Selected Transcripts
Convocation 2024
President Mark D. Gearan
Convocation Remarks
August 25, 2024
We need the formal conclusion of Orientation and the beginning of classes tomorrow. You have heard thoughtful reflections today and throughout the week - and allow me a brief final word.
These past days of Orientation have been organized to welcome you, orient you to campus and Geneva, animated by SPARK projects, games, hot air balloon rides, meeting with your FIrst-Year Seminar instructors, important opportunities to reflect on our community values of belonging and our commitment to service to Geneva.
And, of course, the talents of last night's Variety Show at the Smith Opera House.
You have received some important advice starting last Sunday when your Orientation Coordinators shared their HWS experience:
Jillian as the first in her family to attend a four-year college and finding her love of philosophy and dance with the Kinetic Dance Club.
Joey seeing this institution as a place where you can find your path - but it starts with a conversation. Like his with a professor that led to an academic interest and study in Italy.
Anjalee building on that advice noting that relationships work only when its a 50/50 effort and the importance of taking that leap of faith to begin a conversation.
Provost Kirk urged you to remember the importance of balance and to try new areas of academic interests.
Dean Payne reminding you to know that you belong here - that you will be very busy here - and that you can do this work and rise to the challenge.
Professor Church - reflecting on his own HWS education as a First-Generation Student and urging you to seize opportunities here and to push the boundaries of your comfort zone - urging you to keep an open mind and to reach out to faculty.
Chevy DeVaney sharing her own journey here with a suitcase in one hand the anticipation of the American dream in the other -- reminding you that the HWS alumni are here to support your goals, dreams and aspirations.
And finally - Sophia Mughal's good advice to find what sparks your curiosity and take advantage of the countless resources on campus that kindle that flame.
All good advice.
To me - it shares a common theme. That the college you have enrolled in - the classes you begin this week, the faculty, staff, coaches and alumni you will meet - are all dedicated to your success.
HWS is frequently described as a relationship-rich environment. And it is. And we are ambitious for your future and the difference you will make in the world.
In many ways - that ambition is rooted in our history and founding.
In 1822, Bishop John Henry Hobart arriving to the shores of Seneca Lake at what was in many ways the frontier of the young nation - with the improbable dream to found a college for men.
In 1908, William Smith an immigrant to our nation, inspired by women's rights activists in the region - also had an improbable dream to found a college for women - years before women could vote and have equal rights under the law.
That same ambition is found in generations of students who have come to Geneva from across the nation - across the globe. In times of peace and in times of war, in depressions and pandemics and strife.
All of their stories - and especially John Henry Hobart and WIlliam Smith - demonstrate the power of an idea.
This is an amazing place - a special place. And, as so many have advised you – take advantage of it.
A former Dean used to remind students at these exercises - that you only have four falls and four springs on campus. Make the most of it.
In a conversation I had this summer with an alum who had just returned from climbing the Alps - he told me of his approach to climbing. Which may have resonance for many of you today as you commence climbing toward your undergraduate degree.
He told me that his approach - is options, not a plan.
He feels more alive and free and in touch with the earth and its magnificence when he doesn't have a rigid plan.
He prefers to see what each step offers in terms of a new opportunity - a new perspective, a new option.
That for him makes life more interesting and presents more opportunities.
That said - you still need to make good choices and to learn to adjust to the options that may turn out to be the best choice. But learn from them.
You are here at an interesting time in the history of Hobart and William Smith -
- We enter our Third Century
- Large class selected from largest applicant pool
- From 32 states --- 13 nations. ---- 5 continents
- First-year students just starting your undergrade education; those joining us from Community Colleges or four-year institutions like Wells College
But as the traditional motto of the United States reads on our currency and many state flags:
E Pluribus Unum – latin for. "Out of many - one"
Today - we begin this year in organization and design, in spirit and in focus as one.
One HWS.
Your HWS.
Good luck in the year ahead and I invite you sign the banners and we close these exercises of Convocation.