Category: News
No Layoffs During the Pandemic – Departmental budget Held Constant
By Hrithik Biswas ’23 Staff Writer When COVID-19 hit the United States with growing cases around the country in March 2020, students were sent home for spring break with many uncertainties in mind. The pandemic added financial strains to many sectors and industries throughout the country, including transportation, retail and restaurants. Although HWS was not exempt from this downturn, the Colleges still had to work … Continue reading No Layoffs During the Pandemic – Departmental budget Held Constant
Student Experience a Year into the Pandemic
By Julissa Ramirez ’23 Staff Writer April 9, 2021 Our world was taken by storm by COVID-19 in March 2020. A wave of universities, small businesses, and public schools were forced to close, and life as we knew it hit a pause. Spring break of 2020 turned into months of remote classes, watching COVID cases rise, and whipping up the new Delgada Tik Tok coffee. … Continue reading Student Experience a Year into the Pandemic
HWS Teams Return to Competition
By Andrew Lynch ’23 Staff Writer April 7, 2021 As Hobart and William Smith Colleges approach the final weeks of the spring semester, sports teams have begun the process of returning to a somewhat normal schedule. Prior to the start of the semester, HWS athletic director Deb Steward made the announcement that allowed spring athletic teams to compete against other schools. What ultimately led to … Continue reading HWS Teams Return to Competition
Konstantinou and Bowen ’23 Elected as Student Trustees
By Elise Donovan ’22 Staff Writer April 8, 2021 Irini Konstantinou ‘23 and Zaheer Bowen ‘23 will serve as Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ next Student Trustees for their respective colleges. An initial vote for the position was held on March 23, with a Hobart run-off extending the vote to March 24. These results came at the end of a two-week strenuous campaign and election … Continue reading Konstantinou and Bowen ’23 Elected as Student Trustees
Davis Gallery Reopens: Better than Good & Hair Stories Untold
By Roman Vargas-Garcia ’24 Staff Writer April 4, 2021 In March, the Colleges had the privilege to host the works of artists Nakeya Brown and Nafis White at the Davis Gallery in Houghton House. Even during times when social interactions are limited, students, faculty and staff can physically see and learn from these pieces of art. The gallery focuses on the experiences of African American … Continue reading Davis Gallery Reopens: Better than Good & Hair Stories Untold
Staff Spotlight: Amy Jackson
By Katelyn Oswalt ’24 Staff Writer April 4, 2021 The Herald was recently able to speak with Amy Jackson, Assistant Director of The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCSEL). This year, Jackson has had to handle the task of moving the HWS Corps tutoring program to a completely remote setting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a traditional year, HWS students would … Continue reading Staff Spotlight: Amy Jackson
Addressing Race in First Year Seminars
By Kayleigh Aquino ’24, Julissa Ramirez ’23 Photo Editor, Staff Writer March 7, 2021 For decades, liberal arts schools have implemented special courses for first-year students to help them adjust to their environment and develop a more holistic understanding of their own education. FSEMs at HWS aim to provide an introduction to college learning for students, with topics ranging from pop music to issues surrounding … Continue reading Addressing Race in First Year Seminars
Student Employment During the Pandemic
By Elise Donovan ’22, Ruby Auman ’22 Photo Editor, Staff Writer March 7, 2021 Since its onset last spring, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of student employment at HWS. Students who used to work at the college store, Au Bon Pain, and Winn-Seeley Gym, among others, had their hours cut entirely. At the same time, other student employees have been given more responsibilities … Continue reading Student Employment During the Pandemic
COVID-19 and the First Year Experience
By Katelyn Oswalt ’24, Aiden Walsh ’21 Staff Writers March 7, 2021 The HWS Classes of 2024 had long expected a normal college experience going into the fall of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this class doesn’t know when they will experience that “normal,” or let alone what that normal is even like. Although most first-years have experience with online classes from their … Continue reading COVID-19 and the First Year Experience
What Happened to my Test? COVID-19 Recoveries, Testing, Isolation and Delays
By Russell Payne ’21, Henry Duerr ’21 Editor in Chief, Managing Editor March 4, 2021 In the aftermath of a serious COVID-19 outbreak on campus earlier this year, the Herald was able to speak with Robb Flowers, Director of Student Life, and Cathy Williams, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, about some of the questions that have been on many students’ minds. What constitutes a … Continue reading What Happened to my Test? COVID-19 Recoveries, Testing, Isolation and Delays
Common Spaces Closed Due to COVID-19
By Molly Matthews ’22, Sarah Lorenz ’21 Staff Writers March 3, 2021 As of Feb. 22, the upper floors of Warren Hunting Smith Library and the Bristol Field House have reopened for HWS community use after closing on Feb. 5 for the campus pause. Many students were upset about these closings, as they further limited the services and spaces available to students during the pandemic. … Continue reading Common Spaces Closed Due to COVID-19
