Hobart and William Smith Colleges

2 October 2024 • Alums HWS Forever and Ever

Introducing HWS Forever, a Class of 2025 initiative to encourage engagement with HWS after graduation.

HWS Forever, led by co-chairs Claire Elizabeth Malone Heaney ’25 and Taha Ehaddad ’25, is designed to encourage students to think about how they will remain engaged with their alma mater after graduation – and to prepare students for the transition from student to alumnus. 

HWS has had a senior giving program for many years. HWS Forever is a new generation’s approach on the initiative, with an emphasis on service to the broader Geneva community and connectivity.

To participate, students complete several “Bucket List” items before graduation, including:

• Participate in Day of Service and/or make a gift of any amount to a priority area of your choice. Gifts of $20.25 are encouraged to celebrate student's class year.
• Update contact information with the Office of Advancement.
• Follow @hwscolleges on social media.

“HWS Forever is important because it not only guarantees the senior class an exciting year, but it will bring everyone closer together and closer to HWS,” Heaney says. “Taha and I, and all of our volunteers, want to educate everyone on how to be an alumni and how important those connections are.”

“As an international student from Morocco, I had no idea what to expect when I came to HWS,” Ehaddad says. “I am graduating in a couple of months, and I will miss this place very much. HWS Forever is my way to give back to HWS. Our goal is to give the Class of 2025 a memorable experience and a joyful last year of college.”

During the kickoff event for HWS Forever, which was held on the back patio of the Office of Advancement, Vice President and Senior Philanthropic Advisor Bob O’Connor P’22, P’23 led a champagne toast.

“When you graduate in eight months, you will have an enormous Alumni Network that you’re going to fall into. Jump into it. Get engaged,” O’Connor said. During his remarks, he encouraged students to make appointments at the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education and begin networking with alumni in their chosen field.

The HWS Forever volunteer committee members include: Janeciah Cunningham ’25, Leah Foster ’25, Kevin Frost ’25, Aiden Greiff ’25, Colby Guyer ’25, Angie Hernandez ’25, Peace Kiponda ’25, Emma McKenna ’25, Carter Meshanic ’25, Ryan Pero ’25, Marjorie Plants ’25, Jake Romney ’26, Mackenzie Walton ’25 and Brook Wood ’25.

“Building connections with the Advancement Office as seniors is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with HWS," says HWS Forever’s staff mentor, Executive Director of Annual and Athletic Giving Dulcie Meyer. “Many seniors have not heard of the Advancement Office, so getting to know us and how we serve the alumni population is helpful. We aim for HWS Forever to become a new tradition for the senior class, which will keep recent graduates more connected and engaged after graduation.”

Follow HWS Forever on Instagram to learn more about upcoming events for the senior class.