Gathering on the lawn of the newly renovated Venable Hall, the College officially marked the beginning of its 250th academic year with the Opening Convocation ceremony on Monday, August 26.
At the start of the ceremony, President Larry Stimpert spoke to the audience about the College’s impressive 250th anniversary, underscoring that this milestone is dedicated to celebrating and embodying the anniversary theme of civic virtue. He emphasized that the focus on civic virtue remains as crucial today as it was at the College's founding. By fostering intellectual growth and embracing new knowledge and perspectives, we form good men and good citizens. “We want Hampden-Sydney men to embody all the best that young men can be and do,” Stimpert said. “It is a mission that separates, elevates, and makes a distinctive Hampden-Sydney education. It is the most important project in higher education.”
Building on this theme, the Honorable Robert Hurt ’91 returned to address the crowd, drawing on his experiences serving at the local, state, and federal levels. He underscored the vital importance of civic virtue and leadership in today’s world, highlighting how knowledge and civility are essential for the formation of good men and good citizens.
“The pursuit of knowledge should center on understanding the fundamental principles set forth by our founders and the three charters of freedom, as well as their views on the basic rights of man,” Hurt said. “While civility demands that we speak thoughtfully and truthfully, always aiming to treat others as we would wish to be treated.”
“The obligations required in a free society are not easy,” Hurt continued. “However, with good citizens devoted to the principles of civic virtue, the challenges facing our nation can be met and will be met.”
Following the oaths of the new student government officers, student senate members, and student court members, Student Body President Andrew Blankenship ’25 urged his fellow students to actively engage in their classes and fully embrace the opportunities of a Hampden-Sydney education.
“The education of a Hampden-Sydney man is what sets us apart from others and opens doors that would otherwise be inaccessible,” Andrew said. “Forge your education into a spear to take the offensive, a shield to protect yourself and others, and a hammer to build something greater than yourself.”
We want Hampden-Sydney men to embody all the best that young men can be and do. It is a mission that separates, elevates, and makes a distinctive Hampden-Sydney education. It is the most important project in higher education.
President Larry Stimpert
Dean of the Faculty Tim Diette and President Stimpert awarded the following students for their outstanding achievements in academics and extracurricular activities:
Benjamin G. Currin ’26 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Ethan T. Currin ’26 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Luke M.R. Glenn ’26 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Ansen Lackner ’26 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Camden T.T. Libby ’26 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Cooper W. York ’26 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Isaac Philip Drummond ’26 received the President's Award for Scholarship and Character, which is presented to a junior who has excelled in the classroom at Hampden-Sydney and who demonstrates the quality of character that enriches the life of the campus community.
Payton Quinn Zeitler ’25 received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence in Humanities.
Yue-Bo “Ben” Jia ’25 received the President's Award for Academic Excellence in Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Richard Douglas Jones ’25 received the President's Award for Academic Excellence in Social Sciences.
William P. Morris ’25 received the President's Award for Overall Academic Excellence.
Russell Owen Kahn ’27 received the Thomas H. Shomo ’69 Omicron Delta Kappa Award for Leadership Potential, given to a member of the sophomore class who demonstrated real leadership potential during his freshman year.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, and here’s to another fantastic year on the Hill!
At the start of the ceremony, President Larry Stimpert spoke to the audience about the College’s impressive 250th anniversary, underscoring that this milestone is dedicated to celebrating and embodying the anniversary theme of civic virtue. He emphasized that the focus on civic virtue remains as crucial today as it was at the College's founding. By fostering intellectual growth and embracing new knowledge and perspectives, we form good men and good citizens. “We want Hampden-Sydney men to embody all the best that young men can be and do,” Stimpert said. “It is a mission that separates, elevates, and makes a distinctive Hampden-Sydney education. It is the most important project in higher education.”
“The obligations required in a free society are not easy,” Hurt continued. “However, with good citizens devoted to the principles of civic virtue, the challenges facing our nation can be met and will be met.”