Hobart and William Smith Colleges

16 May 2014 Presidents Garage Band, Mojo Rock HWS

The festivities of Senior Week continued for the Classes of 2014 on Thursday, May 15, with the Presidents Toast, a star-studded concert by the Presidents Garage Band and an opening performance by the award-winning student band Mojo.

Graduating has led me to be very reflective, said Laura Alexander 14 during the evening of entertainment, which was held in the Vandervort Room of the Scandling Campus Center. All the events this week are an opportunity to say goodbye and enjoy each others company.

In annual fashion before the Garage Band performance, President Mark D. Gearan, Dean of William Smith College and Professor of History Susanne McNally HON14, and Dean of Hobart College Eugen Baer P95, P97, HON07, each offered their own personalized toast to the Classes of 2014, sending the graduating seniors off on a note of inspiration.

Youve made a huge difference on this campus and in Geneva. Come back, and come back often, said Gearan during his toast to the soon-to-be graduates.

William Smith Senior Class President Hannah Sorgi 14 and Hobart Class Senior President Stevenson Barnard-Webster 14 also offered their own words of wisdom to fellow classmates during their portion of the toast.

Every senior seems to be involved in so many things that this was an opportunity for us to come together as united Classes, Sorgi said.

Mojo kicked off the night with a range of jam-rock songs as students danced, mingled and played games. Bandmates for the Mojo performance included Dylan Corbett 14, Louis Padnos 14, Will Mosto 15, Vincent Puleo 13 and Jordan Loretz 17.

Following Mojos set and the Presidents Toast, the Presidents Garage Band played a range of rock classics, from Bob Segers Old Time Rock and Roll to Dont Stop Believin' by Journey. A rendition of Neil Diamonds Sweet Caroline also had the crowd singing and cheering.

The 2014 President Gearans Garage Band included Secretary of the Office of Religious Life Patty Blue 77, Director of Academic Opportunity Programs James Burruto, Associate Professor of English Rob Carson, Professor of Media and Society Les Friedman, Chair and Professor of French and Francophone Catherine Gallout, Assistant Professor of Philosophy Rodmon King, Associate Professor of Economics Jo Beth Mertens, Chair and Associate Professor of Chemistry Justin Miller, Professor of Sociology Wesley Perkins, friend of the Colleges Paul Quartaro, friend of the Colleges Dave Rogers, Professor of Sociology Jim Spates, Professor of Economics Bill Waller, Saga Queen Betty Waltham HON10, and Associate Professor of Dance Cadence Whittier.

Student Activities collaborated with Sorgi and Barnard-Webster on hosting the evening of events, which also include a game night and food.

In the photo above, the Presidents Garage Band rocks the Vandervort Room during the Classes of 2014 Senior Week.