Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Students race down the east side of William Smith Hill during Fall Nationals, the annual go-cart race hosted during Homecoming and Family Weekend. One of the Colleges most cherished traditions, students compete in teams and build their own go-carts.

HWS students gather at the top of the Pacaya Volcano while studying abroad in Guatemala with Assistant Professor of Psychology Brien Ashdown and Associate Professor of Biology Meghan Brown. With the No. 1 study abroad program in the country, first-years are encouraged to attend abroad information sessions hosted by the Center for Global Education so they can prepare to take advantage of this opportunity.

William Smith students play to win during their club rugby match. William Smith Rugby Club is just one of more than 20 club sports, including Ultimate Frisbee, ice hockey, equestrian and lacrosse, led by students throughout the year.

Fans of Hobart Football cheer on the Statesmen at the David J. Urick Stadium. All games are free to students with their OneCard.

Namita Neerukonda '17 studies during private piano lessons with Applied Instructor of Piano Meg Heaton. The Music Department offers private instruction of strings, brass, guitar, piano, percussion, voice, woodwinds and jazz to students of all skill levels.

Students gather at the Abbe Center for Jewish Life before Shabbat dinner, which is open to HWS community members of all faiths.

Students perform the play She Kills Monsters in McDonald Theatre. HWS Theatre hosts three productions each year and all community members are encouraged to attend.

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry ’75, known for delivering the address at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May, receives the Hobart Medal of Excellence during a visit to campus. The annual honors, which complement the William Smith Alumnae Achievement Awards, bring notable alums to campus each year.

Koshare, the largest and longest running club on campus, puts on an annual dance performance every fall during which novice and experienced dancers choreograph and perform a showcase of pieces at the Smith Opera House in downtown Geneva. The audience is always packed with students, faculty and community members.

Edie Falk '21 receives advice from Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education Director Brandi Ferrara in Trinity Hall. All new students are encouraged to begin working with the Salisbury Center as soon as possible for one-on-one guidance on networking, internships and post-grad opportunities.

Students dance at the Ramada Geneva Lakefront during the annual Charity Ball. At last year’s event, members of Sankofa raised more than $2,000 for scholarships for local high school students.​

In this special edition of This Week in Photos, we celebrate the newest members of the HWS community, the Classes of 2022 and transfer students, by featuring 22 photos of events, people and places that represent some of the best things to look forward to during their first semester on our beautiful lakeside campus. Here, students enjoy the sunrise over Seneca Lake at Bozzuto Boathouse, one of the most cherished campus spots for students and alums alike.

An autumn sunrise lights up the benches on South Main Street.

Professor of Political Science Jodi Dean speaks during a Fisher Center event, which hosts conversations on contemporary social justice issues with experts across disciplines. The seminars, a popular staple among politically active students, create opportunities for dialogue and learning outside the classroom.

Chris Williams ’19 makes an Instagram moment with Associate Professor of Chemistry Christine De Denus at the annual Involvement Expo, the first opportunity to sign up for clubs and activities in the fall. Williams and De Denus represent the First Generation Initiative, a group designed to support first generation college students.

Laura Sydell ’83, digital culture correspondent for National Public Radio, delivers the keynote address during last fall’s Convocation, a tradition that officially kicks-off the academic year. This year’s Convocation Address will be delivered by Margarita Ramos ’85, Global Head of Human Resource Compliance for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

On a campus defined by community, new students can seek guidance from William Smith Assistant Dean Kelly Payne, Orientation Coordinators Tanner Arnold ’20 and Miranda Smith ’18, MAT ’19, and Hobart Interim Assistant Dean Joseph Mink, pictured here in front of Smith Hall.

As part of last year’s Orientation, members of the Classes of 2021 play with Barkley during Paws for a Break on Smith Lawn.

Students help the Geneva Boys and Girls Club construct a new play area during a Day of Service, one of several hosted throughout the year. The 25-year tradition is one of the most popular on campus.

Orientation Mentors lead new students on a tour of Geneva, their backdrop for the next four years.

Garth Burke ’18 and Associate Professor of Art and Architecture Jeffrey Blankenship review course material in Houghton House. HWS professors offer individualized support to students outside the classroom during office hours, which students are encouraged to attend regularly.

Professor of Dance Donna Davenport teaches students in the First-Year Seminar Thinking and Creating in the Blackwell Room of Demarest Hall.​ Known as FSEMS, the courses help students succeed academically and establish a strong network of relationships with peers and mentors in the first semester.