American higher education has had its first same-sex marriage by a college president, at least as far as we know.

Ralph J. Hexter, president of Hampshire College, married his longtime domestic partner, Manfred Kollmeier, over the Labor Day weekend. They announced their marriage today with a Champagne toast during Hampshire’s annual faculty and staff garden party, which is held at the president’s residence. Students at Hampshire, in Amherst, Mass., will join in the celebration tomorrow at a campus reception.

Ralph J. Hexter (left), president of Hampshire College, married his longtime domestic partner, Manfred Kollmeier, this month. They celebrated the event today at the president’s residence. (Photo courtesy Hampshire College)

The wedding announcement was a surprise for many at Hampshire. Mr. Hexter and Mr. Kollmeier arrived at the college in 2005. But despite living in the only state that recognizes same-sex marriages, they took their time in tying the knot, Mr. Hexter said, in part because their 27-year relationship had been defined with marriage off the table.

Both chambers of the Massachusetts legislature turned back a proposed constitutional amendment in June that would have banned same-sex unions, which became legal in 2004. Mr. Hexter, one of only 11 openly gay college presidents, said that development helped spur his decision to wed.

“It’s here to stay,” Mr. Hexter said of gay unions in Massachusetts. “This is a really special state. We wanted to stand up and be part of it.”

Mr. Kollmeier, who is retired, repairs and restores violins and cellos, and is on the governing board of the Commonwealth Opera of Western Massachusetts. He lives in the president’s residence with Mr. Hexter and serves at college events, such as board meetings.

“I absolutely could not do this job without him,” Mr. Hexter said. —Paul Fain