Hobart and William Smith Colleges

February 5, 2026

Dear Members of the Hobart and William Smith Community,

I am pleased to share an exciting update from campus: construction is now underway on the Fish Center for the Sciences. This landmark project represents a bold step forward for our community, signaling a new era of innovation and discovery at Hobart and William Smith. 

As a liberal arts and sciences institution where more than 40% of students declare a major or minor in the sciences and every student must demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry, the Fish Center for the Sciences will enhance opportunities for all. 

Alongside the development of this new 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, our efforts also encompass a major renovation to Gulick Hall, creating a cohesive, integrated hub for science and technology. This investment will transform how our students learn, collaborate and conduct research. 

I invite you to explore a new website that offers a closer look at the project, including a fly-through video that brings the Fish Center to life and illustrates how it will take shape at the south end of the Hobart Quad following the demolition of Eaton Hall. The website also highlights a range of naming opportunities for those who may wish to support this important investment in our academic future.

The Fish Center for the Sciences is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Honorary Trustee Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish ’82, L.H.D. ’23 and John F. Fish. Their leadership gift and vision have kickstarted incredible momentum and, thanks to the efforts of many, more than $39 million has been donated to date with another $23 million left to raise.

I thank you for your continued engagement with Hobart and William Smith and hope you will enjoy this preview of what’s to come. I ask that you consider supporting this important project and would be delighted to speak with you about it.

With every best with, I am

Sincerely,

Mark D. Gearan
President