HWS News
18 April 2026 • Alums President’s Medal Awarded to Charles ’71 and Nancy Bauder
Hobart and William Smith honors lifelong Geneva leaders during Day of Service.
President Mark D. Gearan awarded the Hobart and William Smith President’s Medal to Charles ’71 and Nancy Bauder during the annual Day of Service on Saturday, April 18, recognizing their extraordinary commitment to service and enduring impact on the Geneva community. The medal was presented at 10:30 a.m. on the Quad before nearly 300 students departed to more than 20 service sites across the region.
The President’s Medal honors individuals whose lives exemplify HWS’ values of service, equity and leadership. In presenting the award, President Gearan recognized the Bauders’ profound influence.
“Charlie and Nancy Bauder have given their time, their energy and their hearts to the Geneva community in ways that are both deeply personal and widely impactful,” Gearan says. “Their humility and generosity of spirit reflect a lifelong commitment to others. Through their leadership, compassion and integrity, they have strengthened this community and set a powerful example for our students of what it truly means to lead a life of consequence.”
The Bauders have each dedicated decades to advancing the vitality of Geneva through civic, educational and cultural leadership.
A 1971 graduate of Hobart College, Charles Bauder earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and later received a master’s degree from Brown University. Upon graduation, he took a position at the Geneva Savings Bank and held various management positions. His position at the bank led to a career defined by public service and community development. In 1986, he was one of the founders of the Geneva Business Improvement District (BID), helping to revitalize downtown Geneva. From 1992 -2006, he served as executive director of the Geneva Historical Society, now Historic Geneva. His work supported the stewardship of historic landmarks including the Geneva History Museum, Rose Hill Mansion and the Johnston House. His extensive service to the community also includes time on the Geneva City Council and leadership roles with organizations such as the Geneva City Democratic Committee, the Geneva Industrial Development Agency, the Rotary Club of Geneva, the Dove Block Project, The Linden Shop and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. In recognition of his impact, Historic Geneva presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and the BID established the Charles Bauder Award of Exceptional Service to Geneva in his honor in 2023.
Nancy Bauder has made lasting contributions to education and literacy throughout the region. A certified secondary English teacher, she completed undergraduate work at State University College - Geneseo and graduate work at Syracuse University. She was awarded a fellowship by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and is a recipient of the Harvard-Radcliffe Club Innovative Teaching Award. She taught at De Sales High School and Romulus Central School and has been a dedicated advocate for public libraries for more than five decades. She has served in numerous leadership roles with the Geneva Public Library, including board president. She also served on the Pioneer Library System Board and serves as president of the Foundation for Geneva Public Library. In recognition of her enduring service, the Geneva Public Library established the Nancy Bauder Years of Service Award.
Together, the Bauders’ contributions have been widely recognized. In June 2025, they received the Sharing the Light Award from Catholic Charities, honoring individuals across the Finger Lakes who dedicate themselves to improving their communities.
HWS’ Day of Service, where the medal was presented, is a longstanding tradition that brings together students, faculty, staff and community members in a shared commitment to civic engagement. Since its founding in 1994, the program has grown into three annual days of service held during orientation, as well as in the fall and spring.
HWS’ commitment to service continues to earn national recognition. This month, HWS was named No. 2 in the nation among small colleges on the Peace Corps’ 2026 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. HWS No. 1 in the nation for service in Washington Monthly’s College Guide and Rankings. This marks the third back-to-back No.1 ranking and ninth consecutive year that HWS has placed among the top five for service.
