Largest Gift in Hobart and William Smith History: $70 Million from Thomas Melly '52 and Judith Hershey Melly

GENEVA, N.Y., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hobart and William Smith Colleges has received a transformative $70 million gift from Trustee Chair Emeritus L. Thomas Melly '52 and Judith Hershey Melly. The largest donation in HWS history, this gift will enhance student access, support academic excellence, and foster innovation, impacting generations to come. It also marks one of the largest contributions to a college or university in 2024.

President Mark D. Gearan announced the gift, finalized last fall in discussions with the Mellys and Vice President Bob O'Connor. Melly, a longtime trustee and Board Chair, was a champion of HWS' growth.

"It is my hope this gift will make the future bright for Hobart and William Smith," said Tom Melly in December. "I want to put this money to good use to benefit students who need it. I believe in the leadership of HWS and in the vision that Mark Gearan has created. That kind of leadership warrants our support."

The Mellys' generosity funds priorities of Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century, including:

Financial Aid: An endowed fund will provide need-based aid, supporting up to 100 annual scholarships of $10,000 each.

Innovation: The Melly Strategic Innovation Fund will empower leadership to enhance campus culture, professional development and operations.

Expanded Programs: Support will enhance academics, including the new Melly Institute for Business, Innovation, and Leadership, blending liberal arts with career and graduate skills.

Sadly, Tom Melly passed away in December. Gearan reaffirmed HWS' commitment to his vision: "Tom urged me to 'think big' and prepare for the future. His ambition for HWS was boundless. On behalf of our community, I thank Tom and Judy for their investment in our future."

"I trust that our action will inspire others to expand their ideas of their own philanthropy," says Judy Melly. "Being part of the HWS community has brought joy to both of our lives, and we are very happy to return that joy."

A 1952 economics graduate, student-athlete, Marine Corps veteran, and Goldman Sachs executive, Melly joined the HWS Board of Trustees in 1981 and served as Chair for a decade.

"This gift is without precedent in our history," Gearan says. "It underscores the enduring impact of Tom and Judy's vision and generosity, paving the way for a vibrant future for HWS. Their legacy will be felt for generations."

Media contact: Mary LeClair, mleclair@hws.edu

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SOURCE Hobart and William Smith Colleges