Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Janet Aulet P’19, of Schenectady, N.Y., kisses her daughter Kayla Aulet ’19 after the President’s Welcome on Stern Lawn on Friday afternoon.

Jemma Roche ’19, of Sherman, Conn., gives her brother Thomas Roche a big hug following the President’s Welcome on Stern Lawn.

Chase Tanguay '19, of East Hampton, Mass., says goodbye to his mother Diane King P'19 and brother Jaden Tanguay.

Lindsey Kloc ’19, of Barrington, R.I., hugs her little sister Ellory.

Following the President’s Welcome, Chanel Andrews ’19 says farewell to his parents, Deisy and Lyron Andrews P’19, of Long Island City, N.Y.

Kara Martinez P’19 snaps a photo of her children Dylan Bennett ’19 and Katie Bennett before returning to their home in Annapolis, Md.

An aerial view of the President’s Welcome ceremony surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the Hobart and William Smith campus in Geneva.

“The next four years will give you the confidence and experience necessary to investigate new ideas, cultures and points of view,” says President Mark D. Gearan addressing the Classes of 2019.

The Classes of 2019 join their families for the President’s Welcome held on Stern Lawn. With addresses from HWS leadership and the Orientation Coordinators, the traditional event marks a special occasion at the start of the Classes’ academic journey at the Colleges.

Members of the Classes of 2019 and their families listen to remarks offered during the President’s Welcome on Friday.

HWS Chaplain, The Rev. D. Maurice Charles, shares a smile with William Smith Dean Catherine Gallouet during the President’s Welcome. Charles, who heads the Office of Spiritual Engagement, joined the HWS leadership team this summer.

Orientation Coordinators Peter Budmen '15, MAT '16 and Hannah Connolly '16 offer their congratulations to the Classes of 2019.

Orientation Mentor James Mandart ’17 gives a cheer as members of the Classes of 2019 gather with their Orientation groups following the President’s Welcome.

Nick Pugh ’19, of Boston, and Stephen Cosola, of Garden City, N.Y., assist with cleanup efforts at Washington St. Park during the Orientation Day of Service.

Erik Wolf ’19, of Grand Lake, Colo., assists decorating a bicycle during the kick-off celebration of a new play area and community garden that will be situated next to Geneva Garden Apartments along Pulteney Street.

Kenisha Ross ’19, of Orange, N.J., Eliza Santin ’19, of West Newton, Mass., Ana Mazariegos ’19, of Mamaroneck, N.Y., and Sarah Banta ’19, of Hudson, Mass., package meals for Stop Hunger Now in the Field House on Saturday morning.