Hobart and William Smith Colleges

President Mark D. Gearan congratulates Max Piersol’16, who graduated summa cum laude in architectural studies. Piersol also completed Honors in philosophy.

Siyan Tao '16, who graduated magna cum laude in economics, is recognized at the Academic Achievement Awards ceremony in the Robert A. Bristol Field House.

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.

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.

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.

Andrew Needham-Wood’16 listens during Commencement 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.

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.

Commencement 2016 opens with the graduates processing through the crowd in the Robert A. Bristol ’31 Field House on Sunday.

Maureen Collins Zupan '72, 'P09, L.H.D.’16, the first William Smith alumna to serve as the chair of the Board of Trustees, receives flowers from family members.

William Smith students reflect during the Commencement ceremony that marked the 191th graduation for Hobart College and the 105th for William Smith College.

During his valedictory address, President Mark D. Gearan asks the graduates to reflect on the ways in which they've experienced lives of consequence.

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.

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.

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.

After teaching me to look inward, HWS taught me to look out, to stand at the top of a hill and see what I could contribute to the world,” says Kelly Craig ’16 during her student address.