Historic $70 Million Gift from L. Thomas Melly ’52 and Judith Hershey Melly
Largest Gift in HWS History
President Mark D. Gearan has announced an unprecedented $70 million gift to Hobart and William Smith from longtime Trustee L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 and Judith Hershey Melly L.H.D. ’16. The gift is the largest donation in HWS history and will impact generations of students, faculty and staff, driving academic innovation, expanding access and affordability for students, and supporting strategic initiatives. It also marks one of the largest contributions to a college or university in 2024.
A Memorial Service for Tom Melly was held on February 8, 2025 in Sarasota, Fla. Read eulogies delivered by:
Bob O’Connor, Vice President and Senior Philanthropy Advisor
Gallery
Tom Melly’s graduation photo in The Echo of the Seneca yearbook in 1952.
Statesmen football team in 1951. Melly is player #18.
Tom Melly (seated first row second from left) with Hobart lacrosse teammates in 1951.
In 1952, Tom Melly (second from right) enjoys a night out bowling with classmates.
In 2002, President Mark D. Gearan reads the honorary degree citation for Tom Melly as Professor of Biology Thomas J. Glover drapes the stole over his head.
The platform party for the 2002 Commencement included political commentator Mark Shields, singer Judy Collins, Trustee Henry A. Rosenberg, Jr. '52, Tom Melly and President Mark D. Gearan.
In 1998, Tom Melly (second from right) joined President Richard H. Hersh for a ribbon cutting for The L. Thomas Melly Academic Center of the Warren Hunting Smith Library.
During a reception at the President’s House in honor of their wedding, members of Kappa Sigma joined with Tom and Judy Melly in 2007.
Tom and Judy Melly shared a laugh at the President’s House.
Members of the Seneca Society including the Mellys, center, gathered for a photo.
Judy and Tom Melly at a Seneca Society dinner.
Judy and Tom Melly attended the “HWS Fenway Gathering” in 2017. The Red Sox beat the Orioles 4-2.
A joyful group of HWS community members cut the ribbon, officially opening the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts and the L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 Lobby.
Tom Melly shakes hands with Mary Herlihy Gearan before offering remarks at the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts ribbon cutting ceremony. The lobby is named in the Mellys’ honor.
The L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 Lobby plaque reads “Throughout his life, Tom Melly has been unwavering in his devotion to the education of students at Hobart and William Smith.”
Judy Melly at the 2016 Commencement, where she was awarded an honorary degree.
Judy Melly accepts an honorary degree from President Mark D. Gearan at the 2016 Commencement.
A candid snapshot of Tom Melly during robing at the 2016 Commencement ceremony.