These student leaders will help you transition to life at HWS. First-Year Mentors are an integral part of each First-Year Seminar. They will provide weekly tips on everything from time management strategies to studying more effectively. Your mentor also serves as a good resource for any questions you may have about life as a college student.
Ada Bastedo ’27 (she/her)
Ada Bastedo ’27 (she/her) FSEM 169: History in Your Hands: The Archaeology of Orphaned Artifacts
What course has surprised you the most? A course I took that thoroughly surprised me was Field Methods (ANTH270) with Christopher Annear. As difficult of a class as it could be at times in terms of balancing workload, it taught me a great deal about time management. We had to do a lot of our research outside of class time, and because of this I had to learn how to dedicate time to this while balancing my social life and other coursework. Additionally, learning how to do various research methods for anthropology not only taught me how to be a better and more empathetic researcher but also allowed me to develop a better connection with Geneva.
Theo Bonderenko ‘29 (he/him)
FSEM 170: Build Your Own Westeros What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One experience I believe every student should experience is sunrise at Seneca Lake. We are very lucky to have some of the best sunrises every morning!
Hailey Brennan ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 53: Living with AI: Data, Society, and Machines That Learn What has been your favorite course so far? Acting I (THTR 130) with Professor Woodworth has been my favorite course at HWS thus far! I enrolled in this course at the very last minute and was extremely nervous, given that I am not very outgoing and have never taken a theater class before. I was very surprised to have so much fun in every class while enhancing my public speaking skills and building my confidence. In this class, I was pushed out of my comfort zone just enough, and I was able to build strong peer relationships. The class that I was reluctant to attend quickly became my favorite part of the week, and it has helped me grow both personally and academically.
Ben Bush ’29 (he/him)
FSEM 168: How COVID-19 Broke the Economy (And Who Paid the Price) What course has surprised you the most? One course that surprised me the most was my Writing Seminar. It significantly improved my writing skills, something I knew I needed to work on, and it also turned out to be a fun and engaging class, becoming one of my favorites.
Emily Clark ’27 (she/her)
FSEM 174: Speak, Memory: Writing from Life What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Swimming in the lake, being on the docks! If it is nice weather the docks are the best place to enjoy the sun. It is a great place to picnic, chill with friends, and listen to music.
James Courtney ‘29 (he/him)
FSEM 161: The Spontaneous and the Ruthless The moment HWS became your home: I think HWS became my home when I realized I have friends here who will pick me up from the airport at ungodly times of day.
Anna DeWaters ‘29 (she/her)
FSEM 152: Revolutions in Modern Science What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least one? Attend a Friday night open house hosted by the Gearan’s! These dinners foster a strong sense of community that is unique to the colleges. I love these nights because they give students, like myself, an opportunity to socialize with peers in an incredibly welcoming and comfortable environment. I think this is a very valuable opportunity for all students to experience at least once during their time here at HWS!
Danie DeZart ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 18: Genocide and the Modern Age What has been your favorite course so far? My favorite course so far has been Econ 105 (Introduction to PoliticalEconomy). I’ve always been interested in both economics and politics, but taking this class really opened my eyes to how interconnected these subjects are. I learned so much that I never would’ve expected, and it’s helped shape the way I see the world.
Annie Flick ’29 (she/her)
FSEM 35: The Grouchy Grammarian: Language, Power, and Belonging Where do you find community at HWS? A group that brought me a sense of community at HWS were the group fitness classes. I’ve always enjoyed being active, and these classes gave me a fun and motivating way to stay engaged. They are a place where I feel supported and connected. It’s a space where I can be myself while doing something I truly love.
Harrison Fromberg ’29 (he/him)
FSEM 38: Religion and Film: Exploring Religion and Meaning in Film Where do you find community at HWS? Through the Hobart volleyball team. Being a part of the team has brought me a strong sense of belonging to the sport, but more importantly to HWS as a whole. I am lucky to call my teammates my family as they provide a space where I feel connected and valued, which is what community means to me.
Ela Gardiner ’27 (she/her)
FSEM 160: Matters of Memory What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? I have two (sorry!) A Hobart or William Smith Hockey game would be my first recommendation—it's just such a great environment and a fun way to spend time with fellow students. My second recommendation is the Involvement Expo! There's one at the beginning of each semester, and clubs are the best way to get involved in everything we have to offer at HWS.
Jasmine Goncalves ’27 (she/her)
FSEM 118: Latin America’s Gastronomic Boom: Cooking, Eating and Dining Out in Latin America (and beyond) What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? Fellow members of the Debate Team, and our incredible coach Danny!
