Your Stories

The Colgate experience creates bonds that transcend generations. Celebrate Colgate at 200 Years by sharing your experiences via the prompts below. Then, let your love for alma mater swell.

Songwriter and composer Johnny Marks ’31 wrote iconic Christmas song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” What are some of your favorite things—songs, books movies, games, etc.—created by Colgate alumni?

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I try my best to emulate Professor Balakian's philosophy of teaching with my own students, especially my senior AP Literature students who thrive when they are challenged to think for themselves.”

Frederick W. H. Rudofsky, Class of 1989

Colgate’s diversity challenged my small world to expand. The breadth of our Core courses was the blueprint of a liberal arts education.”

James Fox, Class of 1962

The singular teaching influence was ‘inquiry’: the openness to ask questions, encouragement to engage in respectful dialogue across differences, and ample space given for ‘not knowing’ but sharing the journey of self-reflection and self-knowledge acquisition.”

Michael A. Koplinka-Loehr, Class of 1979

During this holiday season, write a note of thanks to someone who positively influenced your Colgate experience — a parent, roommate, teacher, friend.

What song brings you back to your time at Colgate? What would you add to a playlist of Colgate essentials?

James B. Colgate Hall was originally built as the university's first library, though today it houses offices for admission and the administration. What is or was your favorite study spot on campus?

Overall

115 this year

6 this month

Top 13 Participating Classes

6 Class of ’10

5 Class of ’92

5 Class of ’77

5 Class of ’85

5 Class of ’59

5 Class of ’79

5 Class of ’84

4 Class of ’70

4 Class of ’19

4 Class of ’81

3 Class of ’15

3 Class of ’11

3 Class of ’62

Charles Addams attended Colgate in the 1930s. With Halloween approaching, let us know your favorite Addams family character. Do you think anything at Colgate or in Hamilton might have inspired Addams?

Earth, Wind, and Fire is performing at the Colgate at 200 Years Kickoff Weekend celebration. What was the best concert or performance you ever attended on campus?

In 2019, Colgate will achieve carbon neutrality, a milestone in sustainability efforts. What is a goal you have for the future of Colgate?

As the semester kicks off, students are scrambling to get their books for class. In your Colgate experience, what was the most influential book you read or discovered, and how did it influence you?

Tell us about a faculty member whose instruction, guidance, or mentorship has had a significant personal or professional influence on your life. What was the impact?

Over the summer, Colgate opened its newest facility, Benton Hall, as a home for programs to aid students in preparing for their futures. What influence has your academic experience at Colgate had on your career trajectory, or career plans?

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Participation

Overall

Top 13 Participating Classes

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