casey. “With greater resources and broader mandates, the University’s institutes for advanced study will ensure that faculty, students, and staff can bring their creativity and critical thinking to bear on some of society’s hardest problems.” The expansion aligns with the University’s Third-Century Plan, a long-term roadmap aimed at making Colgate the nation’s finest undergraduate institution. “Shifting from being support sources for faculty research, our institutes have come to join faculty and students in focused, sustained intellectual projects,” says Lesleigh Cushing, provost and dean of the faculty. “We are announcing our intention to broaden the scope of all the institutes.” The Kraynak Institute for the Study of Freedom and Western Traditions In recognition of its 20th anniversary, the former Center for Freedom and Western Civilization has been renamed the Kraynak Institute for the Study of Freedom and Western Traditions, honoring Founding Director Robert Kraynak, professor of political science. Now under the co-directorship of Associate Professor of Art Carolyn Guile and George Carleton Jr. Professor of Philosophy David Dudrick, the Kraynak Institute’s mission is to cultivate intellectual diversity within a liberal arts education. The Kraynak Institute will uphold the ideal of a classical liberal arts education through a rigorous engagement with political theory, intellectual history, and Western traditions. It will also support the study of free speech, free enterprise, and constitutional democracy, and continue its public lectures and summer scholars programs. Additionally, three new forums will be launched for faculty, staff, and students to foster discussion on the themes of “the Past and Future of Democracy,” “Freedom in Public and Private Life,” and “Education for a Good Life and Character Formation for a Good Society.” The annual Constitution Day Debate, now a signature event of the Kraynak Institute, will be held on Sept. 18, featuring a debate between legal scholars Jonathan Turley of George Washington University Law and Michael Klarman of Harvard Law School on whether the nation is in a constitutional crisis. The Lampert Institute for Civic and Global Affairs Thanks to a generous gift from Ed ’62 and Robin Lampert P’10, the Lampert Institute for Civic and Global Affairs will now have a named directorship. W. Bradford Wiley Chair in International Economics Chad Sparber now holds the title of Storing-Hou Director of the Lampert Institute, honoring two faculty members who influenced Lampert when he was a Colgate student. The Lampert Institute will continue its work on global public policy issues through its Changing World Order Initiative and Science, Technology, and Public Policy Initiative. The new gift will also enable new student-facing programs, including a Sophomore Residential Seminar with a travel component to India and summer research fellowships for up to six students to pursue self-directed projects off campus. Picker Interdisciplinary Science Institute The Picker Interdisciplinary Science Institute promotes collaborative research that brings expertise from disparate disciplines to bear on complex scientific problems. Under the new directorship of Professor of Biology and Mathematics Ahmet Ay, the Picker Institute will broaden its scope beyond faculty-only partnerships to include new opportunities for student engagement and public-facing programming. The Upstate Institute Led by Director Julie Dudrick and its faculty director, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Cat Cardelús, the Upstate Institute will widen its purview to support community-engaged scholarship beyond the upstate New York region. The institute fosters connections between Colgate and its local community through community-based research and civic engagement. The Upstate Institute recently completed an intensive self-study as part of Colgate’s application for the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement.  This new era for Colgate’s institutes is itself the result of communitywide collaboration and cooperation. “I am appreciative of the many faculty and staff whose energy and creativity are making these new directions possible, and grateful to those alumni whose support allows us to further the mission of our institutes,” Cushing says.   Research Centers and Institutes Alumni Third Century News and Updates Alumni Faculty & Staff Student Photo by Mark DiOrio

Colgate University Accepted Into New England Commission of Higher Education tokeeffe1@colg… Wed, 09/03/2025 - 08:00 Colgate faculty and staff are ready to take advantage of new opportunities for assessment and peer review that come with the University’s recent acceptance into the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). NECHE is an accrediting agency with more than 200 member institutions, including several Ivy League schools. Colgate must be recognized by an accrediting agency to receive any state or federal funding, and it has to continually meet rigorous standards of quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. “We are excited for the latitude that we will have to reflect on goals, initiatives, and long-term plans, like the Third-Century Plan,” said Dean of Academic and Curricular Affairs Douglas Johnson. Another key benefit, Johnson said, is that NECHE allows affiliation to be based on institution type and values. Many of its members are more similar to Colgate in that they also embrace the