Hobart and William Smith Colleges

A special HWS Commencement ceremony took place on Monday following an impressive postseason for the Heron lacrosse team. Emily Stratton ’16, Alexandra O'Hara ’16, Hannah Connolly ’16 and Geneva Calder ’16 received their diplomas.

Professor of Anthropology and Sociology Jeffrey Anderson places an academic sash on financial planner and Board Chair Maureen Collins Zupan ’72, P’09, L.H.D. ’16. Zupan has served as a trustee of the Colleges since 1994.

Civic leader Judith Hershey Melly L.H.D. ’16 receives her honorary degree from President Mark D. Gearan during Commencement. She was one of five recipients who were each conferred a Doctorate of Humane Letters for their enduring spirit of service which has enhanced local, national and global communities.

With Professor of Anthropology and Sociology Jeffrey Anderson assisting, President of Hamilton College Joan Hinde Stewart L.H.D. ’16 receives her honorary degree on Sunday. Stewart has served as president of Hamilton since 2003 and will retire in 2016.

World War II veteran and retired New York City Police Officer John F. Collins P’72, P’74, P’84, P’90, GP’09, GP’12, GP’18, L.H.D. ’16 receives his honorary degree.

Prior to the Commencement ceremony, many family members took photos of their soon-to-be graduates.

Baccalaureate 2016 is held at Trinity Church.

You are graduating into a worldwide force of over 18,000 alumni and alumnae that you will be discovering for the rest of your lives, almost no matter where you live or travel, says Board Chair Maureen Collins Zupan ’72, P’09, L.H.D.’16 in the keynote address at Baccalaureate.

Shelby Chase '16 and family pose on the Quad following the 2016 Commencement ceremony.

Professor of Music Robert Cowles leads the Colleges' Choir during the Baccalaureate ceremony held at Trinity Church.

Mimi Scott ’16 participates in the traditional tree planting at the William Smith Senior Welcome and Toast.

Bree Von Bradsky ’16, Danielle Mueller ’16, Ingrid Dehler-Seter ’16 and Jessica Bishop’16 participated in a decades-old custom, touching a tree on the Hill for good luck. The tradition was recalled by 101-year-old Alta Boyer '36 as part of her well-wishes to the graduating Herons.

At the ceremony, seniors receive a bracelet and the senior pine tree charm. The pine tree is in recognition of the College’s nurseryman founder, William Smith.

The platform party including honorary degree recipients Dr. Cheryl L. Dorsey L.H.D.’16, Judith Hershey Melly L.H.D.’16, Board Chair Maureen Collins Zupan '72, P'09, L.H.D.’16, Joan Hinde Stewart L.H.D.’16, and John F. Collins P'72, P'74, P'84, P'90, GP'09, GP'12, GP'18, L.H.D.’16 gather for a photo.

Hobart students examine the Commencement program as they wait for the ceremony to begin. This year, 236 Hobart students and 260 William Smith students earned bachelor's degrees.

Randy Palacios '16 waits for Commencement to begin.