Gone—But Not Forgotten
The institution of Kirkland College ceased to exist in 1978; however, for three decades her influence has been felt keenly on the Hill. From our professors and our curriculum to our very buildings—there are reminders everywhere of Kirkland’s undeniable legacy.
Some Kirkland traditions have been carried over to Hamilton’s commencement festivities. Many Kirkland graduates received a parting gift—mine in 1978 was a white-and-gold apple stick pin. Today, Professor Nancy Rabinowitz purchases and distributes green apple pins to graduating Hamilton women.
In the first post-merger graduation in 1979, former Kirkland students presented Hamilton’s President J. Martin Carovano with Granny Smith apples as a gesture of silent protest. Today, the Womyn’s Center (created by Kirkland students!) provides Hamilton women with Granny Smith apples in our memory. (http://kirklandalums.org/2011/05/13/graduation-kirkland-style/)
Take a look at this slideshow for small yet visible ways in which Kirkland was commemorated at the 2011 Hamilton College graduation. Look for the green apple pins and the real apples!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamiltoncollege/sets/72157626786323400/show/
Kirkland College 