Behind the Super Bowl Star
By Brayton Slusser ’23, Mary Hanrahan ’22 Staff Writers March 3, 2021 Many people hold misconceptions about college athletes, including the “jock” stereotype of athletes who are heavily invested in maintaining their fitness and athletic talent rather than their academic capabilities. In contrast to this trope stands Hobart Football alumnus Ali Marpet ’15. On Feb. 7, 2021, starting on the offensive line for the Tampa … Continue reading Behind the Super Bowl Star
Coaches Help Keep Campus Safe
By Andrew Lynch ’23 Staff Writer As Hobart and William Smith Colleges have entered the spring semester, COVID-19 testing has ramped up. Students and staff are eager to return to a somewhat normal schedule, which requires frequent testing for the safety of the campus community. In order to meet testing needs, athletic coaches have been asked to help conduct COVID-19 tests at the Hubbs Health … Continue reading Coaches Help Keep Campus Safe
The Hour of Power: A Conversation with Fatim Cisse
By Steven D’Alterio ’21 Staff Writer The Herald recently got the opportunity to catch up with an amazing leader of love, self-growth, and empowerment here at HWS: Fatim Cisse ’23. Cisse hosts a weekly Zoom program called Hour of Power Chats, which she describes as a collective endeavor to save and foster lives that have been lied to and told that they are not as … Continue reading The Hour of Power: A Conversation with Fatim Cisse
A Conversation with the Rising Panthers
By David Peck ’22 Staff Writer The Herald met with organizing members of The Rising Panthers Gabriele Nieves, Fatim Cisse for an interview. The Herald (TH): So who and what are The Rising Panthers? Mercy Sherman (MS): Well we’re not really a club you know? Consider us as a rising grassroots organization. What we stand for and our goals are combating systemic racism. Whether that’s … Continue reading A Conversation with the Rising Panthers
COVID Testing on Campus
By Russell Payne ’21 Editor Hobart and William Smith have, like many other Northeast colleges, partnered with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT for their testing strategy. The Broad institute, according to their COVID-19 Diagnostic Processing Dashboard, has converted a “large-scale genomics facility” into a rapid result COVID-19 testing facility that as of Sept. 26 has conducted 2,000,000 tests since March 25. Hobart and … Continue reading COVID Testing on Campus
Jacobsen Inaugurated as President
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor On Friday, Oct. 18, Joyce P. Jacobsen was officially inaugurated as the 29th president of Hobart College and the 18th president of William Smith College. The inauguration ceremony, held on the Quad and open to all members of the HWS community, was the centerpiece of a day filled with celebration, which included a community lunch and the President’s Ball … Continue reading Jacobsen Inaugurated as President
Meeting The Masterminds Behind Geneva’s Climate March And What It Means For The Future Of The Colleges
By Gabriel Pietrorazio ‘20 Herald Staff A community’s charge and dream for climate change recognition and reconciliation was realized when more than 150 activists united along Seneca Lake for the Geneva Climate March on Sept. 27. In particular, three professors at the Colleges who are affiliated with the Geneva Women’s Assembly were instrumental in coordinating the march. In this article, the Herald connects with them … Continue reading Meeting The Masterminds Behind Geneva’s Climate March And What It Means For The Future Of The Colleges
Title IX Welcomes Bill Boerner
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor This semester, the Title IX Office welcomed Bill Boerner as assistant vice president and Title IX coordinator. Boerner was hired following an extensive and rigorous search to fill the position vacated by former Title IX Coordinator Susan Lee, who retired at the end of last semester. His arrival on campus ensures that the Title IX Office, which also includes … Continue reading Title IX Welcomes Bill Boerner
Coordinate System
By Julia Cilano ’23 Herald Staff From the first moment prospective students step onto campus, they can witness the unique history of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Standing on Pulteney Street, one stands on the old dividing line between the Colleges and sees in the scissors statue on Stern Lawn the unity of two pieces coming together as one. However, what do those two united … Continue reading Coordinate System
Candidates of Consequence: The Colleges and Politics of City Council Amid the 2019 Election Cycle
By Gabriel Pietrorazio ‘20 Herald Staff This year’s citywide municipal election sparks conversations about the Colleges and its their position in Geneva between stakeholders, constituents, residents and even college students. Hobart and William Smith Colleges play a vital role in the City of Geneva and impact the lives of all residents, especially amid a crucial election cycle that may dictate the future of this learning … Continue reading Candidates of Consequence: The Colleges and Politics of City Council Amid the 2019 Election Cycle
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Speaks at 20th Genocide and Human Rights Symposium Anniversary
