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Charter Day

On March 5, 1819, the New York State Assembly granted a charter to the Baptist Education Society of New York, formally founding the institution that became Colgate University.

That day was the fulfillment of the vision set forth in the well-known story of 13 men gathering with 13 dollars in Olmstead House. March 5, 2019, was, thus, the actual day of Colgate’s Bicentennial.

More about the 1819 charter

Colgate recognized this important date in its history with a special event on campus. Campus community members were invited to make a gift of $1 (or more) — symbolic of the $13 given by the 13 founders — to benefit three local organizations.

Gathering in Memorial Chapel

March 5, 2019

Colgate Memorial Chapel

  • 12:30–1:30 p.m.
  • 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Campus community members were invited to the Chapel to offer one dollar or more in support of the Southern Madison County Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SOMAC), the H­­­amilton Food Cupboard, or the Hamilton Fire Department. An alumnus and his wife agreed to match these campus gifts, up to $10,000.

Konosioni members assisted in the collection of donations for these important organizations that connect the campus and the Village of Hamilton while providing invaluable support to us all.

Supporting our Local Organizations

Southern Madison County Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SOMAC)

SOMAC volunteers lift a stretcher with a dummy on it

SOMAC volunteers save lives in the local community.

SOMAC volunteers lift a stretcher with a dummy on it

The Southern Madison County Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc., is a volunteer nonprofit organization that has been operating in the Hamilton community and Madison County since June 1986. SOMAC provides assistance for medical emergencies, as well as stand-by services at community and university events.

Colgate students, faculty, and staff are among the ranks of corps volunteers, and the chances are good that you know one or more people who volunteer their time and service with this critically important local organization.

Visit the SOMAC website

Hamilton Food Cupboard

Hamilton Food Cupboard Logo

The food cupboard relies heavily on community support to provide an essential service to local families.

Hamilton Food Cupboard Logo

The Hamilton Food Cupboard is an advocate for the hungry in the Hamilton and Madison school districts. The food cupboard feeds those in need while providing information on social agencies relevant to a patron’s specific needs.

Each month between 150 and 200 families from the Hamilton and Madison school districts visit the food cupboard.

Visit the Hamilton Food Cupboard website

Hamilton Fire Department

Firefighters in full gear practice life-saving techniques with a dummy

The Hamilton Fire Department provides critical life-saving services to the local community.

Firefighters in full gear practice life-saving techniques with a dummy

The Hamilton Fire Department is an all-volunteer municipal department. The department provides fire, rescue, and emergency medical services in the village and surrounding areas. The total size of the department’s primary/first response area is estimated at 27 square miles, with about 8,500 permanent residents.

The department currently has about 50 active firefighters, of whom about 30 percent are Colgate University students. Colgate staff and faculty members are also key firefighters in the department.

Visit the Hamilton Fire Department website

Recognition

National, state, and local government officials sent proclamations, congratulations, and best wishes on the occasion of Colgate’s Charter Day and Bicentennial celebration.