Hobart and William Smith Colleges

J. Reeve Bright ’70, P’89

During Reunion 2025, J. Reeve Bright '70, P'89 was awarded the Hobart and William Smith Trustee Community Service Award. While at HWS, Reeve was a Dean’s List student and Editor of the H book. He was also Treasurer and President of Kappa Alpha Society. He earned varsity letters in soccer, swimming and track. After HWS, he earned his J.D. at the University of Miami. Reeve went on to enjoy a long and meaningful career as an attorney and in retirement is now deeply involved in educational and nonprofit causes. Among his many leadership roles, he has served as Chairman of the Board of Hebron Academy in Maine where he is now a Deacon William Barrows Distinguished Trustee Emeritus. He also served as Chairman of the Lupus Foundation of America. A 32nd Degree Mason, Reeve is a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Delray Beach where he is recognized as a Distinguished Past President. He has contributed more than 100 gallons to the Palm Beach County Blood Bank. In 2007, Reeve was recognized by the state of Florida, the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis, the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County for his outstanding pro bono legal service, supported by the Young Lawyer’s Division of the Florida Bar.

Reeve also served as President of the KA Alumni Corporation and is a Lifetime Member of the Statesman Athletic Association. In 2012, the Colleges celebrated Reeve with the “Life of Consequence Award” which honors those who, through their life’s work, have brought honor to their alma mater and its mission to nurture students of promise to become engaged and active citizens. Reeve continues to be a champion of that mission, regularly encouraging his classmates, fellow KA members and former teammates to stay engaged with the Colleges. He and his wife Anne have attended many events and have hosted HWS leadership and alumni in Florida. In 2022, the Brights announced a $1.2 million commitment through their estate plans to establish an endowed scholarship at Hobart and William Smith for top students with financial need.

Established in 2009, the Hobart and William Smith Trustee Community Service Award honors and celebrates alumni, alumnae, parents and friends of the Colleges who lead lives of consequence.