Hartwick College Celebrates Tradition and Progress at True Blue Weekend 2025
More than 1,000 alumni, students, families, and friends gathered on Oyaron Hill Sept. 19–21 for True Blue Weekend 2025, a celebration that honored Hartwick’s legacy while spotlighting bold steps toward its future.
One of the weekend highlights came on Friday evening when President James Mullen announced that the College had already surpassed its $50 million campaign goal and would extend the target to $55 million. The Together, We Soar campaign — the most ambitious in Hartwick’s history — will support scholarships, academics, athletics and facilities.
“Even at a time of challenge for small liberal arts colleges everywhere, Hartwick is setting itself apart,” Mullen said. “It honors its past, it adapts to the needs of today’s students, and it builds the promise of the future. That’s what makes Hartwick distinctive. It’s not simply our resilience, but the way we live our mission, through initiatives and experiences that prepare students for lives with balance.”
That balance of history and momentum echoed throughout the weekend. Alumni and community members gathered for the renaming of the Belonging Center in honor of Harry Bradshaw Matthews, recognizing his leadership as founding director of Hartwick’s U.S. Pluralism Center and a nationally recognized scholar and advocate whose work has advanced the understanding of African American military history.
Other dedications highlighted the enduring impact of Hartwick supporters: the patio outside Stack Lounge at Dewar Hall was dedicated to Board Chair Kathleen Fallon ’88 and her late husband, Michael D’Onofrio; a plaque at Elmore Field honored the late Mark “Greeny” Green for his decades of service to athletics; Miller Court was named for Neal Miller ’72; and the Pine Lake Strawbale House was dedicated to the late Professor Emeritus Sandy Huntington, whose vision helped shape that campus.
The College also welcomed back distinguished alumnus Geoffrey Corn ’83, who delivered the annual Constitution Day lecture, “Commander-in-Chief or Constitutional Overreach?,” exploring presidential power and constitutional limits.
Saturday’s events included the induction of six new members and a championship team into the Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring excellence across generations of Hawks. The day also featured spirited athletic competitions, dedications and commemorations, class reunions and family socials that drew alumni and students together across Oyaron Hill.
On Sunday, the focus shifted to Pine Lake, where alumni, families and students came together for outdoor activities and gatherings that celebrated Hartwick’s connection to the environment and community.
For many, the return to campus was deeply personal. At the 50-Year Club Induction Ceremony, Stephen Pollard ’75 reflected, “I love this area. The minute I see the birch trees, I’m relaxed. My wife and I reconnect with the university and it’s something that we always enjoy. Hospitality is exceptional.”
That sense of belonging resonated across the weekend, serving as a powerful reminder of the role alumni and friends play in sustaining the College’s progress. Stacey Grady ’03, interim vice president for institutional advancement and external relations, said the campaign’s momentum underscores the community’s deep commitment. “The success of Together, We Soar reflects the commitment of our entire community,” Grady said. “Every donor is critical to keeping Hartwick strong.”
