Hobart and William Smith Colleges

President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 welcomes the HWS Classes of 2017 and their families and friends during Commencement 2017.

Board Chair Thomas S. Bozzuto ’68 confers the title of President Emeritus to Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 during Commencement 2017.

Education strategist and the founder of the Posse Foundation Deborah Bial L.H.D.’17 receives her honorary degree from President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 during Commencement.

President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 poses for a photo after being named the first president emeritus in the history of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Director of the HWS Gospel Choir Patty Blue '77 sings the national anthem during Commencement 2017.

The Rev. D. Maurice Charles, Chaplain of the Colleges, offers the opening prayer during Sunday's Commencement ceremony.

Wearing a decorated mortarboard, Lauren Carr '17 listens to the opening of HWS Commencement 2017.

President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D. ’17 welcomes President Bill Clinton L.H.D.’17 back to the HWS campus during the Commencement ceremony on Sunday. Clinton previously visited campus in 2001.

President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 and President Bill Clinton L.H.D.’17 hug each other during Commencement 2017. Gearan served during the Clinton Administration as Assistant to the President, Director of Communications and Deputy Chief of Staff, and as Director of the Peace Corps.

President Bill Clinton L.H.D.’17 waves to the audience during Sunday's Commencement ceremony.

Anggela Sanchez, a Spanish teacher at the School of Leadership Development in Bronx, N.Y., and Carlos Mendez, a music teacher and coordinator of music for Fayetteville-Manlius School District in Central New York, receive the Touching the Future Award during Commencement 2017. They were nominated by Jerlin Garo ’17 and Christopher Demas ’17.

To President and Mrs. Gearan, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and love for Hobart and William Smith Colleges over the past 18 years. I am so grateful for your unwavering support of my success, and the success of the HWS and Geneva communities. Thank you both for always opening your door, says Student Trustee Sydney Gomez ’17, offering the William Smith student address.

“Expand your world view and appreciation for others. Don’t be afraid to build something and not reap the benefits,” says Matthew Skinner '17, offering the Hobart student address.

Austin Gallegos '17 receives his diploma from President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 during Commencement 2017.

William Smith Dean Catherine Gallouët and Hobart Dean Eugen Baer P'95, P'97​ read the names of graduating students during Commencement.

President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 presents Kelly Mauch '17 with her diploma during Commencement.