A Brief History

The question for the leadership at Colgate is simple:  why not give alumni a say in the future of Colgate University?  What could possibly be wrong with granting alumni a vote in who sets the academic, financial, social and residential education policies at the school?

In 1846, the New York Senate and Assembly passed, by at least a two-thirds vote in both houses, a bill that established Madison University. The governor signed the bill. 

The original charter document is quite brief; it established a corporate board “for the purpose of “promoting literature and science.”  The charter enumerated the powers of the Corporation, including the right of the Trustees to appoint trustees (self-perpetuate).

According to Howard Williams, in his book Á History of Colgate University 1819-1969,” an amendment was made to the charter in 1948, saying that the election of trustees was to be done by classes.  Unfortunately, no formal action of this is recorded with the NY Board of Regents.

In 1890, the charter was amended by the NY Board of Regents, which changed the name of the corporation to Colgate University.  The Regents again amended the charter in 1986, when they authorized an increase of the Board of Trustees to 31.  In 1994, the Regents again amended the charter and increased the maximum number of trustees to 35.

The original charter states that “The Legislature may at any time alter or repeal this act.”

Changes to the Charter are recommended by the New York State Board of Regents to the State Senate and Assembly.  A request for such a change by the Colgate University alumni, Board of Trustees, or Alumni Council would virtually ensure its passage.