liberal arts. Assessment teams that visit Colgate will include faculty and staff from other NECHE institutions, and they’ll better understand the University’s goals and values. “It’s also helpful that, when our faculty and staff serve on assessment teams, they’ll go to peer institutions and potentially learn new practices and methodologies from them,” Johnson added. President Brian W. Casey had tasked a campus committee with exploring the idea of switching from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to NECHE in 2022. NECHE sent a conditional acceptance letter to Colgate in the fall of 2024, and the transition was completed this summer. “We were excited to learn of Colgate’s interest in considering us as its accrediting agency,” said NECHE president Lawrence M. Schall. “We thought Colgate would be a perfect fit, and that was clearly confirmed by our initial visit and the report of the visiting team.” Colgate will undergo its next comprehensive evaluation by NECHE in the spring of 2029. News and Updates Faculty & Staff Student

The Tuck Business Bridge Program at Colgate Expands Its Size adeland@colgate.edu Tue, 09/02/2025 - 10:04 Colgate University is nearly doubling the cohort of its Tuck Business Bridge Program at Colgate, from 25 to 40 students, after a successful launch last year. Colgate and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College formed an institutional partnership in 2024, giving Colgate students access to the rigorous Tuck Business Bridge Program. Through the generosity of Giovanni ’94 and Maree Cutaia, the program will also double the number of students receiving full financial scholarships to attend, from 10 to 20. In doing so, the University will prepare students to be successful candidates for internships and jobs. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Dartmouth College and its Tuck School of Business Administration,” says Colgate President Brian W. Casey. “We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students last year and look forward to continuing to make this opportunity available to more Colgate students.” The program offers a comprehensive curriculum and a cohort model that fosters connections among students, alumni, and top-ranked Tuck faculty. Courses and modules include business communications and strategy, ethics, marketing, financial accounting, and organizational behavior. Once accepted into the program, participants return to campus for winter break to spend three weeks learning from Tuck faculty in addition to current MBA students who serve as resources for students. Classes are hosted remotely with Tuck’s professors, and student feedback from last year reinforced that gathering in person as a cohort added an important dynamic to the learning environment. Each student is assigned to a team to complete a full analysis of a company, then delivers an in-person capstone case study presentation. These presentations are evaluated by successful Colgate alumni who return to campus for this final event. “Combining the expertise of Tuck faculty with an in-person cohort experience makes this a very unique experience for Colgate students,” said Carolyn Strobel-Larsen, director of entrepreneurship and innovation. “In particular, the focus on group work through the capstone presentations not only helps students build teamwork and public speaking skills but also makes lasting connections with peers.” “The Tuck Business Bridge Program at Colgate is an excellent opportunity for students to gain solid exposure to foundational business concepts and skills. This program provides our liberal arts students a stronger, more competitive advantage when competing for internships in the business arena,” remarked Teresa Olsen, Milone Family AVP for career initiatives. The 2026 Tuck Business Bridge Program at Colgate will be held Jan. 1–16, 2026. The application period is Aug. 29–Sept. 29, 2025. To learn more, join an on-campus info session on September 16, email tuckbridge@colgate.edu, or visit colgate.edu/tuckbridge. Alumni Career Development News and Updates Alumni Student Colgate students deliver presentations during the Tuck Business Bridge Program (Photo by Mark DiOrio)

Welcome, Colgate Class of 2029 sliddell@colgate.edu Fri, 08/22/2025 - 12:07 Members of the Class of 2029 began their college journey this week, stepping onto campus for the first time as students and adding their voices to the traditions that have defined Colgate for generations. Among the leaders, artists, scientists, and storytellers are a future physician from Brooklyn, a theater enthusiast from Arizona, and an Eagle Scout from California who has already inspired her community. Coming to Colgate from Success Academy in New York City, Chelsea Jean ’29 is already a standout in both science and the arts. Her community in Brooklyn instilled in her the importance of working together and building strong bonds, both values she is eager to bring to Hamilton.Although STEM-driven, Chelsea balances her love of science with creative passions like painting, crocheting, and photography. She hopes to major in biochemistry to prepare for a career in medicine.I knew the remote location of Colgate would forge stronger bonds between students, as shown through the alumni network. So I’m excited to join a close-knit community at Colgate. Chelsea Jean ’29 Brooklyn, N.Y. Chelsea also joins Colgate as an Alumni Memorial Scholar, eager to deepen her academic foundation while pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. Clara Jean Kelly ’29 represents Clinton High School — just down the road from campus — where she excelled both athletically and musically. A figure skater and cellist, she also interned at the mayor’s office and City Hall in nearby Utica, contributing to community service projects that strengthened her leadership skills.At Colgate, Clara plans to study international relations to prepare for a future in business while continuing to pursue her passions for music and service.What excites me the most about choosing Colgate is the opportunity that I believe Colgate can provide for me in personal and academic growth. I look forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things. Clara Jean Kelly ’29 Central N.Y. She also hopes to study abroad and join new clubs.From the vibrant, multicultural community of Irvine, Calif., Parmida Sadat Mirkarimi ’29 brings with her an openness to diverse perspectives and a drive to combine science with creativity.An Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUS) Scholar, Parmida plans to double major in biochemistry and humanities. She also has entrepreneurial ambitions and a love for music.Colgate has a strong sense of community. Everyone here truly wants you to thrive, and the alumni are so incredibly kind and generous that I could immediately picture myself growing both academically and personally with that support. Parmida Sadat Mirkarimi ’29 Irvine, Calif. She sees storytelling through music, visuals, or even a playlist as a vital way to connect people, a value she looks forward to carrying into her time at Colgate.For Antonius Robello ’29, the journey to Colgate began with a gap year dedicated to pursuing his passion: theater. After being admitted in 2024, he deferred his enrollment to direct, act, dance, and even coach others in performance.I’m hoping to make friends and learn how to direct in a creative way to get people to think more. Antonius Robello ’29 Tucson, Ariz. Now an OUS scholar, Antonius plans to double major in psychology and theater.The tight-knit Latinx community and food culture of his hometown of Tucson remain central to his identity, and he looks forward to bringing that perspective to Colgate’s stage and beyond.Charlotte Sandford ’29 has always embraced challenges with determination and optimism. An Eagle Scout, she credits outdoor adventures with teaching her resilience, teamwork, and the joy of finding strength in unexpected moments.Living with cerebral palsy, Charlotte has consistently pushed past barriers, shaping her into a leader and role model in her community. At Colgate, she looks forward to exploring courses in Asian studies, history, language, and psychology while building meaningful relationships with classmates and professors.My experiences in scouts challenged me to push my physical limits and taught me how to find joy in the unexpected. Charlotte Sandford ’29 Berkeley, Calif. She was drawn to Colgate by the warmth of the students she met during her visit and by the University’s wide-ranging academic offerings, which she sees as opportunities to both grow and contribute.Hailing from the Bay Area, Natalia Martell ’29 values the diversity of her community and brings that same openness to Colgate. As one of the first young women to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout — alongside a classmate from her high school — she has a strong record of service and leadership.At Colgate, she plans to explore film and media studies, sociology, and economics, driven by her interest in how media shapes the world.I chose Colgate because I love the balance between a rigorous academic curriculum and the wide variety of extracurricular opportunities. I hope to grow both as a student and as a person, while preparing to make a meaningful impact beyond campus. Natalia Martell ’29 Orinda, Calif. View the Class of 2029 profile for additional details. News and Updates Alumni Faculty & Staff Student Members of the Class of 2029 arrive on campus (photo by Mark DiOrio)

Colgate University Opens Peter’s Glen mcwalden@colgate.edu Fri, 08/22/2025 - 10:28 Colgate University has opened Peter’s Glen, a new 2.5-acre, landscaped corridor that connects both campus landmarks and academic buildings at one of America’s great national liberal arts institutions. Members of the Colgate community can now move directly from the doors of Bernstein Hall and the Dana Arts Center in Middle Campus up to the Academic Quad, following a pathway of remarkable beauty, designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA). This project has been made possible by the glen’s namesake, Peter L. Kellner ’65, P’87, GP’16,’19, who fully funded the work to create the new campus landmark. The internationally renowned landscape architecture firm MVVA has partnered with the University on several projects in recent years, including the Burke-Pinchin quadrangle and hillside (now the site of First Sunset and Senior Sunset); the Bicentennial Tree planting in the Academic Quad and around campus; landscape design for the Robert H.N. Ho Mind, Brain, and Behavior Center; new pedestrian walkways; and the site and landscape designs for Benton Hall and Bernstein Hall. Beyond its work with Colgate, MVVA is known for Brooklyn Bridge Park, the restoration of Harvard Yard, the transformation of the Wellesley College and Princeton University campuses, and the designs for the grounds of the presidential centers