HWS News
23 October 2024 • Alums • Service HWS Graduates Serve with AmeriCorps By Fiona Gallagher '26
Hobart and William Smith recent graduates serve with AmeriCorps, making a lasting impact on communities.
Several recent Hobart and William Smith graduates have chosen to begin their post-college journeys by serving with various AmeriCorps programs. AmeriCorps’ mission is to provide support to those in need through service, offering individuals the opportunity to contribute to something larger than themselves while making a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Many of HWS’ AmeriCorps volunteers credit the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning for sparking their interest in AmeriCorps and helping them through the application process.
Olive McCall ’24
Pre-College Advisor, AmeriCorps VISTA at Finger Lakes Community College in Geneva
Major: Biology
Minor: Philosophy
“I wanted to join AmeriCorps to make an impact in the Geneva community, while also gaining professional experience. Specifically for my program, I wanted to be a resource for those who don’t know where to turn when it comes to various paths after high school in order to make it easier for them to succeed and find a career, or to pursue higher education, that they are passionate about.”
Samantha Quinones ’24
Literacy Lead, Reading Partners AmeriCorps Program, New York City
Major: Psychology
Minor: Child Advocacy
“AmeriCorps offers a range of benefits that can help me even while figuring out my next steps in life. Working in New York City and helping young children succeed in any way possible is what I'm passionate about. I am giving back to my community in some way.”
Basil Snyder ’23
Economic Opportunities VISTA for Blueprint Geneva, AmeriCorps PCCE
Major(s): Greek and Roman Studies & Gender, Sexuality, and Intersectional Justice
“AmeriCorps has a lot of the same values and goals as I do. They work in communities to combat inequity, poverty and more. I don't believe I would feel fulfilled at a job that didn't have a focus on community service and uplifting others, so when I learned about AmeriCorps I was delighted to apply and be accepted.”
Maeve Reilly ’23
Associate, Blueprint Geneva VISTA
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: Sustainable Community Development
“AmeriCorps, and specifically BluePrint, has given me the rare opportunity to love what I do, working with many demographics, including high school students, college students, post-grad Geneva locals, gardeners, business owners, soil scientists and more! Plus, I get to live in Geneva, which is where I will likely end up staying!”
Emilie Waters ’24
Healthcare Professions Pipeline Coordinator, Health Education Center, Norwich, CT, AmeriCorps
Major: Sociology
Minor: Data Analytics and Health Care Profession
“I originally learned about AmeriCorps through the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning. National or international service has always been something I was interested in doing postgrad. As I figured out more and more what I was interested in doing long term, AmeriCorps and the opportunity at the Health Education Center became a really good fit.”
Top: Maeve Reilly '23, Olive McCall '24 and Basil Snyder '23.
