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RFH 2010, Cover Stories, Opinion

Editorial: Upstate Institute Endowment an Investment in Hamilton and CNY

Wed, Nov 10, 2010

Donations to Colgate often go unnoticed here in the Greater Hamilton Metroplex. That's because it usually is difficult to see how the philanthropy benefits anyone but those attending or working at Colgate; what's an endowed chair anyhow?

But the creation of a $5.4 million endowment for the Upstate Institute through a number of major donations is a big deal on and off campus. The university no doubt has thanked the many people who made donations, the size of which most of us here cannot fathom. We who live here ought to add thanks of our own.

In the seven years since the Upstate Institute was created, it has brought to bear the expertise and hard work of numerous faculty members and students on the problems of Hamilton and other communities in Central New York. Often, they have provided assistance to those who need it most: people who cannot afford many of the simple things in life.

Under the steady hand of Professor Ellen Kraly, the institute has made a significant impact on the region. The institute has harnessed the brilliance of faculty members and the hard work and enthusiasm of students to help governments and non-profits and even individuals. It has supported projects that otherwise might not have gotten off the ground. It has helped kids and seniors and immigrants new to this area.

None of us may recognize Alison Conyngham and James Neisloss, Kevin and Chrissie Osborn, Michael and Mary Katherine Poulos walking down the street in Hamilton. And, it is doubtful most of us would know James and Janet Benedict, John and Anne Brennan, Stephen and Gretchen Burke, Douglas and Sandra Campbell or Denis and Linda Cronin if we sat next to them at a Raiders hockey game or in a local restaurant during homecoming.

But, these are just a few of the people who made major donations to ensure the Upstate Institute continued to help Hamilton and Central New York. They may have made their donations to Colgate, but their money really is invested in this community.

Thanks. 

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