Hobart and William Smith Colleges

7 August 2026 • Alums Every Gift Counts By Lindsey Dixon

A gift of $10. A gift of $100. A gift of $10,000. Each one tells the same story: a community that believes in Hobart and William Smith.

This year, that collective commitment propelled the HWS Annual Fund beyond $3 million while achieving its ambitious participation goal of 3,215 donors. A fundraising milestone, the achievement reflects thousands of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends choosing to invest in today's students and the future of Hobart and William Smith. The fundraising year ended on June 30.

Unlike gifts designated for a specific building or program, Annual Fund contributions begin making an impact immediately. They help sustain the people and experiences that define Hobart and William Smith, from financial aid and academic programs to athletics, student opportunities and the day-to-day resources that allow faculty and staff to deliver an exceptional educational experience.

"The Annual Fund is the foundation that strengthens every corner of Hobart and William Smith," says Dulcie Meyer, Executive Director of Annual and Athletic Giving. “It starts with the students, continuing with massive reunion support and continues long after the 50th reunion celebration.”

While transformational gifts often make headlines, the Annual Fund is built by thousands of donors who give year after year, often increasing their support as their own HWS stories continue to unfold. Together, those gifts create extraordinary momentum.

"The success of this year's campaign belongs not to one donor, one class year or one initiative, but to thousands of individuals who chose to participate," says Jared Weeden ’91, Vice President for Advancement. “It’s about the collective gifts from community members, alumni, students and parents coming together to propel HWS forward.”