Belonging @ HWS
Above: Michael E. Rawlins ’80, P’16; "Coxe Hall", 1980; Mixed media on paper. Displayed in the Adams Intercultural Center.
From the Desk of V.P. for DEI Bill Woodson
Bill Woodson Ph.D.
Welcome to our second edition of “Belonging at HWS.” I hope you had a restful and restorative winter break and are ready to tackle the Spring semester fully refreshed! In this edition we’re featuring the HWS First Generation Initiative (FGI), led by program director Associate Professor of Chemistry Christine de Denus P’22. We’ve also included a brief tribute to the late Michael Rawlins, ’80, P’16, HWS Trustee, a first-generation student, and a phenomenal alumnus and supporter of the Colleges.
An exceptionally accomplished and much loved member of the HWS community, Michael passed away suddenly on November 11, 2023. While it is particularly fitting to note the passing of this alumnus in an issue of “Belonging at HWS” that celebrates our first-generation students, the number of threads which make this loss especially meaningful to ODEI and our community are almost too many to number, just as the ties that bound Michael to his beloved alma mater are almost too numerous to count. Among them Michael was one of five siblings to attend HWS, as well as the proud parent of a Hobart alumnus, Dylan Rawlings ’16. In addition to his service as an HWS Trustee, he was a member of the Afro Latino Alumni Association (ALAA), a mentor, and had a long history of partnership with the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education, bringing insights to our students gained from a distinguished career in corporate America, most recently as Head of Enterprise Design for Disney Entertainment and ESPN Technology.
Michael truly exemplified “a life of consequence.” And his passion for Hobart and William Smith was positively exceptional. Residing five-hours away in Connecticut, just a month before his passing I asked Michael if we would see him at Homecoming. Michael’s response was, no, if he came to Homecoming he would have been on campus literally every weekend that month!
I invite you to read Michael’s online obituary, and perhaps leave a comment. More on Michael’s life and legacy can be found in this month’s Belonging at HWS article by Vincent Orlando ’23, and in the Career Journey’s podcast interview with Alex Kerai ’19, recorded in August of 2019.
The Impact of the First-Generation Initiative at HWS
Celebrating First-Generation Students: The Impact of the First-Generation Initiative at HWS
By Vincent Orlando ’23, MSM’24, ODEI Graduate Community Assistant
In the vibrant tapestry of Hobart and William Smith (HWS), a remarkable initiative has been fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment and academic excellence among a significant portion of the student body. The First-Generation Initiative (FGI) at HWS, established in 2006, has been instrumental in creating a supportive community for first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni. Spearheaded by dedicated individuals like its Director Christine de Denus and Assistant Director Shelle Basilio-Murray, this initiative has become a cornerstone of support and empowerment for those who are the trailblazers in their families' pursuit of higher education.
Building a Supportive Community
"I think that the First-Generation Initiative on campus is a community of individuals who work hard to support all the students on campus who are the first in their families to attend a 4-year university in the United States. We have worked hard to establish a sense of belonging with close to 20% of the student body and to make sure that students are feeling like they have the support to pursue the myriad of endeavors they are involved in. Being able to have conversations and FG specific events allows us to not only share our lived experiences, but to also learn and support one another as we encounter many 'firsts' in our lives. Having a network of peers, faculty and staff who have traveled a similar path in higher education and who are dedicated to helping you when you struggle, celebrate you when you succeed, and encourage you to make the most of your time at HWS is paramount to leading a life of consequence,” explains FGI Director and Associate Professor of Chemistry Christine de Denus.
Student Caucus
Empowering First-Generation Students
One of the key objectives of FGI is to empower first-generation students by providing them with the necessary guidance and support. The initiative's dedicated team, led by Director Christine de Denus, who was also a first-generation college student, offers invaluable advice on navigating the complexities of college life. Through mentorship and counseling, FGI reassures these students that they are not alone in their journey, instilling them with confidence and a sense of belonging.
Being able to have conversations and FG specific events allows us to not only share our lived experiences, but to also learn and support one another as we encounter many 'firsts' in our lives. Having a network of peers, faculty, and staff who have traveled a similar path in higher education and who are dedicated to helping you when you struggle, celebrate you when you succeed, and encourage you to make the most of your time at HWS is paramount to leading a life of consequence.
Meet Sam Calderon, a dedicated first-generation student at HWS who has embarked on a transformative journey. As an international relations major and a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar, Sam embraced a global perspective through two study abroad experiences. After graduating, Sam joined the Peace Corps with a mission to serve in Guatemala as a Community Economic Facilitator. Despite facing a temporary disruption due to political unrest, Sam is committed to developing strategies that empower local NGOs and native groups, fostering economic security and self-determination.
