HWS News
15 October 2025 HWS Launches Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership with $70M Gift
A guarantee to turn degrees into outcomes.
Hobart and William Smith has launched the Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership, a comprehensive new initiative designed to fast-track students into meaningful careers through guaranteed internships, high-demand skills training and one-on-one mentoring beginning in their first year.
Learn more at The Melly Institute for Business Innovation and Leadership
The Institute is funded by a $70 million gift from L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 and Judith Hershey Melly L.H.D. ’16, one of the largest in HWS history.
Leveraging HWS’ Top 10-ranked Career Services and Alumni Network, the Melly Institute integrates three existing strengths — the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education; the Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship; and the Centennial Center for Leadership — into one coordinated, career-focused hub accessible to all majors.
“The Melly Institute redefines what a liberal arts and sciences education can be,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “It’s not just about landing that first job, it’s about launching leaders who can adapt, innovate and make an impact over a lifetime.”
Through the Institute, students will gain personalized career advising and peer mentorship; a guaranteed internship; training in AI, coding, financial modeling and digital leadership; access to alumni and industry leaders through on-campus residencies and career treks; and a network of pre-professional clubs in finance, marketing, real estate, AI and more.
Designed for students across every academic path ranging from economics and environmental science to psychology and philosophy, the Melly Institute complements all majors, including HWS’ new Business Management and Entrepreneurship degree. Faculty members serve not only as academic experts but as hands-on mentors with a strong track record of helping students launch successful careers in business, analytics, engineering, marketing and more.
The Melly Scholarship, also funded by the Melly family, remains HWS’ most prestigious merit award, providing $46,000 annually to 15–20 high-achieving students who join a mentorship cohort within the Institute.
