On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the college celebrated the 231st anniversary of its charter in the annual Founder’s Day ceremony. Speakers reflected on the history of the college and how they have applied lessons learned at Union to their lives. Concordiensis Editor in Chief Emeritus Judith Dein ‘76 was this year’s keynote speaker.
Julie Greifer Swidler ‘76, Chair of the Board of Trustees, highlighted that Union was founded as a rare non-denominational college and designed to bring together diverse perspectives. She encouraged students to “bleach their brains,” meaning to open their minds to new ideas and perspectives rather than rejecting them.
President Kiss spoke about the history of the college’s founding, specifically describing the 16-year-long effort (from 1779 to 1795) to establish the college. She discussed how early supporters from around Schenectady gathered petitions, funding, and political support but repeatedly failed before finally receiving a charter on February 25, 1795. She emphasized the importance of persistence, including the decision to make Union non-denominational, which was unusual for colleges at the time. She then connected the founding story to Union today, highlighting its tradition of innovation across the liberal arts, sciences, and engineering.
Daniel Mahar, the Chair of the Union Staff Council, connected Union’s founding to the spirit of independence and radical ideas that also shaped the United States during the Revolutionary war. Student Forum President Kassandra Smeltzer ‘27 reflected on how Union is about more than academics; it’s about personal growth, leadership, and the overall student experience.
Professor Kristina Striegnitz, Chair of the Faculty Executive Committee, reflected on a session she attended at the SIGCSE Technical Symposium that discussed AI in education. She said that while AI can write code, it lacks the critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills humans develop. She explained that Union’s teaching model (small classes and interdisciplinary thinking) already builds these skills, and reassured students that their education prepares them to adapt to technological change, including AI.
Ishrat Chowdhury was the recipient of this year’s Gideon Hawley Teacher Recognition Award, and she was nominated by Esther Adetutu ‘28. Chowdhury is a chemistry and physics teacher at Boston Latin Academy, and said that receiving the award made her feel empowered as a woman in STEM.
This ceremony also featured student musical performances from the Schola Cantorum, who sang the Alma Mater, Alex Overholt ‘26 on the chimes, and Mollyjane Boyle ‘26, who performed “Thank You for the Music” from Mamma Mia!.
President Kiss introduced Judith “Judy” Dein ‘76 as this year’s Founder’s Day keynote speaker. Dein is a US Magistrate Judge for the District of Massachusetts and was among the first classes of women admitted to Union. Kiss emphasized Dein’s deep connection to Union: she served as the first female editor-in-chief of the Concordiensis, was one of the first members of Union’s President’s Commission on the Status of Women, and won the Bailey Cup, the college’s highest student honor. Kiss praised Dein’s continued involvement with the college as a member of the Board of Trustees and chair of its Student Affairs Committee, as well as her mentorship programs for students interested in legal careers.
In her keynote address, Dein reflected on her experiences as one of the early female students at Union and on how the college shaped her life and career. She described how Union’s liberal arts education encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and openness to different perspectives, which prepared her for her legal career and for navigating unexpected challenges. Drawing on examples from her own path and from other alumni, she believes that Union graduates succeed in diverse fields because their education teaches them to adapt, think broadly, and pursue lifelong learning.
Dein also emphasized the continued importance of liberal arts education in a democratic society, especially in a time when political and social norms are being challenged. She argued that education helps individuals understand complex issues, engage with different viewpoints, and defend democratic values. To conclude her speech, Dein urged students to use their education to stand up against injustice and contribute to society.
“I realized that Union has given me the courage to try new things, even if my attempts are not always successful. Union taught me to look at things from different angles and to find connections between seemingly disparate subjects and events, a trait which has helped me move forward when I felt very stuck.” Dein remarked.
None of the speakers directly addressed the college’s enrollment decline or financial situation.
All speakers at this year’s event emphasized Union’s founding ideals, lessons learned at the college, and connected them to the broader society today. The event showcased the pride faculty, alumni, and staff members have for their experiences and teachings at the college.