Inspired by a semester abroad studying indigenous Chilean cultures, Sam envisions helping communities not only achieve a secure life but also connect with the global stage, sharing their knowledge and stories. This two-year commitment in Guatemala is not just a service; it's an opportunity for Sam to immerse in the local communities, travel and experience life in Latin America. Looking ahead, Sam plans to pursue graduate studies in international relations, furthering the impact of their experiences and dedication to global engagement. Sam explains, “As a first-generation student, you have this pressure and anxiety to be a certain way or to succeed, and oftentimes, I feel like the way you succeed is by being yourself. It was hard for me to kind of figure out how I can trust myself and navigate life at school, but I was lucky to have the different types of opportunities available to me on campus, and it really changed my trajectory.”
Join us for First Friday Lunch at the CTL Lounge!
When: First Friday of every month
Time: 1:00 PM
Where: CTL Lounge
What to Expect:
- Enjoy free lunch from local restaurants.
- Collaborate on events with Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Bill Woodson, exploring the intersection of disability as a part of DEI.
- Share your ideas and experiences in a relaxed and inclusive environment.
- Meet new people who share common interests and values.
How to Join:
- Fill out the interest form sent to your email.
- Mark your calendar for the First Friday in February at 1:00 PM.
- Head to the CTL Lounge for a casual and friendly gathering.
This is more than just lunch – it's an opportunity to build connections, foster collaboration and make our campus community even stronger. Let's make the First Friday Lunch a monthly tradition! See you there!
Turning His Dream into Reality
Artistic performance and dialogue that honors the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and inspires action in the pursuit of peace, healing and justice
MLK Memorial Choir and Art Reception
Wednesday, January 24, 2024. 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM (EST)
Gearan Center for the Performing Arts Froelich Hall
Join President Mark D. Gearan and Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bill Woodson for an evening of art and culture. Enjoy a performance by the MLK Memorial Choir at 6 p.m. in Froelich Hall followed by an art reception of K-12 MLK Art & Poetry Contest participants in the L. Thomas Melly ’52 Lobby in the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts.
Fostering Community in the Face of Conflict
Friday, January 26, 2024. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
Bartlett Theatre
Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at Middlebury College Khuram Hussain will lead the community in discussion around restorative justice and practices. An expert in creating inclusive and transformative learning communities, Hussain is the former Dean of Hobart College, former Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at HWS, and former Associate Professor of Education at HWS.
Belonging at HWS
Michael E. Rawlins ’80, P’16
By Vincent Orlando ’23, MSM’24, ODEI Graduate Community Assistant
Rawlins flanked by fellow Hobart soccer lettermen Santiago Pavao ’80 and Edward Mooney ’77.
In remembrance of the late Michael E. Rawlins '80 P'16, we reflect on his remarkable journey. A native of New York, Michael grew up in the South Bronx and in Bloomfield, Connecticut, where he fell in love with soccer, a passion he would pursue at Hobart and William Smith, lettering in three of his four years. Michael's career spanned influential roles at Cigna, Open Solutions, MassMutual and Tallan. The capstone of his career was his tenure at Walt Disney where he was Head of Enterprise Design for Disney Entertainment and ESPN Technology. His enthusiasm for user design and experience was exceeded only by his love for Hobart and William Smith, and his devotion to his wife Rhonda and their children, Dylan ’16 and Melissa.
A double major in history and art history, Michael was a Druid, and graduated with high honors. Michael's enduring connection to HWS was evident in his annual mentoring of students and collaborative efforts with Career Services. Named to the HWS Board of Trustees in 2019, Michael played a vital role in shaping the Colleges' trajectory. While Michael's commitment to service extended beyond the Colleges, as demonstrated by his involvement with a number of educational institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, and as a board member and past president of a local chapter of A Better Chance, Michael's obituary described his appointment as a Trustee at HWS as “the most meaningful honor of his life.” His recent passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of impact and inspiration.
Photos of Michael Rawlins
Gianna Gonzalez '20 and Adam Farid '20 tour ESPN in Bristol, Conn., with Trustee Michael Rawlins '80, P'16.
Trustee Michael Rawlins '80, P'16 discusses career opportunities with Caitlin Chichora '21 in the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education.
During the Multicultural Networking and Career Conference, Trustee Michael Rawlins ’80, P’16 moderated the Business Panel session.