Elle Gordon ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 138: Happy on Purpose What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? My CA was such a meaningful connection I made in my first year. When I went back home for break and told my friends about my CA they were all floored by the amount of involvement they have in making community at HWS. At most universities CAs are just people to text in case of an emergency but at HWS they are so much more than that. If anyone on our floor needed anything, a rant session, homework assistance, help with homesickness, or even just a Capri-Sun my CA was always ready to help.
Andrew Hanna ‘28 (he/him)
FSEM 14: Science Versus Philosophy? What has been your favorite course so far? I came into my first semester at HWS having no idea what I wanted to major in, so I took a wide array of classes. One of them was Intro to Sociology; at the time I had no clue what that word even meant. This class changed my life as far as how I see the world and how I think about the interactions I have with institutions and individuals with different backgrounds than me. Sociology has become my minor, and something I believe every student should be exposed to.
Mary Hannan ’29 (she/her)
FSEM 170: Build Your Own Westeros What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? I think that every student should, at least once, have a ‘Saga rot’. It’s when you plan on going to dinner for 45 minutes but end up sitting in the dining hall for an hour and a half because you are having such a good conversation that you lose track of time.
Ruby Hauck ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 136: Dream Home? House and Home in the Age of HGTV, Gentrification, and Environmental Change What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Day of service! It's a great way to meet new people while giving back to the community.
Cassandra Howard ’27 (she/her)
FSEM 172: Picturing Evolution: How Art and Film Capture Principles of Biological Evolution What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? Getting close to everyone at orientation as well as my dorm floor. CAs, mentors, and orientation mentors really helped me have a great experience.
Fiona Howes ’27 (she/her)
FSEM 180: Blue Planet Where do you find community at HWS? I find a new sense of community at HWS almost every day. Whether it comes from spending time with my friends, my teammates, or just the student body at the colleges in general, I feel as though there is always a sense of togetherness that spans across the entire campus.
Jade Inzinna ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 154: The Science of Us What has been your favorite course so far? My favorite HWS course I've taken so far was Creative Writing with Professor Cowles. Creative writing has always been a casual hobby of mine, and this class helped me improve my writing and develop the appropriate vocabulary and literary context to critique works of writing effectively and appropriately.
Colleen Jump ‘27 (she/her)
FSEM 155: Computer Brain: How Technology and Biology Do “Intelligence” What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One campus activity that everyone should experience at least once is attending Midnight Breakfast during finals week. It is a great place to take a break from studying and enjoy a little bit of time with your friends at the end of the semester! The atmosphere, food, and raffle prizes are energizing and, in my opinion, the perfect way to kick off finals!
Anastasia Kipshidze ‘29 (she/her)
FSEM 165: Puppet Cultures Where do you find community at HWS? At random events around campus: whether it be the pumpkin smash, a game night at the pub or an anthropology trivia night, the best places I find a sense of belonging and new friends are at the various campus events that clubs and departments host.
Pious Kusi ’29 (he/him)
FSEM 196: Bodies’ Politic What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? The Winter Wonderland event is a great time to brace the cold weather with the warmth of my friends and the HWS community. With fun activities and a lively atmosphere, it's an opportunity to create and share new long-lasting memories, and an easy way to settle into your new home at HWS.
Addison Lange ’29 (she/her)
FSEM 135: Talking with Strangers What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? A meaningful connection I made during my first year was the friends I made on my floor, Rees 2! We became very close friends throughout the year and became one big family. I know I have friendships that will last a lifetime.
Rachel Lee ’27 (she/her)
FSEM 137: Hidden Systems: How People Get around and Get Things Done The moment HWS became your home: The moment that HWS became my home was during soccer preseason of my freshman year. Although everything was new and hectic, everyone was so welcoming and immediately made me feel like I belonged here.
Camryn Limner ’29 (she/her)
FSEM 24: Podcasting America Where do you find community at HWS? Community is everywhere on campus. Whether it’s in classrooms, dorm halls, clubs, etc., the relationships made on campus is what makes HWS a home. Even just smiling and waving to people passing by helps create a sense of community.
Kylie Lundberg ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 107: Obsessed: Fandom, Identity, Power What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? During my first year at HWS I got to know Laura at the dining hall. She is always a friendly face when I scan into SAGA and brightens my day. I look forward to seeing her and chatting with her each day.
Martin MacConnell ‘29 (he/him)
FSEM 164: Encountering Difference What has been your favorite course so far? My favorite course is Economics 301 - Microeconomics. It combines theory and math, and Professor Houseworth pushes us to learn beyond surface level and engage with the heart of the material.
