Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Penelope Kommalan Brisson '99

I give to William Smith because the Colleges believed in me enough to give me several scholarships when I was student, for which I continue to be grateful as I finish paying my loans.

 I give to the Colleges because they are unique and the experience needs to be sustained. I believe that going to Hobart and William Smith is the best of both worlds; it supports women as a women’s college, but life is co-ed. I am grateful for professors who not just wanted to teach, but wanted to teach me. I designate my gift to the Department of Asian Studies, recognizing smaller departments have a big impact on shaping the life of a student. Critical thinking and quality writing are professional skills I honed at HWS.

 I give to the Colleges because I am an Episcopalian and I have received a globally inclusive education under the guidance of my Church. By studying Japanese and the concepts of cultural ritual at William Smith, I better understood the religious rite of my upbringing. I met my husband Phillip at St. John’s Chapel when he was the chapel organist.

 I give to the Colleges because it runs in the family. My father, William Kommalan '64, P'99 put his three children through private high schools and colleges but still found ways to give to back to Hobart. My god-father, The Rev. Charles Cloughen ’64, gave me birthday cards with $5 saying “put it in the bank for William Smith.” My uncle, David Kommalan ’67, was the last All-American to have been coached by Babe Kraus.

 I give to the Colleges so I can tell my daughter why I love them and maybe she will too.