of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Construction of Peter’s Glen began in March 2024 and continued into 2025 with the installation of stone walls and oak terraces by Little Hall, heated precast stairs, extensive stonework, and hardscape plazas and pathways. The project called for the planting of nearly 500 trees, more than 500 native shrubs, and thousands of smaller understory plants. In the years before the creation of Peter’s Glen, stormwater flowed from multiple pipes out of the hillside above the Dana Arts Center and Bernstein Hall and flooded the undersized storm system at the bottom of the hill. Increasing the piped drainage system and managing the flow of water will now alleviate flood events on Lally Lane and along Taylor Lake and improve the conditions of Payne Creek: The stormwater channel carries runoff from rain and snowmelt through terraced bluestone pools and cascades. At times it runs dry, but it is both functional infrastructure and a defining, ephemeral site feature. The large vehicle traffic circle by Frank Dining Hall has now been converted into a new upper plaza for improved pedestrian safety, ease of access, and a greater natural connection with the surrounding landscape. The plaza features stone pavers, boulder seat walls, new site lighting, and tree and understory plantings. A new lower plaza at the south side of Ryan Studio connects the project’s main stairway and pathways to Colgate’s new Bernstein Hall. These plazas provide new campus locations for gathering and studying. “Years of planning, design, and construction have culminated in this final month of work,” said project manager Katy Jacobs, “which sees us achieving final completion ahead of schedule and on budget.” Peter’s Glen is just the latest example of Peter Kellner’s extraordinary generosity, which has included the funding of the Peter L. Kellner Third Century Chair in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and the Peter L. and Maria T. Kellner Endowed Chair in Arts, Creativity, and Innovation. He has also supported financial aid by funding the Peter L. Kellner ’65 Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, among other campus projects. During Reunion 2025, Colgate announced the launch of the West Campus Initiative, made possible in part through a new $60 million gift from Kellner — the largest single gift in Colgate history. That support has helped bring total fundraising in The Campaign for the Third Century to more than $745 million.Alumni Third Century Campus Life News and Updates Alumni Faculty & Staff A view from the top of Peter’s Glen (Photo by Mark DiOrio)

Oscar Quintanilla ’28 Asks, ‘Why Don’t Frogs Get Fevers?’ tmfonda@colgate.edu Fri, 08/15/2025 - 11:25 Since his first semester at Colgate, Oscar Quintanilla ’28 has worked alongside Assistant Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences Anzela Niraula to research the neural and immune mechanisms of tadpoles. Sponsored by Colgate’s Science and Technology Accelerated Research Scholars (STARS) program, his project now continues into the summer, as Quintanilla and fellow researcher Ella Duchnowska ’26 investigate a shared research question: Why don’t frogs get fevers? Founded in 2022 by Professor of Biology Krista Ingram, the STARS program supports first-generation college students and students from high schools offering limited science preparation by pairing them with faculty mentors early in their time at Colgate. During the academic year, they receive 4–6 hours of weekly work-study experience that may carry into the summer. A neuroscience major on the pre-med track, Quintanilla is also active in the Minority Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS) and the neuroscience club. Accordingly, his research project “exists at the intersection of immunology and neuroscience.” Under Professor Niraula’s mentorship, he’s testing how differences in thermoregulation, or the ability to control body temperature, shape immune responses in frogs compared to humans.   “Warm-blooded species maintain a constant internal temperature using energy from food,” says Quintanilla. “But cold-blooded species, like frogs, rely on external sources like the sun. That actually affects how they handle infections.” In humans, a fever is one of the body’s foremost immune defenses — an internal temperature spike that helps eliminate bacteria. “Bacteria like our normal body temperature, but if it gets hotter inside, they can’t do their work,” says Quintanilla. Frogs, however, can’t generate heat on their own. Instead, they seek it out. “They’ll move to warmer environments to help fight off infection,” he explains: a behavior the group expects to observe in the lab. There, infected frogs naturally gravitate toward warmer water. Using a population of over 90 tadpoles, the team is also studying whether microglia, the brain’s waste-clearing immune cells, play a role in the metamorphic changes that take place as tadpoles become frogs. Through immunohistochemistry, a technique that uses antibodies to visualize proteins in tissue samples, Quintanilla has begun analyzing frog brain matter to probe that question further. “Collecting and analyzing slices is so rewarding,” he says, sharing his aspiration to pursue a future career as a neurosurgeon. “It helps me build on my surgical skills, and in the long term, it’ll be a form of experience.”   Natural Sciences and Mathematics Research News and Updates Student Psychological and Brain Sciences