First-Year Mentors
FALL 2025 FIRST-YEAR MENTORS COMING SOON.
2024 First-Year Mentors
These student leaders will help you transition to life at HWS. First-Year Mentors are an integral part of each First-Year Seminar. You will meet regularly with your mentor to discuss coursework and receive assistance on anything from writing papers to planning projects to studying more effectively. Your mentor also serves as a good resource for any questions you may have about life as a college student.
Zoe Aracena '25 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 151 - On Strike
What is your favorite course so far? "Sociology of Social Deviance." The material taught allowed me to have uncomfortable conversations and understand how deviance is perceived differently. We also visited Willard Asylum, for which I am forever grateful.
julia baer '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 020 - 20 Questions
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? A Hobart Hockey game at the
Cooler!
Rebecca Barr '25 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 162 - Narratives of Disability
Describe the moment that HWS became your home: On my campus tour when a student ran by and stopped to say I should come here. Being on a campus tour and having students talk to me and be so welcoming was the moment I knew HWS was my home. Since that tour, HWS has only felt more and more like home to me.
Cori Bohan '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 164 - Encountering Difference
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? I’ve learned in college that you can make meaningful connections with peers and faculty. I hit the roommate jackpot with Mackenzie Morus, who is always willing to try new activities with me or jump in the lake. I have also been lucky enough to work with the dynamic duo of Kayla Eberhardt and Ann Marie Luce, associate directors of the Centennial Center, who have been such great mentors in my time here at HWS.
Kalila Caringal '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 126 - Media in Our Life
Where do you find community at HWS? Through campus resources. HWS offers a variety of resources that benefit a student’s mental health and academic needs. For example, the Center for Teaching and Learning provides academic help on various levels, giving me the support I need during this transitional period.
Michael Cioci '27 (he/him)
FSEM 010 - Beyond the Straight and Narrow
What course has surprised you the most? My "Intro to Sociology" class. Before this class, I knew nothing about this subject and now I have taken three sociology classes and loved all of them.
Emily Clark '27 (She/Her)
FSEM 020 - Twenty Questions
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Spending time on the Bozzuto Boathouse dock and going swimming!
Djeneba Diop '25 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 092 - Math and Metaphor
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? I was fortunate enough to have met Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Joe Rusinko the summer before my first year. Whenever I felt discouraged and unable to complete a class, Professor Rusinko was always there to reassure me. He always found a way to relate my experiences to his college experiences. College is challenging and Professor Rusinko always made me believe I can get through any roadblocks.
Ella Donaldson '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 091 - Earth Vs. Humans
Describe the moment that HWS became your home: My first day on campus when I stood in line on the Quad to shake President Mark Gearan’s hand and get my key to move in. I met my roommate for the first time that morning, and we went to get in the hour-long line and just started talking to the other students around us. The girl randomly in front of us was one of my new teammates, and the boy in front of her went to school with my childhood best friend. The three I just met are now some of my best friends at HWS. It speaks volumes about how amazing this community is that the kids I just happened to be in line with already had such an immediate connection to me.
Andy Dinh '27 (He/Him)
FSEM 120 - Running Down a Dream
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? One of the most meaningful connections I made during my first year was with my FSEM professor advisor, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning Katie Flowers. I could not have had any connection within HWS or the Geneva community like I have had without Katie. She always tries to help me with my academics and social life. It was my pleasure to have her as my advisor and to be a part of FSEM 036 - "Happiness, Relationships, and Services."
Hailey Galvan '26 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 158 - Recognizing Victims and Survivors
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Jumping into Seneca Lake at least once. In my first year, I took having a lake five minutes away for granted. However, in my sophomore year, I took every chance to visit the lake, whether for a quick swim or to study on the dock.
Jasmine Goncalves '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 019 - Archaelogical Mysteries
What course has surprised you the most? Econ 160. I had to take it for my International Relations major, and I was expecting to hate it. As it turned out, I love economics and now I am double majoring in it!
Emily Gorczynski '26 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 130 - I Know What You Ate Last Summer
Where do you find community at HWS? In my research group, friends and classes.
Susie Hemingway '25 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 056 - Bird Obsessions: Beauty of the Beast
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Visit the Perkins Observatory! There's nothing like going stargazing with such a powerful telescope and Associate Professor of Physics Leslie Hebb is so knowledgeable about identifying constellations and other observable celestial phenomena.
Fiona Howes '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 180 - The Blue Planet
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? My advisor, Associate Professor of Geoscience Tara Curtin. She has shown me incredible support since my first couple weeks on campus and I feel I can go to her with anything. She is one of my biggest supporters and I owe her much of my sense of belonging at HWS.
