Hobart and William Smith Colleges

More than 100 flags surround the Quad, representing the nations and territories from which students, faculty and staff hail and the locations where they study abroad.

John Finnerty ’24 receives his diploma from his aunt, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Cassandra Naylor Brooks ’89.

Senior Speaker Samari Brown ’24 commended the challenges the Class of 2024 has overcome. “The COVID-19 restrictions were strong, but the friendships that we have made along the way are stronger.”

Senior Speaker Jesse Whelan-Small ’24 praised the “tangible sense of place” at Hobart and William Smith and the passion he’s developed for his HWS family.

The Class of 2024 throws their mortarboards in the air.

Family and friends cheer for their graduates.

Madison Henry '23, MAT '24 accepts her diploma from President Mark D. Gearan.

President Mark D. Gearan confers an Honorary Doctorate of Science on Dr. Gilberto Arbelaez ’06; he was the only emergency physician on staff at Uvalde Memorial Hospital who treated victims in the immediate aftermath of the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Honorary Trustee Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish ’82 receives an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of her governance and leadership of the Colleges as well as her commitment to causes related to health, wellbeing and education.

After receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, HWS Lead Photographer Kevin Colton takes a selfie with President Mark D. Gearan.

Members of the Classes of 2023 process to the Quad.

Dean of Spiritual Engagement and Chaplain Rev. Nita Byrd offers the opening prayer at Commencement 2023. Rabbi Dr. Ann Landowne delivered the Benediction.

Professor of Sociology Jack Harris places the hood on Patricia Adams L.H.D.’23 as she receives an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Corporate professional, musician and journalist, Adams is the daughter of Hobart’s first Black graduate, the Rev. Dr. Alger L. Adams ’32, D.D. ’83.

Student speakers Irini Konstantinou ’23 of Williamson, New York, and Sreyan Kanungo ’23 of Dhaka City, Bangladesh gather for a photo.

Commencement speaker and City Year Cofounder Alan Khazei praises the passion and perseverance of the HWS graduates.

Shahkyle Matthews '22, MSM '23 of Piscataway, N.J., receives his diploma.