Hobart and William Smith Colleges

11 April 2024 • Alums Historic Philanthropy Launches Campaign to Transform HWS

$100M in donations accelerates the launch of “Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century.”

President Mark D. Gearan today announced the launch of a $400 million campaign in support of the future of Hobart and William Smith Colleges following $100 million in recent gifts including the two largest donations in HWS history.

This announcement comes after a gathering in the fall of 2023 when Gearan outlined his vision for HWS and a small group of graduates and parents joined together to collectively contribute $100 million. In light of this unprecedented philanthropy, Hobart and William Smith has accelerated the public launch of its capital campaign with a goal that is double what was raised in HWS’ last campaign.

“Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century” supports Academic Excellence, Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Student Experience, and Annual Support. To date, $206 million of the overall $400 million goal has been raised.

“I am deeply grateful to our alumni and friends who have made Hobart and William Smith a philanthropic priority,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “This historic support is a testament to the resolve of our community and to the quality of the education we provide. Nothing is more important than the education of young people – and our liberal arts and sciences curriculum is the best preparation for their future. Our world needs more HWS graduates and this philanthropy and the campaign will make that happen.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees Craig R. Stine ’81, P’17 says: “This is a generational moment for Hobart and William Smith, one that will require all of us to step forward to make a difference. I am so thankful to those who have answered the call and appreciative of their extraordinary generosity that is transforming lives. We are building a new future for HWS, one that is united in support of our students to lead across all sectors of our increasingly complex world.”

Academic Excellence

HWS is committed to strengthening its leadership in academics, particularly in the sciences. This capital campaign is an opportunity to amplify and enhance the critical work of teaching, learning and research that will prepare students to make a positive difference in the world.

Our vision:

• Construct a state-of-the-art integrated science center providing the physical facilities that allow for collaborations across disciplines and showcase the sophistication of our science curriculum.
• Create additional endowed professorships to recognize the exceptional teaching and research of our faculty, increasing opportunities and resources for scholarship and academic initiatives.
• Significantly increase Summer Research opportunities, so our students can work side-by-side with faculty and learn to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

An important priority of the campaign is to support student scholarships and financial aid. Our vision is to attract and educate students of character and potential, and to meet their talents and abilities with financial aid that allows them to graduate without the kind of debt that influences life decisions. With an ambitious goal, we will be able to meet students where they are and distribute funds in response to each family’s unique situation.

Student Experience

As we prepare students to lead lives of consequence, we must empower them to become self-reflective global citizens by providing co-curricular learning opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth, skill development and individual wellness in an environment that respects and values difference.

Our vision:

• Design innovative and unique residential experiences that draw meaningful connections between academics and co-curricular living, promote community engagement and pride, and cultivate intercultural competence and holistic development.
• Create a holistic, nurturing environment that supports students in their personal and academic journeys by addressing not just physical health but also emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being.
• Building on nearly two decades of leadership in career services, evaluate, create and implement a set of forward-leaning recommendations that will make certain the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education is the best of its kind in the nation.
• Continue to advance our commitment to distinctive programming in global education by enhancing our global footprint through new programs around the world, innovative short-term programs during January and in the summer, and pre-departure and post-abroad initiatives unique to HWS.
• Building on a legacy of success and a recent expansion of athletic programs, invest in wellness and athletic facilities, staff and programming that match the ambitions of our coaches and student athletes, and that inspire pride and school spirit.

Annual Giving

Hobart and William Smith’s Annual Fund is the lifeblood of the college experience, supporting everything from academics and athletics to internships and scholarships. While support of the Annual Fund can be budget-relieving, the real power lies in its ability to extend beyond the budget to allow HWS to offer our students competitive enhancements and experiences. Annual gifts allow leadership to apply funds to the areas of greatest need – and, indeed, the greatest opportunity.