Lives of Consequence
William G. Hosking '47, P'74
Professor of Economics
Professor, scholar and community leader, William G. Hosking is remembered for his service and compassion. A life-long resident of Geneva, Hosking graduated from Hobart College in 1947 and went on to earn his M.S and Ph.D. from Cornell University.
A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Hosking returned to Hobart and William Smith as an instructor in 1948, eventually becoming a professor of economics. He remained at the Colleges for nearly 25 years, serving as the chair of the department and as president of the New York State Economics Association. He served as chair of the zoning board of appeals, city councilman-at-large and then as mayor of Geneva, consistently encouraging citizen involvement and inter-governmental cooperation.
Hosking's broad interests were reflected in service as vice president and trustee of the Geneva Savings Bank, a trustee of the Geneva Free Library Board, a labor relations consultant for Cornell University, a life member of the Nester Hose Fire Company, a member of the Geneva Rod and Gun Club, and active communicant of St. Stephen's Church.
Following his passing in October 1974, a special tribute was read to the Geneva City Council, "As a distinguished professor of economics at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, he earned the confidence and respect of colleagues and students and deservedly functioned in a strong leadership role. And as an involved, responsible citizen, he demonstrated great pride and loyalty to our City, giving of his time and talents to varied programs designed for community improvement while ever fostering closer relationships between 'town and gown.'"
Former Colleges' President Allan Kuusisto P'78, P'81, L.H.D.'82 wrote at the time of Hosking's death: "Hobart and William Smith Colleges have lost one of their most respected senior faculty members ... Bill was one of the most popular faculty members with students and alumni and alumnae and was a dedicated community leader as well."
In 1976, the Colleges dedicated the Hosking Room in the Warren Hunting Smith Library, portrait of Hosking by Eda Hirshon, wife of the Colleges' former President Louis Hirshon, hangs in the reading lounge. In 2008, the Alumni and Alumnae Associations awarded Hosking with the Distinguished Faculty Award.
Hosking's wife, Mary, former director of William Smith Athletics and a founding member of the Heron Society, also served the Colleges - as a professor, coach, and administrator - for more than 20 years. She established the Hosking Award in honor of her family's service to Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The award recognizes distinguished former student-athletes for outstanding lifetime achievement in their chosen field of work.