StatementsOn the Passing of Ben Hutchinson ’26

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December 17, 2024

Dear Members of the Hobart and William Smith Community,

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of Benjamin Hutchinson, a junior, who died unexpectedly while at home in Rhode Island. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Ben’s family, the faculty and staff who mentored him, and his many friends on campus.

A history major, Ben earned both Hobart Heritage and Dean’s List honors at HWS. He is described by his faculty as an explorer – someone who loved to investigate ideas, cultures, politics and the world. His coursework reflected this curiosity and included a wide range of topics from Russian folklore and environmental ethics to Asian religions and modern Latin America. Other faculty have observed that he was “a remarkable student – frank, open-minded and capable. His frequent contributions greatly enriched our classroom discussions.” He spent the spring 2024 semester studying abroad with a close cohort of students in New Zealand.

Ben’s loss will be acutely felt across campus, and I ask that you reach out to one another to offer support as we navigate this difficult time. I encourage all members of our community to take advantage of resources available to the entire HWS community, including counseling and urgent and crisis services. A full listing can be found on our website and includes:

  • Counselors from the Counseling Center are available for appointments by calling 315-781-3388 or via email at counselingcenter@hws.edu.
  • Crisis Counselors are available 24 hours a day by calling 315-781-3388 and choosing option 1. Remote counseling for students is available through Mantra Health.
  • The Dean of Spiritual Engagement the Rev. Nita Byrd, Muslim Life Adviser Imam Shaheed Ali, and the Director of the Abbe Center for Jewish Life Rabbi Dr. Ann Landowne are available for support. Please contact their office at 315-781-4637 or via email at byrd@hws.edu, alis@hws.edu, or landowne@hws.edu.
  • The Hobart and William Smith Deans and the Office of Campus Life are available for students who want to talk.
  • The Employee Assistance Program provides faculty and staff with immediate and free access to mental health professionals by calling (800) 327-2255.

I had the chance to speak with Ben’s parents earlier today to express our collective condolences and to offer assistance during this difficult time. We will share any arrangements or opportunities for remembrance as they become available.

With deepest sympathy,

Mark D. Gearan
President