Hobart and William Smith Colleges

7 November 2025 • Alums HWS Launches the Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership

From the classroom to the boardroom, the Melly Institute guarantees every HWS student hands-on experience, mentorship and a path to success.

Hobart and William Smith has announced the creation of the Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership, a bold new initiative made possible through a historic $70 million gift from L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 and Judith Melly L.H.D. ’16.

Building on HWS’ nationally ranked #10 Career Services and #10 Alumni Network, the Melly Institute redefines career preparation by combining cutting-edge skills training, hands-on experience, and personalized mentorship – all firmly rooted in HWS’ tradition of liberal arts and sciences.

“The Melly Institute represents a transformative investment in the future of Hobart and William Smith and our students,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “We are profoundly grateful to Tom and Judy Melly for their extraordinary generosity, vision and belief in the power of higher education to change lives. Their gift ensures that every student will graduate not just with a degree, but with the skills, confidence and connections to lead and thrive in any field.”

Learn more about the Melly Institute with HWS Trustee and former J.P. Morgan Chase Global Chairman of Investment Banking Eric Stein ’89. 

A Unified, Future-Focused Approach to Student Success

The Melly Institute brings together three of HWS’ most powerful centers – the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education, the Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Centennial Center for Leadership – into a single coordinated hub for professional readiness.

Designed to complement all majors, including the recently added Business Management and Entrepreneurship degree, the Institute will serve students across disciplines, ensuring that every HWS graduate is ready to compete – and lead – in a rapidly evolving global economy.

What Sets the Melly Institute Apart

“What makes the Melly Institute truly distinctive is its comprehensive, student-centered approach powered by extraordinary resources resulting in amplified outcomes,” says Chief of Staff and Senior Philanthropic Advisor Bob O’Connor P’22, P’23, who is overseeing the establishment of the Melly Institute. “Beginning in their first year, students receive concierge-level career advising from HWS’ nationally ranked team. They’ll work with dedicated career coaches creating a playbook for our students on everything from résumés and interviews to graduate school applications and job placement – and they’ll do so with the support of a community that includes alumni, faculty and peer mentors.”

Every student at HWS will have access to a guaranteed internship, giving them the real-world experience that employers value most. In addition, they’ll gain in-demand skills – such as artificial intelligence, coding, financial modeling and digital leadership – taught by industry experts and validated through professional credentials and digital badges. These verified, shareable credentials serve as official recognition of a student’s mastery in key professional areas. Digital badges can be displayed on LinkedIn, résumés and portfolios, signaling to employers the specific competencies and tools each student has mastered. Together, these stackable micro-credentials build a powerful, career-ready portfolio that grows with each experience at HWS.

Students will also benefit from direct access to leaders in their fields. Through alumni and parent mentorship, Experts-in-Residence, and off-campus Career Treks to major cities and companies, the Melly Institute connects HWS students to a global network of professionals who are eager to guide the next generation.

An important building block to the Melly Institute’s success is the buildout and resourcing of student led pre-professional clubs focused on industries like Finance, Marketing and Advertising, Investment Management, Sports Management, Real Estate and Design, Women in Business and Artificial Intelligence – each supported by faculty, staff and alumni mentors.

A Legacy of Impact

The Melly Institute continues a remarkable tradition of philanthropy and leadership by Tom and Judy Melly. In addition to establishing the Institute, their generosity also supports the Melly Scholarship – HWS’ most prestigious merit award – which recognizes 15–20 students each year who demonstrate tenacity, purpose and leadership potential. Melly Scholars receive $46,000 annually, totaling $184,000 over four years, and participate in mentoring and development opportunities through the Institute.

Preparing Student for a Life of Consequence

At its core, the Melly Institute embodies the HWS promise: to graduate students who are ready not only to succeed – but to lead. Combining a liberal arts foundation with professional preparation, the Institute ensures that HWS graduates enter the workforce or graduate school with unmatched experience, credentials and a lifelong network of mentors and peers.

“The Melly Institute is not just about preparing students for their first job – it’s about preparing them for their future – for a life of consequence,” says Gearan. “It will empower generations of HWS graduates to approach their careers with confidence, creativity and a deep sense of purpose.”