Hobart and William Smith Colleges

COMMENCEMENT 2025

President Mark D. Gearan
Commencement Address
May 18, 2025

As we prepare to close these Exercises of Commencement, a brief word of reflection.

Earlier this semester in February, the Provenzano Gallery in the Scandling Center had a fascinating exhibition curated by our talented students entitled “Touch Grass”.

The gallery guide described the art blending ‘nature, science and creativity – showing us the power of grounding ourselves in winter’s embrace.”

It was a dynamic exhibition intending to remind all of us of the importance of the natural environment and our responsibilities.

It also got me thinking about the phrase “Touch Grass”.  I had always understood it as somewhat of an lighthearted internet slang phrase urging the reader to spend more time outside – to engage in the real world and to take a break from technology.

Today – I’d like to build on that phrase ‘Touch Grass” to urge a reminder to pause and reflect – and for today, in this moment especially.  With your newly minted degrees in hand – to be in this moment.

You’ve spent the past four years at Hobart and William Smith – and for three of those years, I have seen the difference you have made on this campus and in the Geneva community.  In the classroom, community service, athletics, clubs and organizations – you demonstrated a level of engagement and commitment that is truly inspiring.

In this highly contentious, polarized times in our civic life – you have engaged with one another and placed community building as a priority.  

And so I ask you the great provocation that Mary Oliver posed in her beautiful poem ‘Summer Day’ – when she wrote:

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Thankfully, we have already heard some thoughtful perspectives to that question:

Aaron McClintock urged you to remember that you are responsible for leaving behind a powerful legacy for generations to come.  Saying:  “As HWS graduates, we change the future by taking action.”

Anjalee Wanduragala spoke about the power of belief and that belief in yourself or in someone else can change everything.  Anjalee observed:   ‘The world is chaotic, unpredictable and often overwhelming.  But in the turmoil, all we really have is each other.  So lean on people when you need to and be someone others can lean on too.”

And Nancy Gibbs in her thoughtful address describes you as a wartime generation as information becomes the battle surface of the 21^st century.  And to ‘bring to bear the critical skills you have learned here, whatever your major, whatever your passions.”  To not walk away from the flight – but to be deliberate about your information sources and who you trust.

Or you can look to the lives of our honorary degree recipients –

Four of them – have turned their considerable skills in service of Geneva:

Geoff Herd and Patti Blue bringing their musical gifts and talents to their hometown from classical to gospel music.

Janet and Steve Wyckoff serving this community  with a focus on Geneva’s children and their futures.

Or Mary Jane Poole who has devoted so much of her life to the vitality of the campus, its graduates and its culture.

All of the lives of these Honorary Degree recipients offer lessons – of no matter where life takes you in the world:  get involved in your community and make a difference.

And finally, as we gather in this historic and iconic Quad – it’s a reminder of our history and our future.

For 200 years, this Quad has served as the central convening space for institutional events like this to informal frisbee games or simply sunning and relaxing.

It is a space that Elizabeth Blackwell likely walked as she studied to become the first American woman physician.

Or Alger Adams walked – arriving from Omaha, Nebraska to graduate as the first Black man from Hobart.  Or Tom Melly who arrived here from modest background to graduate and become our most significant benefactor.

Or your classmates, Veronica Ashby and Ben Hutchinson who we recall and miss today.

Hobart and William Smith students have arrived here in Geneva from across the nation and the world, studied here, walked this quad and went on to careers and lives as scientists, lawyers, teachings, ministers, social workers.

From Wall Street to Main Street – from the Boardrooms to the Classrooms – all effectuating our mission to lead lives of consequence.

And now for the Class of 2025 – that life – imbued with a liberal arts and sciences education  - awaits all of you.

Your faculty knows you are ready and have certified your degree.

Our Board of Trustees has affirmed their confidence and welcomed you into the community of our graduates.

And I am excited to watch and cheer you on every step of the way.

But before we break – I invite you to take one last moment and pause.

In silence for bit – for just 20 seconds.

To Touch the grass of this Quad.

Close your eyes as you touch the grass.

Remember your first Day.

Remember your hardest day here.

Remember your happiest day here and friends made.

For those memories – those friendships will not leave you as you leave Geneva.

Hobart and William Smith will always be a part of you.   Stay engaged.   Stay involved.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025.

Thank you for all that you have done for HWS and this community.

Go forth and make a difference –

Go forth and touch grass from time to time –

Go forth with our excitement and confidence in you.

Godpseed.