Kisean Jones '25 (He/Him)
FSEM 104 - ¡Ay Mija! Childhood and Identity in Hispanic Literature and Culture
Describe the moment that HWS became your home: When I completed one successful year and demonstrated to myself that
it was possible.
Amanda Kronowitz '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 121 - What's Eating You? Cooking, Cuisine & Me
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? An open houses hosted by Mary Gearan. This event happens every Friday night in the President’s House on Main Street, overlooking the beautiful Seneca Lake, where they offer dinner, desserts and always great conversation. In my time at HWS, I have been to at least six of the Gearan’s open houses, twice with my acapella group, Three Miles Lost, to perform and others on my own terms and they have never failed to make me feel right at home. In times where I just needed to talk to someone, or eat a yummy meal, Mary Gearan has been standing at her front door and welcoming me into her home.
Genevieve Larkin '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 197 - American Medicine
What course surprised you the most? My FSEM, "Sustainable Living and Learning Communities." I wasn't really sure exactly what the class would entail and I was familiar with the concept of climate change but wanted to explore more. That class definitely shaped me as a student as I better understood how to interact with students and professors inside the class, how to craft professional emails and how to take my writing to the next level. I liked the course material and the professor so much that I took another climate change intro class in the spring semester and now I plan to minor in environmental studies, something that was never on my radar!
Willow Lewis-Moskowitz '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 101 - New Chemistry Meets Old Art
What your favorite course so far? Dance and Movement Studies. I recommend this class to anyone and everyone. It is a class you
don't want to miss out on!
Niko Lutz '26 (He/Him)
FSEM 021 - Class Matters
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? With my current advisor Professor of Sociology Renee Monson. Professor Monson’s intro sociology course not only introduced me to the highly captivating and enlightening topic of sociology but also showed me how invested she was in making me a better student. As of now, I’ve taken three courses with her and made her my advisor. I take her classes because I know I will gain so much knowledge from them, but I also consider that I will have a professor who cares about me and my future.
Maeghan Mahoney '26 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 089 - Monsters in America
Where did you find community at HWS? The first place I found community was at Pasta Night at the Chaplain’s Residence. Dean of Spiritual Engagement and Chaplain The Rev. Nita Byrd makes everyone feel welcome and makes her home a place for engaging in conversation and sharing a meal with friends.
Rob Maulucci '26 (He/Him)
FSEM 156 - Our Linguistic Identities
Describe the moment that HWS became your home: When I started attending school events. I had the opportunity to participate in the Bicentennial Gala in October of my first year here. Before attending the gala, I mainly attended classes and completed my schoolwork. I had a great experience; it opened my eyes to how great attending events can be. Now, I attend as many events as possible, whether a concert by the music department or a festival run by the school.
michael Mcghee '26 (He/Him)
FSEM 036 - Exploring Community: Relationships, Happiness, and Service
What course surprised you the most? “Dance Improvisation.” I originally thought that I would be making up my own dance moves in front of the class, which made me extremely nervous. However, it was about being able to respond and react to given prompts in your own way and finding out how your body responded to those movements and prompts.
Grace Meagher '26 (sHe/her)
FSEM 141 - Lens of Standup Comedy
What was a valuable connection you made during your first year? With “Intro to Sociology” Professor of Sociology James Sutton. I signed up for the class, not really sure what sociology was, but Professor Sutton made me love it and also love HWS. Since then he's been my advisor. He’s always been a great support and a valuable resource and I am so grateful I got to build my relationship with him.
Jessica Nguyen '26 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 189 - The Theory of Everything
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Join the Involvement Expo during the first week of class and find a club/organization that you see yourself being a part of. Finding the proper club/organization will bring you many meaningful connections with your friends and help you become more involved at HWS.
Elle Oberfield '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 142 - Writing Pop Culture
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? With my field hockey teammates. My teammates and friends I have met through HWS Votes, a club on campus or in classes, make up my community on campus. I have learned that finding your community on campus takes time for everyone and I highly encourage students to attend all types of events on campus during their first year, whether that be club meetings or intermural sports practices, because this is where many people find their closest and dearest friends on campus.
Chloe Odell '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 108 - From Comix to Graphix: The Art of the Story
What is your favorite course so far? I loved my FSEM, "The Reality Effect" with Associate Director for Faculty Enrichment Susan Hess. The course was structured around the rhetoric of nonfiction writing. It opened academic doors I previously did not know existed. The class taught me a lot about myself as a learner and a writer and why the words you choose to use matter. I found the class fascinating and it helped me to realize new sub-subjects for which I have unlocked passions.
Ryan Pero '25 (He/Him)
FSEM 180 - The Blue Planet
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? With Shirley, who works at our dining hall. On my first day on campus, I conversed with her as she was swiping me into Saga and every day since then, we have chatted before and after my meals. She cares so much for others and her positive presence is infectious!
