HWS News
20 December 2024 • Alums Highlights from 2024
Look back at the exciting news and accomplishments that shaped the year, from HWS’ #4 ranking in the Wall Street Journal to extraordinary momentum behind “Further Together: the Campaign for our Third Century.”
Further Together: The Campaign for our Third Century
HWS launched an historic campaign after a group of supporters joined together to collectively commit $100 million, an extraordinary investment in the institution’s future. Further Together identifies four key areas of investment: Academic Experience, Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Student Experience, and the Annual Fund. Since then, the campaign has gained tremendous momentum. In 2024, the generosity of the HWS community shined, making 2024 the biggest fundraising year ever in HWS history.
Announcing the Fish Center for the Sciences
Through the generosity of Honorary Trustee Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish ’82, L.H.D. ’23 and John F. Fish, the new, integrated science center will be named The Fish Center for the Sciences. Their $25 million gift will support the construction of a new building that will occupy the south end of the Hobart Quad. Read more about the support for the sciences from former Chair of the Board of Trustees Tom Bozzuto ’68, L.H.D. ’18 and Barbara Bozzuto and Trustee Allison Morrow ’76.
WSJ Names HWS #4 in the Nation for Student Experience
In September, the Wall Street Journal named HWS the #4 school in the nation for Student Experience. In their own words, students reflected on why they think HWS earned the distinction. HWS welcomed an impressive cohort of more than 700 first-year, transfer and graduate students to campus during a weeklong Orientation. The Office of Academic Affairs launched HWS Day, celebrating the spirit of exploration and curiosity that drives academic inquiry. All year, HWS faculty have contributed ground breaking scholarship and thought-leadership, from NASA funded research on the eradication of invasive species, to a New Yorker “Best Book of the Year” authored by HWS General Counsel Lou Guard ’07 and Professor of Economics Joyce P. Jacobsen on law and the future of higher education. Closing out the year, four HWS Debate students will compete in the World Universities Debating Championship in Panama.
HWS Achieves Climate Neutrality
HWS is officially climate neutral and is one of only 11 colleges and universities in the nation to reach the milestone. This accomplishment comes a year ahead of schedule, fulfilling a commitment made by President Mark D. Gearan in 2007 to reach climate neutrality by 2025. HWS introduced a new Environmental Science major, offering students the option to pursue a B.S. in the field. This year also highlighted the vital role of student research in addressing global environmental challenges: from Finn Foley ’25 representing HWS at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan and Anjalee Wanduragala ’25 attending the Youth Climate Summit Southeast Asia in Malaysia, to EPA award-winning research on stormwater.
Dialogue and Civic Engagement
HWS buzzed with energy during the fall election season. Thanks to HWS Votes’ dedication to voter engagement, HWS was named a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The President’s Forum welcomed a lineup of voices from across the political spectrum, including Cook Political Report Editor Amy Walter; CNN’s Chief National Correspondent John King; Conservative CNN Commentator Scott Jennings; Founder of Black Voters Matter LaTosha Brown; and conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt. Meanwhile, President Gearan and Professor of Political Science DeWayne Lucas teamed up to teach "Elections and Voting in America."
Celebrating 50 Years of Global Education
HWS celebrated 50 years of global education, reflecting on a legacy that began in 1975 when Professor Emerita of Art History Elena Ciletti led the first study abroad program to Rome. HWS Trustee Stephen Wong ’89 established a $1 million endowed scholarship to support international students and foster cultural exchange. Two alumni joined the Peace Corps, but not before meeting the program’s director Carol Spahn, the 2024 Commencement Speaker.
Best for Career Services, Internships and Alumni Network
Princeton Review’s 2024 rankings named HWS among the top 20 colleges nationwide for Career Services, Internships and Alumni Network. We celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Afro Latino Alumni Association during Reunion 2024, and the association expanded their one-on-one mentoring program. Recent internships secured by HWS students reflect the breadth of opportunities available, with placements at Formula 1, J.P. Morgan, Lilly Pulitzer, Merkley + Partners, Special Olympics, and Yale Medical School. 95% of students are employed or in graduate school within 4 months of graduation.
Washington Monthly Names HWS #1 for Service
In April, HWS celebrated 30 years of Days of Service, a tradition of giving back to the greater Geneva community that is just one of many reasons HWS was named the #1 college in the nation for service by Washington Monthly. Supporting this culture of service, Tom Patchett ’88 established a service-learning endowment to fund Summer of Service internships, connecting students with impactful organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva, Students Outside All Summer and Geneva 2030. Beyond campus, several HWS graduates continue their dedication to service through AmeriCorps programs.
Victory for the Statesmen and Herons
The Statesmen and Herons' biggest fans made an incredible impact this year: including a $1 million gift to establish the Thomas B. Poole ’61 and Family Head Coach of Hobart Soccer and the dedication of four new rowing shells, supported by Chris Desino ’94 and Rob Desino ’94.
Hobart hockey captured its second consecutive National Championship, posting a 2-0 shutout of Trinity on the Bantams’ home ice in the title game. The run was highlighted by a 25-game unbeaten streak to end the season, including a 4-3 four-overtime victory over Curry in the NCAA tournament. In just its second varsity season, the Heron bowling team secured its first Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championship and its first trip to the NCAA tournament. The Hobart basketball team defeated St. Lawrence in front of a packed house in Bristol Gym to capture the Liberty League title and a bid to the NCAA tournament. The William Smith lacrosse team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament and advanced to the national semifinals for the second consecutive year. The winning ways continued into the fall with Hobart football winning the Liberty League title and earning a first-round bye in the NCAA tournament. In its third season, William Smith volleyball earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The William Smith soccer team earned an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament and advanced to the national championship game in Las Vegas. All of that winning resulted in numerous awards for the Herons and Statesmen, including 18 All-Americans.
