Group ventures, theater productions, art projects like shaping clay or chatting casually with a professor at a Passion Project talk: this is Dart Colegrove Commons — not simply a group of residential dorms, but a collective community nurturing a variety of student needs.
This living and learning community includes Stillman Hall, Pinchin Hall, West Hall and 104 Broad St. Students living in Dart Colegrove experience a mix of academic and social programming, allowing them to explore new passions and foster interests across a variety of settings. This reflects the Common’s attempt to bridge the gap between academic and social life at Colgate University.
Sophomore Gabby Doehla has lived in Stillman Hall both of her years at Colgate. She described the experience as beneficial in all aspects of her life.
“Being in the Dart Colgrove Commons brings together a smaller community of people who can interact in both social and academic settings in spaces such as the study rooms in Pinchin. This provides a social outlet while also encouraging strong study habits and work ethic,” Doehla said.
Dart Colegrove Commons frequently hosts free events designed to get students out of their rooms and engage with new, current or former interests. Events range in size from two to 100 individuals and include a diverse group of students. Because attendees have such a broad range of interests, the Commons works to set up events that appeal to various passions. Visiting the Corning Museum of Glass in the fall and roleplay board games are just a few of the many events that Dart Colegrove hosts.
Co-director of Dart Colegrove Commons Lou Kaminski is extremely passionate about organizing social events and fostering community.
“Dart Colegrove hosts activities fairly often so students have something to do. I have two dogs, and during midterms and finals week I bring the dogs in and invite students to enjoy some puppy time. It helps students missing their pets feel a little closer to home,” Kaminsky said.
On top of organizing social events, Dart Colegrove also hosts an academic speaker series dubbed “Passion Project.” Professor Baptiste established the project in 2019, and it was later continued by Professor Hagos. Today, co-director of Dart Colegrove Commons Professor Isla Globus-Harris runs the program.
“The Passion Project series offers members of the Colgate community the chance to share what they are passionate about with students,” Professor Globus-Harris said. “It’s a less formal setting, which helps foster connections and discussion between the students and community members. We ask our speakers to not just talk about what they are passionate about, but also how they found that passion.”
All students, even those that do not reside in Dart Colegrove Commons, have the opportunity to see the various avenues individuals take to turn their passions into a career path. On Jan. 28, Professor Sparber discussed his interest in policy. Other speakers have come in and talked about topics from bird songs to Ebay to nun dolls. This series is held in Pinchin Hall six times a semester, where dozens of students come to hear faculty members talk about their passions.
One signature event that Dart Colegrove Commons hosts is Fox Fest. Every April, the Commons hosts an event honoring Mable Dart Colegrove, Colgate University’s first full-time female student. Activities as part of Fox Fest include a free book exchange and succulent pots that students can paint. Over the course of the event, over 100 people stop through and partake in activities.
“Overall, Dart Colegrove Commons wants students to become involved. Students’ interests are represented across a broad spectrum of events which allows their passions to become visible. I’m so appreciative to have a team and group of students genuinely excited to be involved in the events we host,” Kaminsky said.
Through social gatherings and stimulating academic programming, Dart Colegrove Commons creates a space that transcends the boundary between academic and social life. More than just a residential commons, Dart Colegrove is a space where students live, learn and create lasting memories together.
