Honors and Awards
Each year during Reunion Weekend, the Hobart Alumni Association and the William Smith Alumnae Association present awards to graduates celebrating a milestone reunion. Our goal remains to recognize members of the HWS family for their professional accomplishments, extraordinary leadership and/or service to Hobart and William Smith.
On behalf of the Hobart Alumni Association and William Smith Alumnae Association Honors Committees, we ask for your help in nominating fellow classmates for this year’s awards. You can view all past award recipients here. Nominations are due Monday, March 3, 2025.
Honorary Degrees
Hobart and William Smith award honorary degrees to individuals who, through their life’s work, reflect the values and aspirations of the Colleges’ community, and who serve as exemplary models for our students of lives of consequence.
Charles Salisbury Award
The Hobart and William Smith Board of Trustees introduced the Charles Salisbury Award to recognize individuals who typify the commitment, drive and exemplary service demonstrated by Charles H. Salisbury Jr. '63, P'94, L.H.D.’08.
Career Services Award
The Hobart and William Smith Board of Trustees introduced the Career Services Award to honor and celebrate alumni, alumnae, parents and friends of HWS whose commitment and effort through The Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education have transformed the lives of HWS students.
Trustee Community Service Award
The HWS Board of Trustees founded the Hobart and William Smith Trustee Community Service Award to honor and celebrate alumni, alumnae, parents and friends of HWS who live lives of consequence and serve as an example to all of us. The Trustee Community Service Award is given to members of the HWS community who have demonstrated an extraordinary and sustained volunteer commitment in serving their communities; local, regional, national and international.
The Elizabeth Blackwell Award
In honor of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910), the first woman in America to receive the Doctor of Medicine degree, the Elizabeth Blackwell Award is given to a woman whose life exemplifies outstanding service to humanity.
Medal of Excellence
First awarded and presented in 1970, the Hobart Medal of Excellence is the Alumni Association’s highest honor. The Medal is awarded to an alumnus who, by reason of outstanding accomplishments in his business, profession or community service, has brought honor and distinction to his alma mater.
Hobart Lifetime Service Award
Presented to alumnus who have made exceptional contributions to Hobart College throughout their lives. This award is the Alumni Association’s highest honor for outstanding service to Hobart College by an alumni. This award is presented during Reunion Weekend.
Alumnus Citation
Citations are presented for distinguished and exceptional service and a history of outstanding contributions to Hobart College by alumni, faculty, staff or friends of the College. This award is presented during Reunion Weekend.
The Young Alumnus Award
The Young Alumnus Award is presented within 15 years following graduation to alumni who demonstrate exceptional volunteer service and commitment to The Colleges. This award is presented during Reunion Weekend.
Alumna Achievement Award
The Alumna Achievement Award is the William Smith College Alumnae Association’s highest honor. It is awarded to an alumna who, by reason of outstanding accomplishments in her particular business, profession or community service, has brought honor and distinction to her alma mater.
Elizabeth Herendeen Odell ’22 Award
The Elizabeth Herendeen Odell ’22 Award was established in honor of Elizabeth Herendeen Odell ’22 who served as Alumnae Secretary from 1952 to 1970. This award is the Alumnae Association’s highest honor for outstanding service to William Smith College by an alumna. This award is presented during Reunion Weekend.
Alumna Citation
Citations are presented for distinguished and exceptional service and a history of outstanding contributions to William Smith College by alumnae, faculty, staff or friends of the College. This award is presented during Reunion Weekend.
The Young Alumna Award
The Young Alumna Award is presented within 15 years following graduation to alumnae who demonstrate exceptional volunteer service and commitment to The Colleges. This award is presented during Reunion Weekend.
Distinguished Faculty Award
The Distinguished Faculty Award was established in 1990 by the Hobart Alumni Association and the William Smith Alumnae Association. This joint award of the Associations recognizes the importance that graduates of these Colleges place on the contributions of outstanding faculty members of the past – for their impact as teachers, mentors and scholars.
LIVES OF CONSEQUENCE
Hobart and William Smith graduates go on to lead lives of consequence, improving and empowering communities around the globe.