The Continental - Hamilton College

Rockwell, the painting illustrates the lasting legacyof Kirkland, who died in 1808. Atop two bookcasesstand several Romantic 19 th century bronze statuesby Antoine Bayre. President Stewart also shares herhome with an elderly inhabitant: a fantastically grownChristmas cactus that is over fifteen years old. It hasbeen in the house longer than President Stewart andeven has its own caretaker! Next to the cactus is anelegant piano that was built in 1928. After many yearsof both love and abuse, the college gave PresidentStewart the piano because its keys could not take anymore long hours of practicing.My favorite room in the house is the grandkitchen. Done in a dark, warm mahogany and red, the room is invigorating with itsProvincial-style hanging pots and pans rack and expansive Viking stove. Best of all,President Stewart has a plasma TV, so she can watch any of her favorite black andwhite films while she dines on whatever specialty her culinary enthusiast husbandconcocts for dinner. It is endearing to know that after a long day’s work, PresidentStewart enjoys these smaller pleasures.One thing is certain: President Stewart has many passions and luckily, theyincorporate into her multifaceted role at Hamilton. President Stewart states thather two passions are higher education and 18 th century French literature andremarkably, she is able to integrate these great loves into her life on the Hill. PresidentStewart’s class with Professor of English John O’Neill explores 18 th century Frenchand English literature. President Stewart reflects, “The student response to thecoursework is so enriching. I am able to read through the lens of student familiarity,which is one of the most gratifying aspects of my job.” 18 th century French literatureis alluring to her because it was not a part of the era’s literary canon—its acclaim isvery recent. President Stewart is devoted to furthering her scholarly career throughraising the awareness of often overlooked, immensely gifted female French writers.President Stewart recently announced that she will take a sabbatical next springto immerse herself in research of these writers, exploring the correspondencesbetween the female writers’ aging processes at a time when only 10% of the femalepopulation lived past the age of sixty.President Stewart’s love of all things French is evident in the small touches thatmake up her home. A blue and white Provincial tile proudly displays her addressnext to the back entryway. A vibrant painting evoking the Impressionist style, “TheTuileries” by John Supplee ’69, hangs over the staircase and reinforces“I truly love this house.My greatest hope isthat it is comfortableand welcoming for thecommunity which sogenerously allows meto live in it.”-President Stewartthe continental | spring 2008 73