Hobart and William Smith Colleges

25 February 2026 • Alums Savits ’57 Awarded President’s Medal in Washington, D.C.

Jacqueline Wrubel Savits ’57 is honored for a lifetime of service, leadership and devotion to Hobart and William Smith.

During a January alumni gathering in Washington, D.C., President Mark D. Gearan presented the President’s Medal to former HWS Trustee Jacqueline Wrubel Savits ’57, P'82, P'87, P'90, GP'16 honoring a lifetime of extraordinary service, leadership and devotion to HWS.

The President’s Medal is bestowed sparingly and with great care, recognizing individuals whose lives and work reflect outstanding service to their community, their country and their profession. Recipients embody the core values of HWS and exemplify what it means to lead a life of consequence.

“For more than half a century, Jacquie Savits’ life has been deeply intertwined with Hobart and William Smith,” said Gearan to alumni, staff and students gathered at the Cosmos Club for an HWS Alumni event. “Her generosity, leadership and enduring belief in this institution have strengthened our community and enriched the educational experience for generations of students.”

Savits’ relationship with HWS began as a student, where she majored in psychology and distinguished herself as both a scholar and a campus leader. She was elected to an international honor society in the social sciences and devoted her time and talents as treasurer of Campus Chest, a student proctor, and a member of the Pine yearbook and the Spanish Club.

Her partnership with her late husband, Joel Savits ’56, P'82, P'87, P'90, GP'16 laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to HWS. After Joel earned his law degree from Georgetown University, he built a distinguished career as an attorney. Together, the Savits forged a remarkable life marked by generosity, loyalty and friendship, and cultivated an enduring legacy at HWS.

The legacy continues through their family, including their daughters Katherine Savits ’82, Robin Savits Cooper ’87, P’16 and Susan Savits Winson ’90, and granddaughter Hannah Cooper ’16.

Over the years, Savits served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1993-99, as a class correspondent, member of the Parents Association, Special Gifts Chair, Alumni Fund Chair, as well as an Alumnae Council member and officer. Her philanthropy has strengthened key initiatives including the Centennial Center, the Annual Fund and a Memorial Fund established in honor of her husband. Savits was honored with an Alumnae Citation from the William Smith Alumnae Association in 1983.   

“Hobart and William Smith is immeasurably stronger, more vibrant and more deeply connected thanks to Jacquie Savits,” Gearan said. “Her commitment stands as a testament to the power of family and the lasting impact of service rooted in love for this community.”

Top: Former HWS Trustee Jacqueline Wrubel Savits ’57, P’82, P’87, P’90, GP’16 poses with HWS President Mark D. Gearan. Also pictured are (top) Jeremy Rabinowitz, Jessica Winson, Susan Savits Winson ’90 and Hannah Cooper ’16; (bottom) Katherine Savits ’82, Robin Savits Cooper ’87, P’16, Professor Emeritus of Political Science Joe DiGangi and Edward Cooper ’86, P’16.