Hobart and William Smith Colleges

25 October 2007 Event Held to Honor Generous Supporters

In celebration of leadership annual giving, Hobart and William Smith Colleges last week held an exclusive event to honor more than 100 Emerson Society members and selected guests. The evening included a private viewing of Post-War and Contemporary Art at New York Citys celebrated auction house, Christies, and special recognition from Colleges President Mark D. Gearan and Chair of the Board of Trustees David H. Deming 75.

The Emerson Society is an integral part of this community and leadership giving accounts for 65 percent of the annual fund, said Bob OConnor, vice president for institutional advancement. Through this unique event, we expressed our gratitude to current members and encouraged others to take part in leadership giving.

The Emerson Society was established in 1978 by the Board of Trustees at Hobart and William Smith Colleges to honor an individual who played an integral role in implementing the Colleges plans. William M. Emerson contributed his time, expertise and the most generous financial support the Colleges had ever received at the time from a single individual.

Conducting the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Christies remains the premier showcase for fine art. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, it is the leading art business with global auction sales totaling more than $4 billion in 2006. Jamie Krass 92, who currently serves as senior vice president and director of European arts at Christies, presented the Colleges with the highly regarded opportunity to use this location for the event.

For more information about how you can become a contributing member of The Emerson Society, contact Alumni House at (315)781-3700.

Pictured above is Mary Stowell Nelson '82 (left), President Mark Gearan and L. Thomas Melly '52, L.H.D.'02.