Bethany Poirer '25 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 119 - Information and Misinformation: Thinking Critically about Science in a Digital Age
Describe the moment that HWS became your home: I remember the first time I went swimming in Seneca Lake. It was a few days into orientation. I dove in with a girl I'd never met before, Sophia, who would quickly become my best friend on campus to this day. Swimming and watching the sunset that day made me feel like HWS would be a perfect new home.
Olivia Purefoy '27 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 042 - Face to Face: Interrogating Race in the United States and South Africa
Where do you find community at HWS? Throughout the entire campus! Whether you have a niche hobby or want to explore an unfamiliar subject, you will be supported in every way imaginable. You are in a community that wants to see you thrive. The community is everywhere, from the compassionate professors to the enthusiastic Saga staff. The winters may be cold, but the people are warm!
Kirsten Roman '26 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 192 - Literacy Science Fiction and Fantasy
What is your favorite course so far? "Chicana Feminism" course with Professor of Gender, Sexuality, and Intersectional Justice Michelle Martin-Baron. This was one of the first classes I took at HWS, which allowed me to feel more in touch with my culture and feel that I belonged at HWS. Soon after, I realized there are many exciting classes you could take that can change your perspective and introduce you to different cultures, people and places.
Jeremy Sanchez '26 (he/him)
FSEM 131 - The Mindful Body
What course has surprised you the most? "Child Psychology" since I found it fascinating how we can have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth since they are the future.
Natalie Sandoval '25 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 093 - Ethical Debates in Medicine
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? The alternative spring break program is a campus activity that every student should experience at least once. I loved working with the local community in Lyons, NY, at the Rural Migrant Ministry. It is a great way to spend spring break, especially if you do it with friends!
Nikolina Stanic '26 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 188 - Belief, Skepticism, and Paranormality
Describe the moment that HWS became your home: One of the first times was when I went to the president's house. President Mark Gearan and his wife were so friendly and welcoming; it is rare to find such amazing people playing a significant role in your education. It felt like I had a second home right on campus. It showed me how much support there is at HWS. Knowing that the people in charge cared about me made me feel thankful and safe.
Mikey valent '27 (He/Him)
FSEM 187 - The Theory of Everything
Describe the moment that HWS became your home: As soon as I stepped foot on campus. Everywhere I looked, there were people excited for me to be here and people who wanted to help me succeed. Whether it was my Spark program leaders, my FSEM professor, or all of my teammates and coaches on the lacrosse team, the common theme was clear: People at HWS are here for you.
Livvy Von Heill '25 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 013 - Violence in the Sea of Faith
What is your favorite course so far? "Sociology of Business Management." I read various literature about 21st century management and the best way to lead in today's business landscape.
Anjalee Wanduragala '25 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 036 - Exploring Community: Relationships, Happiness, and Service
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once?
Day of Service.
Sonya Wilkerson '26 (SHE/HER)
FSEM 159 - Pawprints! All Things Dogs
What course has surprised you the most? "The Economics of Education" with Professor of Economics Christina Houseworth. It is a very thoughtful course that forces you to look at how flawed our education system is and examine it on a scale that you never would have before. It indeed has left an impact on me.
2024-25 Athletic Study Mentors
Athletic Study Mentors are student athletes who work with their first-year teammates to develop learning and time management strategies, in addition to helping them transition to college life. If you are a first-year varsity athlete, your Athletic Study Mentor will support you through workshops and one-on-one meetings and is a great resource for all your questions about life at HWS. Athletic Study Mentors are here to support from the moment you enroll through your first year.
Johnny Colombi '25 (HE/HIM)
Hobart Football
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Major: Economics
What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The independence, responsibility and commitment. You need to manage your schedules, balance academic and athletic commitments, maintain physical conditioning and navigate the demands of college life.
Will Corbett '25
Hobart Lacrosse
Hometown: Madison, WI
Majors: Economics, Computer Science
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? My Athletic Study Mentor (we ended up being roommates the next year).
isabella de nes '25 (SHE/HER)
William Smith Rowing
Hometown: Logan, UT
Majors: Psychological Science, Anthropology and Sociology
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Winter Wonderland. There are a lot of activities and it is very fun!
Sayf Elhawary '25
Hobart and William Smith Squash
Hometown: Piscatawy, NJ
Majors: Computer Science, Mathematics
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? A Teaching Fellow who was at my FSEM on orientation day. It was meaningful because we ended up having the same major and became best friends.
zack farren '27 (he/Him)
Hobart Volleyball
Hometown: Southbury, CT
Majors: Mathematics, Physics
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? My physics professor, Professor of Physics Donald Spector, helped me get a better grasp of what I was doing and where I was planning on going with my academic career.
fiona Gallagher '26 (SHE/HER)
William Smith Ice Hockey
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: Writing and Rhetoric
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Jumping into the lake after a lift.
connor gasper '26 (HE/HIM)
Hobart and William Smith Cross Country
Hometown: Auburn, NY
Major: Political Science
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Day of Service.
