HWS News
23 December 2025 Highlights from 2025
2025 was defined by momentum. From historic philanthropy and research breakthroughs to student life and championship athletics, check out the highlights that made 2025 a year to remember.
The Largest Gift in HWS History
2025 brought a defining institutional moment with the announcement of a historic $70 million gift from Trustee Chair Emeritus L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 and Judith Hershey Melly L.H.D. ’16 – the largest gift in HWS history. This transformative investment is advancing student access and affordability, strengthening academic excellence and prioritizing career preparation through the launch of the Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership. The Institute guarantees students hands-on experience, personalized coaching, a paid internship and training for in-demand skills such as AI, financial modeling and digital leadership. The gift also established the Melly Scholarship, HWS’ most prestigious merit award, which will provide 15–20 students each year with $46,000 annually along with mentorship, global experiences and leadership development. The Mellys’ generosity will shape opportunities at HWS for generations to come.
Scholarship in Action
Continuing momentum on the Fish Center for the Sciences, a 40,000 sq. ft. integrated science building breaking ground in February 2026, included a $5 million Higher Education Capital Matching Grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. HWS earned a “Research College” designation from the Carnegie Classification of Colleges and Universities that recognizes HWS’ deep commitment to faculty-student research. The distinction is held by only 38 primarily undergraduate institutions nationwide. Faculty and students landed major grants, including a $358,976 award from the National Science Foundation to study microplastics in the Finger Lakes watershed and a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supporting Matters of Memory, an interdisciplinary program examining how history, narrative and identity shape civic life. Faculty authored books on entrepreneurial leadership, poetry, moral choice and urban planning. Three faculty were named to endowed professorships and five others were approved for promotion.
Future-focused Career Preparation
HWS has been ranked #10 in the nation for Best Career Services by The Princeton Review. New and expanded programming for career preparation included a finance bootcamp led by Trustee and former J.P. Morgan Chase Global Chairman of Investment Banking Eric Stein ’89, offering hands-on financial modeling training and in-person mock interviews designed to build technical skills and confidence. Internship funding received a boost from the John A. Ross ’66 Endowed Internship Fund and opportunities in public service grew through support from former U.S. Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen ’69, L.H.D. '01 with a new Washington, D.C. internship program that will provide paid or stipend-supported placements and housing. Career Services also strengthened support for students pursuing STEM careers with the addition of a dedicated STEM Career Coach and the launch of the inaugural STEM Career Trek in January 2026, connecting students with HWS alumni in the field. Class of 2025 graduates secured competitive first jobs and graduate school placements.
The Student Experience
Dialogue Across Difference
With the generous support and vision of Honorary Trustee Herbert J. Stern ’58, P’03, LL.D. ’74 and Trustee Samuel A. Stern, Esq. ’03, HWS hosted the fourth annual Stern Family Forum which fosters open, informed and respectful engagement on complex and often divisive issues. This year’s Forum titled, “Justice in the Spotlight,” was skillfully moderated by 60 Minutes correspondent and Trustee Bill Whitaker ’73, L.H.D. ’97, and featured distinguished guests - conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt and liberal columnist Ruth Marcus.
Service and Civic Impact
With 100% student participation in Days of Service, service and civic engagement were a significant part of campus life in 2025, earning HWS recognition as the #1 college in the nation for service by Washington Monthly. Students addressed food insecurity and supported local families – rescuing more than 11,000 pounds of food through the Food Recovery Network, raising over $1,300 for Hearty Meals in a Bag, and mobilizing volunteers to help Our Lady of Peace Parish rebuild its food pantry after a devastating fire. Service was also embedded in the curriculum, supported by a $25,000 gift from the Gantcher Family Foundation for a philanthropy course co-taught by President Mark D. Gearan and Executive Director Katie Flowers, while the HWS Tutor Corps expanded support for bilingual learners. In 2025, four members of the Class of 2025 joined the Peace Corps and Jacqueline Connolly ’27 was named a recipient of the distinguished Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship.
Athletics
In an electric 3-peat, Hobart hockey won the 2025 DIII Men’s Ice Hockey National Championship. Kahlil Fontana ’26 scored the game-winning goal with a gravity-defying leap in overtime. With the 2025-26 season already underway, the Statesmen are once again making headlines, chasing an all-time home-ice wins record at The Cooler. The captains are also participating in a weekly polar plunge to stay focused and connected. Over on Cozzens Field, Hobart soccer won the Liberty League after an undefeated regular season. Brady Leitner '28 and Ruth Hotaling '26 were named to the 2025 United Soccer Coaches All-America first team and third team, respectively. HWS also announced a new Flag Football program that will launch in Fall 2026.
