Hobart and William Smith Colleges

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Julia Lafford Welbon '65

"My Hobart and William Smith education began at the age of 5 in 1948, when my father, Lindsay Lafford, joined the faculty as chairman and professor of music. From then on, I learned from generations of HWS students, in rehearsals at our home and as babysitters and from faculty member friends. All these people inspired me and are remembered warmly. When I came to HWS as a student, I, too, benefited from the small classes and individual mentorship in a broad array of subjects, giving me tools for a lifetime of learning, music-making, travel, academic and community work. As an adult, I saw and facilitated those same liberal arts values in action as a member of the administration at Swarthmore College for 37 years until I retired in 2013. This reinforced my commitment to the support of HWS.

I direct most of my gifts to the Lafford Endowed Fund for Music, in honor of my late father for his devotion to HWS, and to enhance performance and touring opportunities for the excellent current and future musicians at HWS. I encourage everyone to support HWS through the annual fund in areas of their own passions as well. I’ve also joined the Wheeler Society, a very simple and important step to extend the impact of one’s giving!"