melly

HWS News

18 September 2025 HWS Launches Prestigious Melly Scholarship to Empower Future Changemakers

Scholarship Honors Legacy of Tom Melly ’52 with $46,000 Annual Merit Award and Transformative Opportunities.

Hobart and William Smith has launched the Melly Scholarship, the institution’s most prestigious award, created to honor the life and legacy of Trustee Chair Emeritus L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02, one of HWS’ most distinguished graduates. Each year, 15–20 incoming students will be named Melly Scholars, earning $46,000 annually in merit aid, guaranteed for all four years provided they remain in good academic and social standing.

Trustee Chair Emeritus L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 and Judith Hershey Melly L.H.D. ’16. Learn about their $70 million gift, the largest in HWS history.

More than a scholarship, the Melly cohort opportunity is designed as a launchpad for students with entrepreneurial mindsets and interests in finance, economics, business, AI, technology, mathematics or computer science. Through personalized mentoring, global experiences and exclusive programming, Melly Scholars will join a dynamic community of leaders and innovators shaping the future.

“Tom Melly embodied the very best of Hobart and William Smith displayed through his ambition, resilience, intellectual curiosity and a lifelong commitment to service,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “Thanks to the vision and generosity of Tom and Judy Melly, this scholarship not only provides transformative financial support, but also creates unparalleled opportunities for students to lead with integrity and purpose. Melly Scholars will carry Tom’s legacy forward as changemakers in their communities and across the globe.”

The Melly Scholarship offers:

  • The Melly Scholars Cohort: A fellowship led by the Executive Director of the Melly Institute, featuring leadership training, distinguished guest speakers and career-aligned experiences, including Career Treks to New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.
  • Professional Coaching and Mentorship: Dedicated career counseling beginning the summer before the first year and one-on-one mentorship with accomplished HWS alumni.
  • Guaranteed Global Experience: Every scholar is guaranteed a study abroad experience provided they meet the standards set by HWS’ Center for Global Education.
  • Exclusive Engagement Series: Small gatherings with faculty, community leaders and visiting speakers.
  • Technology Package: A laptop and specialized software tailored to each student’s academic pursuits.

Melly Scholars will be selected based on academic achievement, innovation and initiative, leadership and service, global engagement and clarity of purpose. Applicants must submit a 500–750-word essay describing a time they identified a need and took initiative to address it. Strong preference will be given to students applying Early Decision or Early Action. Finalists will be invited to an on-campus or virtual interview.

For more information about the Melly Scholarship including details on how to apply, visit The Melly Scholarship.