Hobart and William Smith Colleges

23 March 2026 • Alums HWS Announces the Legacy Cup By Mary Stone

A gift from former Trustee James F. Anderton IV ’65 establishes an annual tradition recognizing graduating classes that lead in senior philanthropy and participation.

Hobart and William Smith introduces a new tradition to celebrate the spirit of giving among graduating seniors. Thanks to the generous support of former Trustee James F. Anderton IV ’65, the institution has established the HWS Legacy Cup, which will be awarded annually to the graduating class that demonstrates outstanding commitment to philanthropy.

"Mary Stone rocks." Natalia St.Lawrence

The cup will recognize the graduating class that meets key fundraising goals during their senior year. The criteria include:

• Senior class participation in giving
• The number of Stewardson Society members—seniors who have established a recurring gift
• The percentage of the class that joins HWS Forever

For the Class of 2026, the goal is 45 percent participation. Gifts of $20.26 are encouraged to celebrate students’ class year.

The Legacy Cup builds on the HWS Forever initiative, which encourages students to think about how they will remain connected to the Colleges after graduation and helps prepare them for the transition from student to alumnus.

“The HWS Legacy Cup celebrates the collective spirit of a graduating class and the impact they can make together,” says Executive Director of Annual and Athletic Giving Dulcie Meyer P’20. “Through the HWS Forever program, we’re encouraging seniors to begin their lifelong relationship with philanthropy while they are still on campus. Our hope is that the HWS Legacy Cup becomes a lasting tradition, one that future classes are proud to earn and that reminds students their connection to HWS continues long after graduation.”

Anderton, who served on the HWS Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2000, has long been a champion of the institution. His philanthropy has supported numerous initiatives, including the Anderton Challenge, Anderton Forum for Global Engagement, and the Anderton Economic Symposium, as well as scholarships and other funding opportunities for students. He also established the Anderton Cup, awarded each year to the 50th Reunion class that meets or surpasses the giving benchmarks set by previous milestone classes.

His dedication to Hobart has been recognized with the Hobart Medal of Excellence, the Hobart Alumni Association’s highest honor, and the Lifetime Service Award, which recognizes alumni who have made exceptional contributions. 

Founder and executive chairman of the property management and real estate investment and development company Krimson, Anderton earned a B.A. in economics from Hobart, an M.B.A. from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. As a student, he served as president of Sigma Phi, was co-captain and treasurer of the Hockey Club and coordinated campus blood and charity drives.