Hobart and William Smith Colleges :: William Smith Athletics: Heron Society

Membership in the Heron Society means that you support an outstanding athletics program that's sphere of influence extends far beyond the sports arena. The life lessons learned through participation in William Smith athletics programs prepare and guide our student-athletes for a lifetime.

Founded in 1983 to celebrate the many women athletes and coaches who bring increased recognition to William Smith College for their individual and team accomplishments, the Heron Society works to support the entire athletics program with financial assistance, to increase visibility for William Smith athletics, and to promote camaraderie among William Smith alumnae, parents, and friends.

At present, William Smith athletics flourishes with numerous championships, All-Americans, and multiple other awards in sports. The Heron Society has greatly contributed to the support of this outstanding program. For example, the Heron Society donated $25,000 toward the renovation of Winn-Seeley Gymnasium and the Heron Hall of Honor.

Over the years, the generosity of Heron Society members has helped to fund a variety of purchases, including video equipment, scoreboards, and other specialty equipment. The Heron Society also underwrites the William Smith athletics banquet and awards, as well as team receptions for parents and athletes and recruiting travel for coaches to visit high schools and recruits. And HERONews, subsidized by the Society, provides members with frequent updates on the accomplishments of William Smith teams.

Looking to the future, the Heron Society has invested $15,000 in the Colleges' pooled-income fund. The interest will be used annually for special projects, such as professional development, and development of new and existing programs. In addition, membership contributions from lifetime members now comprise an "endowment fund" of more than $25,000.

Membership

Please, be a part of the process of "building champions" at William Smith College by becoming a member of, or renewing your membership in, the Heron Society. Not only is your membership important in the support of our student-athletes, but recruitment of new members will increase the resources available.

So we ask that you become involved in the Heron Society, sharing your ideas, resources, and support for the program. Join the Heron team!

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