August 26, 2026
The 2026 Opening Convocation ceremony began with President Larry Stimpert welcoming students back to the Hill. Centering his remarks on the idea of genius, President Stimpert highlighted the unique potential within the College and each of her students, encouraging them to look beyond perceived deficits, embrace hard work and exploration, and make the most of their time here to unlock the genius within themselves.
“This College is an incredibly abundant place to search for genius,” Stimpert said. “In our studies, our teaching, our hard work, and our exploring, let’s always be working to light that spark, and in so doing, the light we produce will show the world that Hampden-Sydney embodies all the best that young men can be and do.”
Following President Stimpert’s remarks and the swearing-in of the new student government officers, Student Body President Michael Patrick ’27 offered a charge to his fellow students: “Your word is a debt. Pay it in full, every time. Show up for the people around you—your roommate, your teammates, your brothers—especially when it’s inconvenient and when no one’s watching. Have the hard conversation instead of the easy silence. Hold your friends accountable, and when you’re given a choice between what’s comfortable and what’s right, choose what’s right, every time, until it stops feeling like a choice at all.”
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Adam Farver, chairman of the board of Pella Corporation and one of President Stimpert’s former students at Colorado College, reflected on the mettle he had to develop to overcome many difficult, demanding, and life-threatening challenges throughout his life. Farver explained that the alloy of his mettle is made up of three essential elements: gratitude, grace, and gumption. He shared how each has shaped the person he is today, noting that gratitude gives the heart its posture, grace gives the mind its mercy, and gumption gives the hands their courage. Farver then encouraged students to embrace and honor their time at Hampden-Sydney while continuing to grow in character and spirit, concluding that “Your choices are waiting. Your character is being formed. Choose carefully. Choose daily. Choose when it is hard. Forge your mettle. Strengthen your heart. Clarify your mind. Honor the path. When the fire comes, may you discover that you are stronger than you knew, humbler than you imagined, more loved than you understood, and called to more than you ever thought possible.”
Provost and Dean of the Faculty Tim Diette and President Stimpert awarded the following students for their outstanding achievements in academics and extracurricular activities:
Easton Kyle Crockett ’28 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Colin Thomas Mason ’28 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Jackson Ryan Ray ’28 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Levi Charles James ’28 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.
George Owen Sibley ’27 received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence in Humanities.
Logan Joseph Benton ’27 received the President's Award for Academic Excellence in Social Sciences.
Jackson Madison Cofer ’27 received the President's Award for Academic Excellence in Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Jackson Madison Cofer ’27 received the President's Award for Overall Academic Excellence.
Houston Brisson Sutton, Jr. ’29 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.
A big congratulations to this year’s award recipients and best wishes for another great academic year on the Hill!