“Between the two of us, we have participated regularly in AHI activities: courses, lectures, conventions. Jill greatly enjoyed a number of classes offered by AHI scholars, and Frank used his position as director of Utica College’s ethnic heritage studies center to help organize an AHI-sponsored lecture by Upstate advocate Bill Kauffman. We have met like-minded people, not in our age group only but also area students, chiefly from Hamilton College; for all of us, these have been times of spiritual renewal and recharging of our faith in this country at a time when “conservative” has become a red flag for the politically correct (so-called).
A particular highlight has been the Menges Colloquium, named for the venerable Hamilton College trustee without whose support AHI could not have been established. It has been Central New York’s premier conservative event, and we have always left it invigorated and encouraged. We feel blessed and are deeply grateful to the three faculty founders of AHI, especially to the indefatigable Bob Paquette. AHI is a sane island in an increasingly insane sea.”

-Jill Ziemann Bergmann, MLS; Dr. phil. Frank Bergmann, Walter D. Edmonds Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English and German, Utica College

“I have actually been on AHI’s website previously and meant to congratulate you as it certainly appears that the project has been a great success. I wish the opportunities it affords were available when I was on the Hill. I continue to read books by authors that you and Prof. Ambrose exposed me to, and I think about both of you often.”

-R. M., Hamilton College, Class of 2003

“The Alexander Hamilton Institute seeks to deepen our understanding of and our respect for the intellectual and moral foundations of our civilization. I have followed its work with admiration since it was founded. More recently, I have had the honor to be included in some of its events. Based on this personal experience, I have learned that what makes the AHI truly extraordinary is the way it involves students directly in its programs. It was a real pleasure, and a great source of encouragement, to see the intellectual seriousness and the joy in learning that the AHI fosters in the young. The AHI contributes directly to the depth and richness of these students’ lives, and thus indirectly to the preservation and transmission of our civilization. May its work prosper as long as our republic lasts!”

-Carson Holloway, Professor of Political Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha

“If it is true that the people make the place, then it is no wonder that AHI has touched so many lives since it opened its doors in 2007. It was at about that time — a year later, actually — that I moved to Clinton, New York to begin my freshman year at Hamilton College. I arrived on the Hill with a passion for American history, so it wasn’t long before I found Doug Ambrose and Bob Paquette, Hamilton professors who were, in this former student’s opinion, the college’s two finest historians and certainly its best teachers. Professors Ambrose and Paquette would not only introduce me to AHI, an organization they co-founded, but would become my closest mentors and biggest advocates. Now, many years later, I am proud to also call them friends. No two educators did more to make me the writer, the thinker, the professional, and the man that I am today. I owe them so much. Thank you.
Now a husband, a father, and a lawyer, I look back on my college years with at least as much nostalgia for AHI, and the people who make it great, as I do for Hamilton. But my relationship with AHI did not end when I left central New York. AHI maintains a lively Facebook group, where members can post articles, debate ideas, and connect with old friends. We are a passionate and intellectually diverse bunch. Our discussions are exciting, frustrating, and rewarding in all the same ways that democracy and citizenship are exciting, frustrating, and rewarding. A special thanks to my friend and former professor Ted Eismeier, who manages (in every sense of the word) the AHI Facebook group. He, more than anyone I know, embodies AHI’s commitment to the free marketplace of ideas and to lifelong learning. Students, alumni, and everyone else — come join us!”

-Steve Pet, Hamilton College, Class of 2012, J. D., University of Virginia School of Law

“I’ve attended 6 of the recent AHI continuing education courses taught by Dr. Frisk: Science and Government, FDR & Reagan, Culture and Politics of the 1960s, Presidential elections, Liberty: History of an Idea, and Roots of the Red/Blue Divide. I wish that I had been able to attend more of them. Every one has been extremely worthwhile and a valuable educational experience for a scientist who has had little exposure to real political science. I appreciate that the readings that Dr. Frisk chooses mix original documents with balanced analysis. He brings a breadth of perspectives to his lectures and to his answers to students’ questions.
A number of years ago, I mentioned that I thought science was an important component of Western Civilization and might make a good topic for a course. Last summer, David remembered it and commented that science was a bit outside his background, but he would like to expand his knowledge of the role of science in US history and government. He asked me if I would help out. I was happy to do so and worked with him through summer and fall to select topics and readings. He was an excellent colleague, giving and receiving suggestions and feedback dispassionately and objectively. I rate him one of the best and most flexible collaborators I’ve ever worked with. I learned a tremendous amount about the role of science in US government policy formation and politics.”

-Frank Price, Ph.D. Biology, Clinton, New York

“We applaud the fine work you are doing and are happy . . .to support your many important projects. We thank you for taking time to keep us abreast of your ongoing work and wish you every success as you forge ahead.”

-The Malcolm Fraser Foundation, 26 August 2019