Hobart and William Smith Colleges

“As long as we believe our common humanity is most important, as long as we understand that diverse groups make better decisions than homogenous ones or lone geniuses, as long as we realize the great thing about life is not final victories and the great tragedy is not final defeats—there aren’t any final victories or final defeats…but a life of permanent possibility, says President Bill Clinton L.H.D.’17, giving the 2017 Commencement address.

A view of the jumbotron during Sunday's ceremony.

“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.

Members of the Classes of 2017 fill the Quad on Sunday.

Siblings Amber Williams '17 and Kenan Williams '17 gather for a family photo on the Quad.

Tanner John '17 and his family pose for a group photo after Commencement on Sunday.

Grant Emerson '20 snaps a photo with President Bill Clinton L.H.D.’17 on Sunday.

Ben Riskie, son of Hobart tennis head coach Tim Riskie and William Smith field hockey assistant coach Sophie Riskie ’07, get a family photo taken with President Bill Clinton L.H.D.’17 on Sunday.

Dominique DeRubeis ’18, Ammenab-Taner Bennerson ’18 and Anne O'Brien '18 pose for a photo with President Bill Clinton L.H.D.’17 on Pulteney Street on Sunday.

Grant Soucy '17 and his family gather for a photo on the Quad after Commencement on Sunday.

Joined by his father Trustee Craig R. Stine '81, P'17, Jack Stine '17 (right) accepts his diploma from President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 during Commencement.

Tanina Urbanski '17 celebrates after receiving her diploma during Commencement.

Elizabeth Herbst '17 shakes hands with President Mark D. Gearan L.H.D.’17 during Commencement.

Trustees Katherine R. MacKinnon ’77, Dr. Deborah S. Pilla ’76, Katherine D. Elliott ’66, L.H.D. ’08 and Aileen Diviney Gleason '85 gather for a photo on Sunday.

Volunteer firefighter John Hillenbrand '17 poses with fellow members of the Nester Hose Company following the Commencement Ceremony on Sunday.

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