Hobart and William Smith Colleges

May 8, 2026

Dear Members of the HWS Community,

With profound sadness and a truly heavy heart, I write to share news about the passing of Amanda Blowers, who died Wednesday after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 37 years old.

As the Executive Assistant in my office, Amanda was far more than a trusted colleague; she was a deeply valued member of our community whose warmth, kindness and quiet strength touched so many of us.

From the day Mary and I returned to campus, Amanda became an essential part of our lives – a steady and caring presence who helped us reconnect with Hobart and William Smith and with the people who make this community special. We came to know and cherish her remarkable professionalism and her generosity of spirit, her compassion and her friendship. We will miss her terribly.

Amanda leaves behind her beloved husband of 13 years, Adam, their two young sons, Caiden and Connor, and a large and loving extended family that was the center of her world.

A lifelong resident of Geneva, Amanda joined Hobart and William Smith in 2020 during President Joyce Jacobsen’s administration and quickly became indispensable to the institution. She approached every responsibility with extraordinary care, sound judgment and grace. Amanda possessed a remarkable work ethic and attention to detail, but what distinguished her most was the humanity she brought to her work. She made people feel welcomed, supported and cared for. Her kindness was constant and genuine.

Nothing brought her greater joy than her sons and the life she and Adam built together. She never missed a moment with Caiden and Connor and delighted in their involvement with Geneva Generals Youth Hockey and prized their time cheering on our Hobart hockey team. It was always clear that family was the foundation of Amanda’s life.

Before joining HWS, Amanda served as executive administrative assistant at Wadhams Enterprises, Inc., and production scheduler at Zotos International, Inc. She earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Nazareth University, where she also received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, cum laude, with a minor in Business Management.

Throughout her illness, Amanda drew strength and comfort from Thrive to Survive, the cancer support organization that, in turn, became a source of support for Amanda and her family. She died peacefully at home under hospice care.

Amanda’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for all who knew her. Her life was defined by dedication, compassion and grace. She leaves behind a lasting imprint on this community.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church, located at 24 Park Place in Geneva.

Please join Mary and me in keeping Adam, Caiden, Connor and all who loved Amanda in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Mark D. Gearan
President