Maysie Malinaric ‘27 (she/her)
FSEM 193: Ghosts and Hauntings in the Americas What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Folk Fest was newly reinstated by the last student government and is such a great campus activity in the spring. I think is a great opportunity to celebrate the weather and have some fun as the semester comes to an end.
Cate McDonald ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 133: Stories That Change Us: Social Justice through Children’s Literature and Performance What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? My advisor, Mary Kelly. Transitioning to college was a big change for me socially and right from the start Mary always made me feel at home. She is always happy to meet and talk about anything and everything. Having a mentor on campus I could trust and I knew cared about me as an individual made adjusting to college and dealing with bumps in the road a lot easier. I am still so grateful to have her in my corner!
Sabrin Omar Olad ‘27 (she/her)
FSEM 150: When Life Gives You Tangerines What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One campus activity that every student should experience at least once is Winter Wonderland. It is full of surprises, great food, group photos, and so many fun things to do. It is a really memorable experience and a great way to connect with others on campus.
Nora Piddington ’29 (she/her)
FSEM 171: In Search of an Inca: Culture and Identity in the Andes Where do you find community at HWS? I found a strong sense of community within the dance community at HWS. Whether through KDC, dance courses, or the junior and senior dance projects, this community immediately welcomed me and included me in what I love to do. It has been a space where I feel supported creatively and personally, and where I’ve built meaningful relationships with people who share the same passion for movement and expression.
Joan Reichert ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 101: Science Meets Art The moment HWS became your home: HWS became my home during my first-year move-in week. A group of my future teammates asked if I wanted to run with them. We ran in the late evening just before sunset, then we all jumped in the lake together.
Lucius Ruiz-Power ‘28 (they/them)
FSEM 23: Monkeys, Morality & the Mind The moment HWS became your home: From the first moment I came to campus, HWS has felt like home. Being at HWS meant joining a warm, welcoming community that supported me and wanted to see me succeed. All around me was engaging faculty and excited peers ready to begin my college journey with me, and I’ve always felt a connection to this school that made it clear I was meant to be here.
Lark Sallade ’29 (she/her)
FSEM 62: Game-Changers What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? A campus activity I think everyone should attend is the Kinetic Dance Company at the Smith Opera House downtown. I had never thought of myself as someone who enjoys dance competition, but this is a must-do during your time at HWS. There was so much talent and laughter during these performances; I was blown away by the diverse skills and dance genres from students with all kinds of interests on campus.
Effie Shea ’27 (she/her)
FSEM 167: Dreams and Art: A Jungian Interpretation of the Unconscious Where do you find community at HWS? I mostly find community during late nights on the arts campus. A large number of my friends are people that I've taken intro studio art classes with, these classes are generally full of people from a wide range of majors and years and late nights spent doing art homework are generally full of hilarity and material mishaps. There is always someone available to help give an opinion, tell you where supplies are, (hold a canvas dressed in a trash bag prepared to get splattered with paint), or even make the trek back to the main campus to get dinner before the dining hall closes. I would definitely recommend taking classes on the arts campus, it’s in my very biased opinion, where to find some of the nicest people on campus.
Tyler Snyder ’29 (he/him)
FSEM 15: Stealing Art, Saving Art What has been your favorite course so far? My favorite course so far at HWS has been my Critical Museum Studies class in collection management (CMST 220). This technical art history/museum management class has given hands-on experience and relevant industry knowledge at a very high level. Although I was a freshman, I was receiving an education in the field that I know I want to pursue as a career at a level that my mentors described at upper-level graduate schoolwork. Through real practices and comprehensive lectures, I have prepared myself for career work way earlier than I ever thought I would.
Drema Sonam ’29 (she/her)
FSEM 163: Screen Time What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One campus activity every student should experience at least once is attending a sports game. Whether it’s hockey, lacrosse, soccer, football, or squash, showing up with your friends and school spirit to support the William Smith Herons or Hobart Statesmen is an unforgettable experience. The energy of the crowd, the excitement of the game, and the sense of community make it a really fun way to connect with campus life.
Anna Sukhlall ’28 (she/her)
FSEM 159: Pawprints! All Things Dogs What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? A meaningful connection I made during my first year was meeting my closest friend, Hazel, in our FSEM. Although we came from different backgrounds and interests, the class allowed us to connect with each other, hang out and we soon found that one of the things we bonded the most over was watching Disney movies! This friendship helped me matriculate into college and fit just right here at HWS.
