Former President Obama Inspires Hope at Hamilton College’s Sacerdote Great Names Series
On April 3, 2025, Hamilton College in Clinton, NY welcomed the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, as part of their prestigious Sacerdote Great Names Series. The event, held in the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House, drew over 5,000 attendees from the college community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents.
A Rock Star Reception
The atmosphere was electric as Obama took the stage, with the crowd erupting into thunderous applause and a standing ovation. “I’m fired up,” Obama declared once the cheers finally subsided, setting the tone for an evening that many described as more akin to a rock concert than a college lecture. The excitement was palpable, with attendees having waited in long lines stretching across campus for the chance to hear from the former president.
Key Themes of Obama’s Address
Rather than delivering a formal speech, President Obama engaged in a thoughtful conversation with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper for over an hour. Throughout this dialogue, Obama touched on several important themes:
American Values and Democracy
Without mentioning former President Trump by name (referring only once to “my most immediate successor”), Obama spoke passionately about the importance of standing up for democratic values. He emphasized that these principles are “values worth fighting for” even when progress seems slow or challenging.
Education and the Future of Work
Obama addressed the changing landscape of employment in the age of artificial intelligence, highlighting the enduring importance of a liberal arts education:
“What these machines can’t yet do, and I don’t anticipate will be able to do, is tell a story or show compassion or be able to inspire a child or build a sense of teamwork and get people to understand and believe in a common mission,” Obama remarked, underscoring that human skills will become increasingly valuable.
Polarization and Finding Common Ground
The former president reflected on the growing political divide in America, advocating for civil discourse and the willingness to engage with different viewpoints. He praised Hamilton College’s “Common Ground” speaker series, which brings together people with opposing perspectives.
Hope for the Future
Obama concluded his remarks with a message of resilience and optimism: “So yeah, don’t get discouraged. I know it’s a little crazy right now. But it’s going to be OK.” These words prompted another standing ovation from the audience, who had come seeking precisely this message of hope.
Inspiring Political Action
The impact of Obama’s appearance extended beyond the campus. His message of civic engagement and standing up for democratic values reportedly motivated many attendees, particularly Democrats and Independents, to participate in the April 5th Hands Off Rallies throughout the region. The timing of his speech, just two days before these planned demonstrations, served to energize potential participants and reinforce the importance of active citizenship.
President Tepper later commented that Obama “traversed the valley and the mountaintops,” acknowledging real troubles while offering genuine hope. “I don’t think that anyone could leave the room without believing that humans have the capacity to overcome,” Tepper said.
The Sacerdote Great Names Series has previously featured notable speakers including Venus Williams, Tina Fey, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Derek Jeter. However, Obama’s appearance marked a particularly significant moment for the series and for Hamilton College, bringing not just a message of hope and resilience to the campus community, but inspiring tangible civic action in the broader region.