Ryan Hinman '25 (HE/HIM)
Hobart Football
Hometown: Lambertville, NJ
Major: Economics
What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? There’s a lot more responsibility of getting work done on your own time. Life of a student athlete in college forces you to be much more organized. College professors also reward effort and students get to know them much more than high school.
Lucy Howe '25 (SHE/HER)
William Smith Soccer
Hometown: Portland, ME
Majors: Psychological Science, Political Science
Where do you go for advice on campus? I often go to either the strength & conditioning staff in RFK or the athletic trainers. They understand what being a student-athlete entails, but also are able to provide an outside perspective that gives really good advice - especially when the answers are hard to see within your own scope.
Abby Jones '26 (SHE/HER)
William Smith Field Hockey
Hometown: Nantucket, MA
Majors: Psychological Science
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Jumping into Seneca Lake. One of my favorite memories from my first year was when my teammates all went down to the lake after our classes were over and we all jumped in and stayed until the sunset. To me, the lake symbolizes the camaraderie and bonding that comes from having such a fun time with friends.
Max Koczan '26 (He/HIM)
Hobart Soccer
Hometown: Manasquan, NJ
Majors: Political Science
Where do you go for advice on campus? My teammates.
Ethan Kowalski '25 (HE/HIM)
Hobart Football
Hometown: Lancaster, NY
Major: Economics
Where do you go for advice on campus? My coaches, advisor and older teammates.
Vicente Lyon '26 (HE/HIM)
Hobart Football
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, NY
Majors: Management and Entrepreneurship, Computer Science
What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The demand of academics and athletics is higher. Balancing practices and sports is something that isn't that intense in high school compared to college.
Michael Mcghee '26 (He/Him)
Hobart Football
Hometown: Jamison, PA
Majors: Management and Entrepreneurship
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Going to an athletic event that their team is not playing in.
Hobart Basketball
Hometown: Columbia, CT
Major: Psychological Science
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? All of my teammates and my Spanish professor, Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies Fernando Rodriguez-Mansilla.
ryan pero '25 (He/Him)
Hobart and William Smith Alpine Skiing
Hometown: Victor, NY
Major: Mathematics
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? Associate Professor of Geoscience Tara Curtin, my FSEM professor. I love to pop by her office to chat and catch up and she is amazing at giving advice for how to get involved on campus.
Julia Pida '25 (SHE/HER)
Hobart and William Smith Tennis
Hometown: Fairfield, CT
Major: Environmental Studies
What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? Navigating the significant change in schedule and adjusting your time management accordingly. As opposed to six continuous hours of school a day, you instead will have only 1-3 classes a day, scattered at various times throughout the morning/afternoon. It is a big adjustment to learn how to maximize your free time outside of classes, practice and lifts.
Owen Sanders '26 (He/Him)
Hobart Baseball
Hometown: Boston, MA
Major: Political Science
What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? A hockey game at the "Cooler."
Carly Scott '26 (SHE/HER)
William Smith Basketball
Hometown: Elmira, NY
Major: Educational Studies
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? I connected with another first-year teammate on my team, but I also really connected with a senior on my team my first year. She really took me under her wing and made sure I was doing okay and checked in on me a lot. She became someone I would go to for any problems I had or just to have someone to talk to.
Victoria (Tori) Smith '25
William Smith Swimming and Diving
Hometown: Astoria, OR
Major: Biology
Where do you go for advice on campus? Student Engagement, coaches, my advisor and my fellow teammates.
Elizabeth Starck '25 (SHE/HER)
Hobart and William Smith Sailing
Hometown: Lakewood, OH
Major: Movement Studies
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? The other first-years on my team! We were all in the same boat, figuring out college life for the first time. There was a lot we could relate on and it made it easy to connect and make friends quickly.
Aidan Vanek '25 (He/HIm)
Hobart and William Smith Rowing
Hometown: Upper Arlington, OH
Major: Biochemistry
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? Peers, coaches and professors.
Hope von Dohlen '26 (SHE/HER)
William Smith Volleyball
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Major: Management and Entrepreneurship
What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? Aside from my coaches, Director of the Teacher Education Program and Secondary Education Andrea Huskie has been such an influential person during my time at HWS. She is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and just an overall uplifting person. She is more than happy to help anyone she can and has been able to give me such great advice and support since I've been a student here.
Livvy Von Heill '25 (SHE/HER)
William Smith Lacrosse
Hometown: Chatham, NJ
Major: Sociology
What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The time commitment. College student-athletes need to factor in lift, practice and film while attending and participating in their courses.