HWS News
30 January 2026 African American Men's Association to Honor Gearans
Event recognizes longtime partnership between the African American Men’s Association and HWS in support of Geneva youth and families.
For more than three decades, the African American Men’s Association of Geneva has strengthened opportunities for local youth through scholarships, mentoring and college preparation. This February, the organization will turn its attention to two longtime partners in that work: President Mark D. Gearan and Mary Herlihy Gearan.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, the AAMA will host its annual Valentine’s Day fundraising event at Club 86 in Geneva, where the Gearans will be recognized for their support of the AAMA and the Geneva community. The evening includes dinner, dancing and raffles, with proceeds benefiting the AAMA Scholarship Fund.
According to Association member Victor Nelson, the relationship between AAMA and HWS began shortly after the Gearans arrived in Geneva more than 25 years ago. Nelson, who at the time was deeply involved in community and civic organizations while managing the former Ramada Inn (now 41 Lakefront Hotel), recalls meeting the Gearans both professionally and through volunteer work.
“They were new to the community and very open to learning about the organizations here,” Nelson remembers. “We introduced them to the AAMA and the programs we were running — mentoring, life skills training and resources for students who were unsure how to begin the college application process.”
From that early connection grew a multi-year partnership. With support from HWS, the Association held its signature College Life Skills Program on campus, giving high school juniors and seniors hands-on experience with the college search process, financial aid, admissions and budgeting.
“The Gearans’ generosity made it possible for us to run that program for several years,” Nelson says. “We were bringing in parents as well because many of these students were first in their families to consider college. It opened doors.” HWS students also participated in the program, offering peer perspectives that Nelson says made the information feel more relatable to teenagers and their families.
“We are grateful for the leadership and impact the AAMA has had in Geneva,” President Gearan says. “Mary and I are honored and humbled to be recognized by an organization that has done so much to expand opportunity for young people in this community.”
Founded more than 40 years ago, the AAMA continues to serve Geneva through scholarships, mentorship and partnerships with community organizations. Past honorees at its Valentine’s Day event have included Superintendent of Schools at Geneva City School District Lawrence “Bo” Wright and longtime HWS employee, student supporter and community advocate Lillian Collins, who was awarded the Trustee Community Service Award in 2017.
That same year, HWS awarded the AAMA with the President’s Medal for the organization’s work promoting social justice, education and government-community relations in Geneva.
The fundraiser begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. at Club 86. Tickets are $65 for single admission and $120 for couples. To purchase tickets, contact Hank Pearson at (315) 946-3158 or Doris Myers at (315) 224-3710.
