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Trustee’s Generosity Evidenced Again

During Commencement ceremonies in 2002, L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 was awarded an Honorary Degree Citation by the Colleges that read, in part, “... you are a man who has done what many in this world only aspire to do – you have made a difference in the world.” Once again, Melly has done just that, particularly in regard to the world of Hobart and William Smith.
At the Board of Directors meeting this past April, President Mark Gearan announced Melly’s gift of $7.5 million, of which $2.5 million is to be given to the Colleges over the next five years, and the remaining $5 million in the form of a bequest. The designation of these gifts has yet to be determined.
An abiding fondness for his alma mater was Melly’s motivation for the gift. He is proud of how much facilities at the Colleges have improved since he was a student—when he slept in barracks and the school didn’t even have a basketball court. He hopes his donation will encourage other donors “to think larger and bigger.”

This wonderfully generous pledge of support further cements Melly’s long history of dedication to HWS. His renowned contributions of service and resources to the Colleges have been exemplary. From the L. Thomas Melly Academic Center, to leading the way with his classmate and fellow Trustee Henry Rosenberg in naming the Classes of 1952 Classroom in the new Stern Hall academic building, to establishing scholarships that will benefit generations of students to come, his legacy of leadership is inspiring.
In addition, Melly has been a valuable member of the Board of Trustees since 1981. He led the Colleges as Chairman of the Board from 1988 to 1998 and through a highly successful capital campaign that enriched the fiscal viability of this institution.

When asked why he continues his devoted support of the Colleges, Melly responded simply, “I feel like I can make a difference.”

“His tireless and extraordinary support of Hobart and William Smith have set the standard for all others to follow,” said Gearan.

As Hobart and William Smith enter the leadership phase of a new capital campaign, with the objectives of raising our endowment to $200 million by the end of the decade and improving campus facilities, Melly’s gift has taken the Colleges to the $50 million threshold in this important effort.

For more information about planned giving visit the Web site at www.hws.edu/
alumni/giving/planned.asp.

 

 

Summer 2004





Classes of 1964 aim high for Reunion gift—and reach the apex

by Darlene Palmer

Call it a case of one good milestone deserves another. In honor of their 40th Reunion in June, the Classes of 1964 presented President Mark D. Gearan with a check for $1.5 million—a goal set and achieved in order to create an endowed professorship at the Colleges.
The fund-raising effort began prior to the classes’ 35th Reunion. By September 2003, they were $467,000 short of their goal. With Reunion fast approaching, an anonymous donor challenged the class to give half the amount, $233,500, in new money, paid by Reunion Weekend. If the classes came through, the challenger would match the amount, securing the professorship by Reunion.

The driving force behind the Classes of ‘64 Challenge celebrate victory at this year’s Reunion. From left to right: President Gearan, Horace Havemeyer III, David Eberhart and Joe Mechem. Not pictured: HWS Trustee C. Dixon Kunzelmann

The classes responded to the challenge and made up ground quickly. As of the end of April, they were just $70,000 shy of the challenge goal, and by June 5, they were able to proudly make their presentation to Gearan and the Colleges.

Of the many people who have stood out as leaders on this class project, four have shown particular dedication to the completion of the gift: David Eberhart, Joe Mechem, Horace Havemeyer III and Trustee C. Dixon Kunzelmann.

“These classes have a very strong vision of the importance in recognizing great faculty and excellent teaching,” says Kunzelmann. “This professorship is a way for them to symbolize the importance faculty play in the lives of students.”

“This gift is so important,” echoes Havemeyer. “We need to trigger Reunion giving and raise the endowment to put us in a more competitive position as we seek high-quality faculty.”

Endowed professorships underwrite the work of senior members of the faculty on a rotating basis by providing salary or discretionary spending supplements. The Classes of ’64 gift will support a professor who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarship and service to the Colleges.

“Endowed professorships are an important way to honor our outstanding faculty,” says Patricia Stranahan, dean of faculty and provost. “Recipients of chairs have made contributions to their disciplines and to the Colleges that are recognized as excellent and valued by the community.”

Being named to a professorial chair is the most prestigious and visible honor that can be bestowed on a member of the faculty. The Classes of 1964 endowed professorship will be the fifth such honor at the Colleges. The other four are The Philip J. Moorad ’28 and Margaret N. Moorad Professorship in the Sciences, currently held by Professor of Chemistry David Craig; The John Milton Potter Professorship given by the Hobart Class of 1949, presently held by Professor of English James Crenner; The William R. Kenan Jr. Professorship, held by Professor of Economics Scott McKinney; and The Donald R. Harter ’39 Professorship, currently held by Professor of English and American Studies Lee Quinby.

“While there is no question this endowed chair will recognize excellence in teaching and mark a historic milestone in class giving, it has had a profound effect on the continuance and growth of relationships within our class,” says Mechem. “I am grateful to have been a part of this effort. I would like to express my appreciation to all who have participated in this project.”

Endowed professorships are not the only items of late to benefit from a challenge at HWS. In response to a request by the Colleges for assistance in raising scholarship endowment funds, The Fred L. Emerson Foundation, Inc. has established the Emerson Challenge.
If the Colleges raise $1 million in scholarship endowment, the Emerson Foundation will, in turn, contribute $500,000. Successfully meeting the challenge will provide the Colleges with an additional $1.5 million in total funding for endowed scholarship support. HWS has until November 2005 to meet the goal.

There is a Classes of ’64 connection to this challenge as well—David Emerson ’64, the son of the foundation’s originator, former Trustee William M. Emerson. The latter is also the grandfather of William Smith alumna Kristen Emerson Rubacka ’88.

Begun in 1961 with a contribution of $60,000, the Emerson endowment is now worth more than $4 million. The money is used for general scholarship purposes, and awards are granted on the basis of a student’s character and academic ability.