Hobart and William Smith Colleges

More, Together

As I reflect on this past academic year, I am struck by the important institutional advances for Hobart and William Smith amidst these challenging times in higher education. We have worked to honor our vital mission of educating students — especially important in this fraught and divided world. And while the scope and scale of the challenges could be met with cynicism or defeatism, our dedicated faculty and staff remain focused on creating a better future and preparing students for the century ahead; I am grateful for their collective efforts.

The progress you will read about in this edition of The Pulteney Street Survey is particularly noteworthy given the headwinds facing higher education; headwinds that are lodged in polarized debates leading too many people to question the value and importance of a liberal arts and sciences education. While I take note of these concerning trends, I remain optimistic and driven by the purposeful work we are engaged in and the transformative educational experiences at Hobart and William Smith.

Thanks to an extraordinary $100 million commitment from a small coalition of alumni and parents, this spring Hobart and William Smith took a momentous step into the future with the announcement of Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century. As you’ll read in this issue’s feature story (p. 20), the Campaign’s $400 million goal will lift Hobart and William Smith to new heights, enhancing our many centers of academic strength, reducing the financial burden on students and families, and providing an environment where students can achieve their fullest potential as they learn about the world, themselves and one another.

This spring, we saw a 23 percent growth in the size of our first-year class, far exceeding our expectations and proving the power of an HWS education. Hobart Hockey had another outstanding season, culminating in a second straight national title. Our campus became one of only 11 nationwide to reach climate neutrality, a key goal in our sustainability plan. We hosted lively conversations with renowned experts on critical issues — from the environment to international peacebuilding, and from national politics to the global economy. At Commencement, we celebrated the Class of 2024, recognized three accomplished alumni — Jessica Knoll ’06, L.H.D. ’24; retired Lt. Col. John E. Norvell ’66, P’99, P’02, L.H.D. ’24; and the late HWS Trustee Michael Rawlins ’80, P’16, L.H.D. ’24 — and with the help of Commencement speaker and Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn L.H.D. ’24, paid tribute to Hobart and William Smith’s proud history of global citizenship.

Despite the issues facing the higher education community, the nation and the world, this has been an exciting year for HWS and we carry that momentum forward, knowing there is more to be done to reach our aspirations.

I thank you for your continued partnership in our work to advance this place we all admire.

All the best,

MARK D. GEARAN
President