Hampshire president, longtime partner wed

AMHERST - Faculty and staff at Hampshire College gathered yesterday at the president's house for what they thought would be a traditional back-to-school event, the annual reception marking the launch of a new academic year. They wound up celebrating a first for American higher education, as their hosts - president Ralph J. Hexter and his partner of more than 27 years, Manfred Kollmeier - announced their marriage.

Hexter and Kollmeier wed during Labor Day weekend, but delayed their public announcement until they could share it with the Hampshire College community. A celebration with students is scheduled for today on campus.

"We wanted to announce our marriage to our community first," said Hexter. "This is our way of celebrating Hampshire College, which so warmly welcomed us as a couple when I was named president in 2005, and of celebrating the state of Massachusetts and all those who helped it become a pioneer in recognizing and upholding the right of gay couples to be legally married."

Kollmeier added, "Ralph and I made a lifelong commitment to one another many years ago, so marrying is not about marking a new stage in our relationship. We feel it is important to exercise the precious right we have here to marry."

Kollmeier, a native of Munich, is retired and serves on the board of directors of Commonwealth Opera of Western Massachusetts.

Hexter is the fifth president of Hampshire, having joined the college Aug. 1, 2005.

Hampshire College is a liberal arts college of 1,350 students and a member of the Five College consortium in Western Massachusetts.

When Hexter accepted the college's presidency, he stated that part of the fit that convinced him that Hampshire was right for him was its historical commitment to social justice and progressive causes.