#United States #Geneva #Hobart Smith Colleges #Thomas Melly #Judith Melly

A Transformative Legacy: The Historic Gift to Hobart and William Smith Colleges

On March 5, 2025, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) announced an unprecedented $70 million gift from esteemed alumni L. Thomas Melly '52 and his wife, Judith Hershey Melly. This monumental donation stands as the largest in the institution's history and is set to shape the college's trajectory for generations to come.

A Vision Realized

This significant financial contribution underscores the Mellys' commitment to fostering educational excellence and accessibility. Tom Melly, a revered figure in the college’s history, served on the Board of Trustees and was a passionate advocate for the institution's advancement throughout his life. Sadly, he passed away in December, but not before sharing his aspirations for HWS to flourish in the future.

President Mark D. Gearan remarked on Tom’s enduring legacy, stating, “Tom urged me to ‘think big’ and prepare for the future. His ambition for HWS was boundless.” This gift will primarily fund the college's campaign, titled Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century, focusing on areas such as financial aid, academic innovation, and program expansion.

Investing in Student Success

A core component of the donation is the establishment of an endowed fund aimed at providing need-based financial aid. This initiative will support up to 100 qualified students each year with scholarships of $10,000, allowing them to pursue their academic dreams without the heavy burden of financial strain.

In addition to financial aid, the gift will facilitate the creation of the Melly Strategic Innovation Fund, aimed at empowering leadership within the college to cultivate an enriching campus culture. This fund will focus on enhancing professional development and operational capacities across the board.

Furthermore, the Mellys have earmarked funds to advance academic programs, prominently featuring the new Melly Institute for Business, Innovation, and Leadership. This institute will seamlessly blend traditional liberal arts with essential career and graduate competencies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the dynamic demands of the workforce.

Leaving a Lasting Impact

Judith Hershey Melly expressed her hope that their gift would not only benefit current students but also encourage others to embrace a culture of philanthropy.