Lily Wittgraefe ’29 (she/her)
FSEM 138: Happy on Purpose What has been your favorite course so far? My favorite course so far was my FSEM with Professor Shelle Basilio during my first semester. The class made my transition to college so much smoother. It was engaging, supportive, and overall, one of the most enjoyable classes I've taken so far at HWS. The community I found in that class became one of the main reasons I decided to become an FSEM mentor myself!
2026-27 Athletic Study Mentors
Athletic Study Mentors are student athletes who work with their first-year teammates to develop learning and time management strategies, in addition to helping them transition to college life. If you are a first-year varsity athlete, your Athletic Study Mentor will support you through workshops and one-on-one meetings and is a great resource for all your questions about life at HWS. Athletic Study Mentors are here to support from the moment you enroll through your first year.
EMILY CAIN '27 (she/her)
HWS Alpine Ski Major: Economics What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Attending the President's Open House. President Mark Gearan and his wife Mary Gearan host students every Friday evening, and it's a great place to meet new people and enjoy delicious food!
CHRIS LOCKWOOD '27 (he/him)
Hobart Baseball Major: Economics Where do you go for advice on campus? Older teammates or captains!
JUSTIN PRICE ‘28 (he/him)
Hobart Basketball Major: Economics What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The biggest difference between being a student athlete in high school and college is probably the physical and mental toll that playing in college has. Mentally you might be upset that you aren’t playing or physically tired and want to skip class but since there is no one making you go to class, you must push past that fatigue and stay on course with your academics.
MIRANDA MARTIN ‘27 (she/her)
William Smith Basketball Majors: Economics, Business Management & Entrepreneurship What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? I think one campus activity that every student should go to is the Involvement Expo on the quad. I know life as a student-athlete can be very busy, but I think exploring other outlets and things of interest is super useful.
COLLEEN JUMP '27 (she/her)
William Smith Bowling Majors: Mathematics, Music What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? One of the biggest differences between being a student-athlete in high school compared to college is the amount of planning you must do to make sure you get all your homework done while also making sure you make practices and lift. Your professors aren’t going to pester you until you get your work done so you have to make sure you plan out when you are going to do certain things so that you are able to compete at the highest level while also performing your best academically.
MEGAN INGRAHAM ‘28 (she/her)
HWS Cross Country Majors: English and Creative Writing, Spanish Where do you go for advice on campus? HWS has an incredible network of resources to help with any problem that may arise. When I need advice, I start with a trusted friend or ask a professor that I have developed a connection with, and I always ask my Coach for his outlook on my question as well. An example of a time I needed advice was when I was deciding where to apply to study abroad. I narrowed down my choices and looked at which programs best fit my academic and personal interests. I talked with teammates that studied abroad to hear their experiences, and I also met with my professor and advisor to plan which program would help me to complete my majors and what opportunities would be available. I also met with my coach to discuss running while abroad, and we were able to share a conversation about how running can help you learn about a new place as well as looking at how a program would help my academics, not just my athletics.
GRACE MCCORMICK '28 (she/her)
William Smith Field Hockey Major: Psychology What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college was not only skill level but also expectations of responsibility and commitment. High school athletics, especially at my high school, were much more casual and low stakes. In college, I was introduced to a much more competitive environment that required much more time commitment to the sport. I also had to adjust to the greater degree of independence and accountability that came with college athletics. Unlike in high school, I had to manage my own time and responsibilities while balancing athletics and academics.
MATT HULIEV '28 (he/him)
Hobart Football Majors: Business Management & Entrepreneurship Where do you go for advice on campus? When I'm looking for advice, I go to older students who are on a similar path as me. There's no one better to learn from than someone who has already done the things you are doing. That goes for classes, athletics and just life in general.
TIMOTHY MCKEEVER '27 (he/him)
Hobart Football Majors: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, History What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? Being an athlete in college is like a job and it isn’t fun 100 percent of the time like it was in high school. You sacrifice a lot of down time for your sport. It also forces you to be very proactive with time management. In high school it’s an extracurricular after school, the grind never stops in college.
TRU STYLES '27 (he/him)
Hobart Football Major: Economics What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? A senior teammate on my team who was also my locker neighbor was a great connection that helped me out a lot through my first year and still to this day.
RYAN VAN TASSEL ‘28 (he/him)
Hobart Football Majors: Physics, Business Management What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? A meaningful connection I made in my first year was with my advisor. Showing up and participating in my FSEM allowed me to create a great relationship with the professor who would help me navigate my college classes.
GEORGE GLEASON ‘27 (he/him)
Hobart and William Smith Golf Majors: Economics What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One activity that every student should experience at least once is watching the sun rise by the lake. One of the best parts about HWS is being on Seneca Lake, and the view we have is unmatched.
