The Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
calling all leaders and agents of change.
603 S. Main Street, Geneva, N.Y. 14456
(315) 781-4550
CentennialCenter@hws.edu
@HWS.CentennialCenter
The Centennial Center is the hub on campus for engaging in hands-on, experiential learning.
Whether it’s building entrepreneurial skills, exercising leadership in action, or innovating aging systems, the Centennial Center provides a collaborative space to put your classroom skills into action.
This is a place where your ground-breaking ideas for social, political, entrepreneurial and cultural progress are born, nurtured and released to the world. Through trying, failure and success, we empower you to confidently go out and create change, pursue innovative solutions to the world’s emerging challenges and become a leader in your chosen field.
Imagine the world as it could be.
Signature ProgramsExplore principles of leadership and entrepreneurship by setting them in motion.
The Centennial Center is expanding its Leadership development programs to offer two pathways: Degree with Leadership Distinction and HWS LEADS Certificate.
Participants in Centennial Center courses and programs have gone on to found businesses and non-profit organizations, lead critical projects in the public and private sector, pursue graduate degrees and give back to individuals and communities across the country and around the globe.
Your Path, Your Pace
We understand that life is multifaceted, and your leadership journey should be too. Both pathways to leadership programs allow you to choose the order of milestones, accommodating study abroad, extracurricular commitments, and personal growth. What sets us apart? Unparalleled flexibility with versatile options.
Degree with Leadership Distinction
A Degree with Leadership Distinction is more than an academic pursuit; it is a life-changing experience that empowers individuals to become globally aware, adaptable, ethical, and effective leaders within their chosen field. This program offers a multifaceted approach to leadership development, creating a pathway to personal growth, career advancement, and meaningful impact in the world. Embrace this opportunity to become a leader of distinction within your discipline and drive positive change in your professional and personal spheres.
HWS Leads
Study leadership and start your journey to becoming an ethical, inclusive and value-based leader.
The Pitch
March 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Win up to $10,000 in startup funding through the Colleges’ Shark Tank inspired competition.
IdeaLab
September 14 - October 19 at 7 p.m.
Six week accelerator program designed to shape, refine and differentiate your big idea.
Cohen Fellowship
Spend a summer at the Centennial Center gaining valuable leadership experience.
Centennial Scholars
A merit-based award offered to incoming students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to leadership.
Opell Start-Up Fund Committee
The HWS Start-Up Fund Committee (SFC) is a program that is meant to resemble a venture capital (VC) investment model for early-stage entrepreneurial ventures.
First-Year Mentor Program
First-Year Mentors are an integral part of each First Year Seminar.
Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN)
The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) is a national organization that encourages and prepares young women and people of marginalized gender groups to become political leaders by hosting academic seminars in Washington, D.C.
Centennial Center News
centennial-centerLisa Kaenzig to Deliver Keynote Address at Baccalaureate
Hobart and William Smith graduates and their families are invited to attend annual interfaith celebration and opportunity for reflection on the eve of Commencement.
centennial-centerBaldev ’25 Wins at Regional NY Business Plan Competition
Three HWS students enter their business plans prepared for the HWS’ 2025 Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch competition to the New York State Contest.
AlumsPitch Finalists: Where Are They Now?
On March 6, Diya Baldev ’25, Maeghan Mahoney ’26, Chloe Odell ’26, and Ahata Laska ’27, will compete in the 2025 Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Contest for a chance to win $10,000 to bring their business idea to life. Over the past 13 years, 66 finalists have taken the stage at the annual Pitch contest.