Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Unrestricted, Unlimited:

Karofsky’s $1M Boost

Rob ’89 and Ann Karofsky have made a $1 million unrestricted gift to Hobart and William Smith. Their generous commitment will be directed toward the Fish Center for the Sciences, supporting a key priority of Further Together: the Campaign for our Third Century.

by Natalia St. Lawrence '16

“We are deeply grateful to Rob and Ann,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “An unrestricted gift of this magnitude allows us to invest in areas of greatest need and opportunity. By directing the gift to the sciences, we will further enhance the sophistication of our science curriculum and expand research opportunities for students and faculty.”

The Karofskys’ decision to make their gift unrestricted reflects their confidence in HWS’ vision. “We wanted President Gearan to be able to use the funds to make the greatest and most immediate impact,” Rob says. Ann adds, “Hobart and William Smith is providing so much to their students. When I think of HWS’ potential, I believe our gift can make a great difference here.”

When Rob learned the funds would go toward advancing science education, he was enthusiastic. “It’s important for us to have a world-class science center matching our extraordinary faculty who prepare our students for careers in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence and addressing the pressing environmental challenges we face globally.” As President of UBS Americas and Co President of Global Wealth Management, Rob has seen firsthand how these fields are transforming industries.

HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH IS PROVIDING SO MUCH TO THEIR STUDENTS. WHEN I THINK OF HWS’ POTENTIAL, I BELIEVE OUR GIFT CAN MAKE A GREAT DIFFERENCE HERE. - ANN KAROFSKY

“I’ve always admired the liberal arts for teaching critical thinking and communication,” he explains. “With a new integrated science center, students will gain expertise in emerging fields while building on these foundational skills.”

Rob has remained closely connected to HWS since graduation, from friendships with his Sigma Chi fraternity brothers to his respect for Professor Emeritus Patrick McGuire L.H.D. ’12. His gratitude to McGuire inspired a major contribution to the Patrick A. and Sandy A. McGuire Study Abroad Fund, honoring the profound impact they’ve had on HWS.

The Karofskys’ bond with HWS deepened after a recent campus visit. Ann was struck by the warmth of the community, and Rob was impressed by the students’ passion and intellectual inquiry. While on campus, Rob headlined a President’s Forum with Gearan on the future of finance and attended classes, engaging with students who left a lasting impression.

“I could not have been more impressed with the students we met and their level of preparation, curiosity and passion,” Rob says.