In commemoration of the William Smith Centennial, the renovated facility - located at 603 South Main Street - houses The Centennial Center for Leadership, an innovative space dedicated to enhancing leadership on campus and in the greater community. Its mission is to prepare culturally competent, global leaders with an understanding and appreciation for service and equity.
The Center was renovated and endowed as part of Campaign for the Colleges, including many gifts given, like the lead gift from Trustee Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish '82, in honor of the William Smith Centennial.
"Since William Smith College began and Hobart and William Smith became coordinate Colleges, our alumni and alumnae have pioneered in everything from English to economics to history," said Fish during the building's dedication in November 2008. "Now, as we cut the ribbon on the Centennial Center, we will become leaders among leadership programs across the United States."
"This building speaks to us," Fish said. "Its message is clear: leadership is a value that will carry from this Centennial well into the next."
The Center is the home base for HWS Leads: Minds Wide Open, a unique leadership certification program that creates an umbrella for existing leadership initiatives. Other programming at the Center includes opportunities for self-assessment of leadership skills, development of leadership theory, critical analysis and discussion of leadership experiences, experiential leadership opportunities and mentoring.
Students as well as alumni, alumnae, campus and greater community members are invited to participate in programs offered by the Center and funding for fellowships and scholarships are available.
The Centennial Center and Leadership Program also fosters the Colleges' ability to recruit, recognize and retain high-achieving students and help those students become more competitive for national fellowships, graduate school admissions and professional opportunities. The leadership programming will distinguish the Colleges and its students as they search for jobs or graduate schools.
The Centennial Center for Leadership
603 South Main Street
Geneva, NY 14456
Phone: (315) 781-4550
To learn more about the William Smith Centennial Celebration, including the dedication of the Centennial Center for Leadership, visit the Centennial Multimedia page.
