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Memories to Last A Lifetime at True Blue Weekend 2023

In record-breaking numbers, more than 720 people turned out for Hartwick’s True Blue celebration, allowing students, alumni, family and friends to strengthen their connection with campus life, athletics and academics.

The weekend was kicked off in grand style with a champagne toast celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Hartwick College Nursing Program. And right before the celebratory toast, President Darren Reisberg announced the launch of the new Hartwick College School of Nursing.

True Blue festivities got off to an early start Saturday with the launch of the Table Rock Trails Challenge. Sixty-one people made the hike and were impressed with the newly-marked and curated trail systems. Also, during the morning hours, a 45th-anniversary gathering was held for the Writing Center in Clark Hall.

One of the truly special moments of True Blue Weekend was the ribbon-cutting and naming ceremony for the Judith Day Apartments – nicknamed “The Judy” – thanks to the generosity of Trustee Raymond “Larry” Miller ’73 – in honor of his wife, Dr. Judith Day.

“I wanted to do something to honor her memory. She was a great person and made a tremendous impact. This means as much to me as it does the College.”

Raymond “Larry” Miller '73

Trustee

Visitors walking into “The Judy” will now see a wall-size mural based on Day’s children’s book, The Good Wizard’s Castle. James Mcilroy, owner of an art and tattoo studio on Main Street in Oneonta, said painting the mural meant so much to him. “I put everything I had into this piece, he said. “Not only for the generous gift given by Larry but to honor the legacy of Judith Day, a brilliant humanitarian and a person who truly tried to change people’s lives for the better.”

On Saturday afternoon, the focus turned to the opening of Hartwick College’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, located in the DEIB Center in Yager Hall. In his remarks, President Darren Reisberg noted that the space embodies the College’s commitment to Hartwick’s core values. “The center is not just a physical structure,” he said. “It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an environment where every member of our community feels welcomed, valued and empowered. This space is not new to this endeavor as we embark on this new chapter and I am thrilled to acknowledge and celebrate the leadership of Harry Bradshaw Matthews.”

Matthews, the retired associate dean and director of the Office of Intercultural Affairs, was honored for his impactful tenure at Hartwick with the announcement of the “It Can Be Done” award, created and supported by former Hartwick students.

“His (Matthews) impact cannot be measured merely in diplomas and accolades. What he has done through his dedication as a scholar, teacher, advisor and mentor has shifted the course of our futures, changing not only our individual trajectories but those of generations to come.”

Don Sawyer III '99

True Blue Weekend 2023 Highlights

Putting an exclamation point on an action-packed Saturday was the Athletics Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony, at which the Athletic Department inducted three new members:
Former Head Field Hockey and Women’s Lacrosse Coach Anna Meyer and two of her teams – the 1996 field hockey and 1998 women’s lacrosse teams.

Over three days, students, alumni, family and friends also enjoyed the Golden Jubilee Reunion and 50-Year Club Induction Ceremony, the Political Science Alumni Reunion and Student Showcase, the Brooks’ BBQ Tailgate Party, a “Meet the ‘NetWICK’” career networking and engagement event, the ALANA Chat & Chew, the Pine Lake Fall Festival, and a host of athletic events.

Visit the College’s Facebook Album for more photos.

Dedication of the Day Apartments at Hartwick College in memory of Dr. Judith Day by husband alumnus Larry Miller
Hartwick College faculty, alumni, students and families gather in the Writing Center during True Blue Weekend
Hartwick College alumni honor and celebrate retired Associate Dean and Director of the Office of Intercultural Affairs Harry Bradshaw Matthews
Hartwick College 50 Year Club, alumni from the class of 1973 during True Blue Weekend 2023
Hartwick students, families and alumni enjoy Brooks BBQ and meeting Brooks mascot and Swoop, Hartwick College's mascot
Hartwick College field hockey and women's lacrosse alumni with Coach Anna Meyer during True Blue Weekend
Hartwick College students boating at Pine Lake during True Blue Weekend
September 28, 2023
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