MIA IWICKI ‘27 (she/her)
William Smith Ice Hockey Majors: Mathematics, Physics What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Day of Service: it’s an opportunity to step outside of campus and make a meaningful impact in the Geneva community while working alongside your teammates or peers. Each year, we take on different projects, like clearing fallen trees and debris from the aqueduct walking path, cleaning up trash at a local baseball field that hosts a league for children with disabilities, and even helping hang signs to make the space more welcoming. Another time, we worked at the Seneca Yacht Club, cutting back overgrown trees and bushes to help create a safer, more open beach area for children to enjoy. These experiences are incredibly rewarding because you can see the immediate impact of your work while building stronger connections with your team. It’s a reminder that being a student-athlete is about more than just your sport; it’s also about giving back and being part of something bigger than yourself.
DAN CANO ‘28 (he/him)
Hobart Lacrosse Major: Economics What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One campus activity I think every student should experience is Folk Fest. It’s a great event that allows students to come together and enjoy the campus and hear live music!
MEREDITH MONTGOMERY ‘27 (she/her)
William Smith Lacrosse Majors: International Relations, French and Francophone Studies What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The commitment level. Being a college athlete means showing up with your 100% no matter what. Attendance and high energy are non-negotiable. You have lift, film, scout, long practices, recovery, meetings with sports psychologists…etc. It’s worth it (!!), but you need to be all in.
JAMES FAULKNER ‘28 (he/him)
Hobart Rowing Major: Geoscience and Environmental Studies What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Spending a day with your buddies swimming in the lake. It's such a beautiful body of water, especially in early Fall and late Spring.
LEAH WIEBE ‘27 (she/her)
William Smith Rowing Major: Biochemistry Where do you go for advice on campus? For academic advice (and life advice!) I go to my favorite professors. They are always ready and excited to engage in conversation about absolutely any topic and embark on random tangents. For peer advice, I’ll ask my older teammates or classmates in my major. For athletic advice, team captains are always receptive and responsive, as are the coaches.
ELLA DONALDSON ‘27 (she/her)
Hobart and William Smith Sailing Majors: Geoscience and Environmental Studies What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? A meaningful connection I made my first year was with my own Athletic Study Mentor, Heather. She was a senior on the team and was in the middle of a research project that really interested me. I was able to talk to her, and she connected me with professors in my department of interest, and it was great to have a role model who was succeeding in what I wanted to pursue!
MAX KOCZAN '27 (he/him)
Hobart Soccer Major: Political Science Where do you go for advice on campus? My teammates!
Ellie Teerlinck '28 (she/her)
William Smith Soccer Major: Politics What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The necessity to schedule and manage your time. Staying on top of your workload and team commitments while still finding time to take care of yourself is a difficult balance!
DANIE DEZART ‘28 (she/her)
Hobart and William Smith Squash Major: Economics What is your favorite course so far? My favorite course so far has been Econ 105 (Introduction to Political Economy). I’ve always been interested in both economics and politics, but taking this class really opened my eyes to how interconnected these subjects are. I learned so much that I never would’ve expected, and it’s helped shape the way I see the world.
EMMA HAHER '27 (she/her)
Hobart and William Smith Swimming & Diving Major: Economics What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? It's much tougher to balance academics and athletics in college, and the expectations of you from coaches and teammates are often a lot higher. Time management and making sure you're making time for recovery outside of practices is very important.
MACKENZIE MORUS '27 (she/her)
Hobart and William Smith Swimming & Diving Majors: Education, Psychology Where do you go for advice on campus? I get almost all my advice from my peers, like my roommate and friends, but especially my upperclassmen teammates. I go for advice about things ranging from social life to what my class schedule should look like to best help me balance swim, class, and work. Learning from their experiences helps me in and out of the pool and classroom.
BETHANY WALKER ‘28 (she/her)
Hobart and William Smith Tennis Majors: Mathematics, Economics What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The biggest difference is the level of independence and time management. In college, no one is structuring your entire day for you, so you must balance many competing priorities. The commitment is more intense, but it’s really rewarding because everyone around you is just as dedicated and passionate!
ZACK FARREN '27 (he/him)
Hobart Volleyball Majors: Mathematics, Physics What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? My physics professor, Professor Spector helped me get a better grasp of what I was doing and where I was planning on going with my academic career.
DELAINY WILLIAMS ‘28 (she/her)
William Smith Volleyball Major: Politics What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? AThe Pitch! I think it’s so cool to see a Shark Tank style competition on a campus with real money and real businesses involved. I always walk away inspired by my peers and the hard work they did to get to that stage!
