Unfortunately, sometimes recognition for a lifetime of excellence in one's given field is not bestowed until that person is no longer present to hear the praise.
Ruth Simms Hamilton's work in the College of Social Science, which focused on African Diaspora - a migration of people with a common origin, background or beliefs - was certainly recognized among her peers and students. But those unfamiliar with her area of expertise were probably unaware of her legacy. Hamilton was killed in her home in November.
Now, Hamilton's legacy of educational excellence will live on. Earlier this week, the New York-based Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association College Retirement Equities Fund, or TIAA-CREF, announced the Hamilton Research Scholarship. The funds from the $500,000 scholarship will be put toward education for students studying subjects similar to Hamilton's life work.
By recognizing Hamilton's accomplishments, a scholarship in her name helps to keep her memory alive in a way that the late professor would most likely appreciate. Though Hamilton is no longer with us, her drive to educate and enlighten will live on through the students and the research that benefit from the scholarship. Hers was a legacy of education and of research, one of enlightenment and understanding.
Through the scholarship, Hamilton's ideals will be upheld as new research and scholars delve deeper into the field to which she had contributed so much time and effort. It is a testament to a woman whose work bore many fruits and inspired many students to explore the facets of her area of expertise.
A scholarship in her name is also a tribute to Hamilton's memory, to someone who made a difference in many lives. Now, in her absence, even more students will be able to foster new experiences in her name. Something she definitely would have liked.
Hats off to TIAA-CREF, formerly headed by MSU ex-president Clifton R. Wharton Jr. The group has done justice to the name of a professor who invested so much time and energy into her studies and those of her students. Hopefully, as time passes, more funds can be allocated to the Hamilton Research Scholarship, keeping her name and spirit alive and well for the beneficiaries whose education and experiences will be made all the richer from their scholarship.
African studies are often overlooked in the sea of social sciences. Because of this, those of us who were never acquainted with Hamilton knew little of the professor or her work. The question of how many lives the 66-year-old could have influenced, had her career continued, is unanswerable. However, it's comforting to know that, even after her passing, her influence will continue through her name.
Even if the beneficiaries don't take the time to look back on Hamilton's life and accomplishments - which they certainly should - it is the field of study Hamilton would probably have preferred to see take on more life. It is likely that the late professor would rather see her passion and her field diversify, rather than have others focus on her untimely passing.
