Hobart and William Smith Colleges

June 11, 2025

Dear Members of the HWS Community,

Earlier today, the trustees of Wells College submitted a petition in New York State Supreme Court in Cayuga County requesting that the court approve a legacy partner agreement with Hobart and William Smith Colleges. 

Upon approval as Wells’ legacy institution, Hobart and William Smith will receive funds from the Wells College endowment. HWS will also retain and steward some of Wells’ historical artifacts and corporate records and name a lawn space at Houghton House the Wells Green. This is a critical next step in the work of the Wells Board of Trustees, which is required by law and regulatory bodies to make certain that it is responsibly stewarding resources in alignment with Wells’ mission as a non-profit educational institution. 

The legacy agreement has been approved by the Boards of Trustees of HWS and Wells. As part of the agreement, two Wells affiliates will be elected to a term on the Hobart and William Smith Board of Trustees and HWS will continue to engage with Wells’ alumni community. Hobart and William Smith will not be responsible for Wells’ financials or liabilities, will not assume Wells’ charter or accreditation, and will not own Wells’ physical campus.

Last fall, 67 Wells students transferred to HWS, by far the largest cohort of Wells students attending any single institution. In the midst of what has been a challenging time for the Wells community, we are proud to be of assistance to an institution that has meant so much to so many people. I am grateful to the HWS community for their work in welcoming and supporting Wells students who have enriched our community and distinguished themselves as scholars. This is a testament to both their Wells education and the supportive nature of our faculty and staff at HWS. 

More details about the agreement as well as the press release announcement can be found on our website.

Sincerely,

Mark D. Gearan
President