The Pulteney Street SurveySummer '24
student experience
A multifaceted education for a dynamic world.
LIKE THE CURRICULUM, the student experience spans personal and professional growth — a journey that encourages self-reflection, individual wellness, and respect for and appreciation of difference.
“I think if you ask many students, they’d say HWS is special because of the varied co-curricular opportunities that complement academic experiences,” says Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students Becca Barile. “Career preparation, cultural awareness, student organizations, athletics, wellness — each aspect of the student experience is like a spoke on a wheel, with academics as the hub, moving students toward success.”
“[HWS] gave me a lot of opportunity to be a leader in different ways and find my voice. It’s that sort of spirit and that history for me personally, and seeing that happen to other students, that keeps me engaged and enamored with the place and wanting to make sure I’m supporting it.” Trustee JB ROBINSON ’96, who recently committed $175,000 to support the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education
Liberal arts colleges have the best return on investment — and HWS ranks among the top seven percent in the nation, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education in the Workforce. HWS appeared on the Princeton Review’s top 25 “Best Career Services” list. A “Best Value College” for nine consecutive years, HWS is also ranked by Princeton Review as 13th in the nation for “Best Alumni Network” and 14th in the nation as “Best for Interships.” Wall Street Journal ranks HWS #1 for learning opportunities, based on student survey responses.RETURN ON INVESTMENT
With a $55 million goal, Campaign funding for the student experience will support innovative and unique residential experiences that draw meaningful connections between academics and co-curricular living, promote community engagement and pride, and cultivate intercultural competence and holistic development. This funding will cut across campus, impacting resources for career services, global education, athletics and student wellness, including physical health as well as emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being.
CAREER PREPARATION and graduate success go hand- in-hand with the liberal arts. Coursework gains deeper resonance and important context through guaranteed internships, off-campus career treks and networking opportunities, pre-professional programs, one-on-one coaching, and an ever-growing suite of career workshops and training.
In January, more than 50 alumni and financial professionals joined HWS students and faculty in board rooms across New York City for the annual Wall Street Experience. “It was interesting to speak to alumni one-on-one about how their liberal arts background was beneficial to them when entering the finance world,” says political science and economics double-major Lacey Sommerville ’26.
A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE is a critical component of the HWS experience, with short-term and semester-long abroad programs that promote global citizenship on campus and prepare students to succeed in environments that increasingly span multiple cultures.
President Mark D. Gearan greets students, faculty and staff during the annual international student dinner at his home.
60%+ of students study abroad. 50+ languages are spoken on campus. 50+ off-campus programs are offered across six continents. 40+ countries are represented among the HWS student body. HWS offers robust reentry programming for students to better understand, communicate and act on their experiences abroad.DID YOU KNOW?
HEALTH AND WELLNESS are critical to a successful educational experience, and by investing in programs, operations and facilities, HWS supports a holistic, nurturing environment that ensures all students can thrive in their personal and academic journeys.
A THRIVING COMMUNITY
Recent gifts and institutional investments have enhanced student support systems across campus. Thanks to the leadership of Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Cassandra Naylor Brooks ’89 and Trustee Dr. Paula Miltenberger P’23, HWS recently partnered with the Jed Foundation to strengthen mental health services. A new partnership with Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency adds more clinical and support staff to guide students and build a healthy and socially adept campus.
Committed to a thriving multi-faith community, HWS recently welcomed Imam Shaheed Ali, the Muslim Student Life Adviser, who joins Chaplain and Dean for Spiritual Engagement Rev. Nita Johnson Byrd and Rabbi Dr. Ann Landowne, director of the Abbe Center for Jewish Life and Hillel Adviser, in supporting HWS’ spiritual life.
ATHLETICS at Hobart and William Smith boast a rich legacy of championship-caliber athletes who excel on the field and in the classroom; world-class coaches, medical and conditioning staff; and outstanding training, exercise and recreational spaces for all students and the broader HWS community.
The Miltenberger and Bennett-Hooper Rowing Center, which was completed during the early stages of the Campaign, provides state-of-the-art resources for training and competition. Facilities like the new rowing center enable HWS teams to build community and compete at the highest levels.
POWER PLAY
Whether at the varsity, club or intramural level, competitive athletics offers students invaluable opportunities on campus and beyond. Indeed, companies that hire Herons and Statesmen cite their work ethic, time management and collaborative spirit — attributes developed through teamwork and high- level competition. Upgraded facilities for all students will continue this proud tradition of excellence, attract the most academically and athletically gifted prospective students, and recruit and retain world- class coaches, medical and training staff.
HIGHLIGHT REEL
660 athletes in 2022-23
30 varsity sports programs
29 national championships, including back-to-back national titles for Hobart hockey in 2023 and 2024
700+ All-America awards to date, including 15 in the 2023-24 academic year
8 team conference championships during the 2023-24 academic year — and sailor Nick Sessions ’24 won the MAISA men’s singlehanded championship