Fall 2004
Lakeviews
Inspirations of the Fall
 We
welcomed a talented new group of students to Hobart and William Smith
this fall with impressive academic and co-curricular interests. The classes
of 2008 join a dynamic student body, talented faculty and dedicated staff
to make up our community and enliven our campus life. From 40 states and
17 foreign countries they bring their many talents, selected from an increasingly
competitive pool of candidates. Arriving in Geneva like students who preceded
them in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries they will benefit from a liberal
arts background in an environment committed to excellence.
We also welcomed several new faculty and staff colleagues. The new members
of the faculty were selected following national searches and these new
teacher/scholars follow a proud history of faculty committed to our students’
success. New staff members in key roles add to the energy on campus and
they bolster our efforts to deepen our engagement with students.
As you might expect, this fall also brought considerable political dialogue
inside and outside the classroom. The Colleges are fortunate to have active
student Democrat and Republican clubs on campus – giving our students
and the rest of the campus community an opportunity to debate issues and
garner respect for each others’ points of view. The commitment and
involvement of our students in this year’s election has been energetic
and commendable. The HWS Votes campaign committed to registering new voters
and encouraging every single voter in Geneva to exercise that right on
election day. Campus lectures, debates and student activity is summarized
in this edition.
A number of our graduates have been on the campaign trail as well, drawing
from their experiences here as students and from the inspiration of their
candidates and respective political parties. They are in the arena in
important ways and I think you will find their experiences on page three
of great interest.
Finally, you will notice that this edition of The Pulteney St. Survey
is serving triple-duty: first, as the fall edition of the magazine; second
as a report to our donors for the past year; and third, as a unique look
at our many planned giving Wheeler Society members. This format provides
us with an opportunity to report out and thank our many donors for the
difference you make with your gifts to the Colleges. The images taken
from yearbooks that date back many years remind us of the value of this
dedicated group, and I hope you will enjoy the ‘walk down memory
lane.’
The importance of annual giving is particularly critical to the ongoing
operation of the Colleges. Alumni and alumnae participation serves as
leverage with foundations and other groups and is among the many aspects
reviewed and judged by college guidebooks and rankings as an important
indicator of institutional strength, confidence and good health. We are
grateful to all who consider annual giving to The Fund for Hobart and
William Smith an important part of their philanthropic activities, and
I hope all alums will consider giving back in this way.
Finally, I’d like to welcome Julie A. Smith, our new editor of the
Survey. Julie comes to us from advancement and communications positions
at the University of Rochester and Purdue University. She is delighted
to present this edition of the magazine and welcomes you to contact her
at jsmith@hws.edu with comments and story ideas.
With every best wish, I am,
Mark D. Gearan
President
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