HWS News
2 September 2026 • Athletics Every Gift Counts: HWS Celebrates Record Year of Giving
Thousands of members of the HWS community came together to invest in today’s students and help build the foundation for the institution’s future.
The 2025-26 fiscal year was an extraordinary time of generosity for Hobart and William Smith. Together, alumni, parents, students, trustees, faculty, staff and friends contributed $33.1 million, surpassing HWS’ $27.7 million fundraising goal and marking a period of unprecedented momentum across every area of philanthropy.
The support was broad as well as significant: 5,086 donors contributed during the year, a 4.4% increase over the previous year. Their generosity provided immediate support for today’s students while advancing the long-term priorities that will shape the third century of Hobart and William Smith.
“An institution with the history and strength of Hobart and William Smith does not build its future by taking its success for granted,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “We have a responsibility to steward all that generations before us have created while investing thoughtfully and ambitiously in what comes next. The generosity of our alumni, parents, trustees, students and friends this year is an expression of their confidence. We are deeply grateful for their partnership, their belief in this institution and their willingness to help shape its future.”
As of June 30, Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century had secured $355 million in commitments, including $223 million received in cash, toward the goal of $400 million.
Support for the sciences continued to be a significant area of investment, with $42.1 million in commitments toward science priorities, including $3 million awarded through New York State’s Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program for the Fish Center for the Sciences.
The year also included nine commitments of $1 million or more, the second highest number of such commitments in HWS history.
The HWS Annual Fund provided a powerful example of collective generosity, raising a record $5.3 million from 3,220 unique donors, a 34.2% increase in dollars over the previous year and well above its $3 million fundraising goal. Annual Fund contributions make an immediate impact, helping support financial aid, academic programs, athletics, student opportunities and the day-to-day resources that allow faculty and staff to provide an exceptional educational experience.
“The success of this year’s fundraising belongs not to one donor, one class year or one initiative, but to thousands of individuals who chose to participate,” says Vice President for Advancement Jared Weeden ’91. “We saw incredible generosity across the HWS community, and every gift regardless of its size propels HWS forward. Together, these gifts create the momentum that allows us to invest in our students and build for the future.”
The community also demonstrated its enthusiasm during Athletics Day of Donors, with a record $1.3 million raised in just 24 hours.
Alumni generosity remained a defining part of the year. Reunion classes contributed $6 million from 1,991 donors, bringing their giving since their previous milestone Reunions to $20.7 million.
Young alumni participation also increased, with 624 recent graduates choosing to donate, representing 14% participation, two percentage points higher than in Fiscal Year 2025.
One thousand sixty three parents contributed $1.6 million. Through HWS Forever, students demonstrated a growing commitment to philanthropy, with 48% of the senior class making a gift, up from 32% the previous year.
Trustees also demonstrated their commitment to HWS, contributing $3.9 million during the year.
“This is what makes the HWS community so special,” says Chair of the Board of Trustees Joseph C. Stein III ‘86. “There is a shared understanding that we all have a role to play. Some gifts make an immediate difference for a student, while others help create the facilities, programs and opportunities that will define HWS for decades. What connects them is the belief that our collective generosity can make an extraordinary difference.”
The year’s support also included $6.4 million in new bequests and other planned giving commitments, as well as $31.9 million in realized bequests. Thirty-six new members joined the Wheeler Society, recognizing those who have included HWS in their estate plans.
HWS also secured significant public and community support for institutional priorities, including $600,000 in the New York State budget for Finger Lakes Institute equipment and $380,000 for Geneva 2030, which supports Geneva’s children from birth through career.
