HWS News
23 February 2024 Athletics Day of Donors Sees Record Support
In a single day, parents, alumni and supporters contributed more than $1 million to show their backing of HWS Athletics.
The 2024 edition of the Hobart and William Smith Athletics Day of Donors concluded with 3,464 participants generously contributing $1,004,615 within 24 hours. This remarkable achievement showcases the overwhelming support from alumni, parents and fans for the Statesmen and Herons.
“I am always humbled on this day by the generosity of our alums, parents and community members for their continued support and love of HWS Athletics,” says Brian Miller, associate vice president and director of athletics and recreation. “They are motivated to give back because of the relationships they built and the experiences they had while students here in Geneva. That just doesn’t happen everywhere. This place is unique and special!”
Top fundraising came from Hobart's soccer, rowing and lacrosse teams and William Smith's soccer, field hockey and rowing.
The fundraising total includes a challenge gift of $25,000 from Cynthia L. Caird L.H.D. '12, which provided bonus money to the top three Hobart and top three William Smith teams for the percentage over dollar goal met. The William Smith volleyball team and the Hobart lacrosse team were the top finishers. On the William Smith side, soccer and ice hockey finished second and third. Finishing second to Hobart lacrosse was soccer while basketball came in third.
The Caird donation also supported prizes to the top three teams by college with the most creative fundraising videos and the biggest participation comeback. For video, Hobart soccer came in first, followed by sports medicine for second and strength and conditioning for third. William Smith volleyball came in first, followed by ice hockey for second and basketball for third. The biggest participation comeback was both Hobart and William Smith Alpine Skiing teams.
New this year is the Hogan/Stein Sports Performance Challenge that unlocked $20,000 once the dollar goal for Athletics Day of Donors was met. The generosity of John H. Hogan III '88, Margaret Massey Hogan '88 and Eric J. Stein '89 will impact every student-athlete by providing funding for equipment and technology for Strength and Conditioning.
"Following a day like yesterday, it's challenging to determine who exhibits more competitiveness—the Statesmen and Heron coaches or our devoted fan base, showcasing their unwavering commitment to Hobart and William Smith," says Vice President for Advancement Bob O'Connor P'22, P'23. "The event also rekindles connection for alumni, bringing back memories of competition and enduring friendships. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who participated on Athletics Day of Donors, along with our coaching staffs, Brian and our SAA and Heron Society boards for their staunch support."
Complete results from the 2024 HWS Athletics Day of Donors can be found here.
In the photo above, the Athletics Day of Donors Spirit Squad cheers outside of the Scandling Campus Center.