By Gabriel Pietrorazio ‘20 Herald Staff Editor’s Note: A version of this article was originally published by FingerLakes1.com. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Eli Saslow ventured to Hobart and William Smith Colleges Oct. 3 to retell the transformative story of a young white nationalist who eventually expelled his racist beliefs by attending higher education. Inside a well-packed Albright Auditorium, community members gathered at an event … Continue reading Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Speaks at 20th Genocide and Human Rights Symposium Anniversary
Vaping on Campus: It’s Risky Business
By Hrithik Biswas ’23 Herald Staff With high levels of vaping among young adults and incidences of vaping-related illness continuing to increase, many are calling vaping an “epidemic.” This is encapsulated in recent news headlines, including The New York Times: “The prevalence of e-cigarette use among minors has doubled from 2017 through this year, despite national campaigns warning of dangers” and Vice News: “People Are … Continue reading Vaping on Campus: It’s Risky Business
President Jacobsen Begins Tenure
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Staff Within some of her first weeks on campus, President Joyce P. Jacobsen seems as optimistic and pragmatic as she did during her acceptance of the position back in February. In an effort to gauge how her adjustment has been since her arrival, the Herald sat down with the President during her school-wide open office hours. After being announced as … Continue reading President Jacobsen Begins Tenure
New Students on the Block: Orientation 2019
By Julia Cilano ’23 and Hrithik Biswas ’23 Herald Contributors The transition from high school to college is no easy task—upon arriving on campus, first-year students are immediately plunged into a new world and a new way of life with much more freedom, independence, and responsibility. The first-year experience is entirely new and different, and the culture shock is jarring to say the least. Thankfully, Orientation … Continue reading New Students on the Block: Orientation 2019
Race and Diversity on College Campuses
On Friday, April 26, 2019 the Herald published an extensive 14-page section on race, diversity, and equity at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The viewpoints examine all aspects of campus life and come from students spanning across different socioeconomic, sexual, international, religious, and educational backgrounds. We did not discriminate on any basis and were accepting new names for viewpoints up until the print deadline – in … Continue reading Race and Diversity on College Campuses
Real Food Challenged?
By Henry Duerr ’21 Herald Staff Food. Something so simple, yet so vital to life. Here at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, food comes through the Sodexo corporation. Sodexo is a French food service and facility management company that operates on 13,000 sites in North America alone. Founded in 1966, Sodexo states that “wherever we work, our dedication to making every day a better day … Continue reading Real Food Challenged?
New Participatory Budgeting
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor & Herald Staff Have you ever wondered where exactly your tuition money goes, or wished that you had more control over how the school spends your money? One group of students is addressing these concerns by working to increase students’ control over the Colleges’ budget. Eva Catanzariti ’20, president of William Smith Congress; Nuzhat Wahid ’22, WSC vice president; and … Continue reading New Participatory Budgeting
EMS Keeps Campus Safe
By Reed Herter ’22 Herald Staff Emergency Medical Services is a Basic Life Support agency on campus made up of trained medical professionals. They are all volunteers, trained to be able to do everything EMTs in ambulances can do. They act as first responders for any medical emergencies on campus no matter how small, helping anyone who is on campus and is injured. As Chief … Continue reading EMS Keeps Campus Safe
WSC Provides Menstrual Products
By Ani Freedman ’22 Chief Photographer & Herald Staff If you’ve used any of the bathrooms in the library, Scandling Center, Stern Hall, or many other buildings, then you’ve probably noticed the containers with a bold “Aunt Flo” label and array of menstrual products free to the public. Around midway through this semester, the menstrual product pilot project was implemented after William Smith’s first-year Class … Continue reading WSC Provides Menstrual Products
Context: Race and Diversity at HWS
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief On Monday morning, April 22, 2019, spray-painted words were discovered across campus. The words noted “Make America Great Again,” the campaign slogan of President Donald Trump, and included “Trump 22” and the campaign chant “Build the Wall.” This was only the most recent in a string of incidents in the last few weeks on the campus of Hobart and William Smith … Continue reading Context: Race and Diversity at HWS
New Student Center Proposed
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff Bartlett Theatre, built in 1900 as an integral part of Coxe Hall, may see new life next semester as Hobart Student Trustee Albright Dwarka makes plans to create a student center. Dwarka, who was elected in March on a platform that included a promise to create a new student center in Bartlett Theatre, confirmed that this initiative is underway. … Continue reading New Student Center Proposed
Muslim Prayer Space
By Tayah Payne ’22 Herald Staff The Herald recently had a conversation with Sarim Karim ’22 about the current accommodations for Muslim prayer on campus. Sarim is a student from Pakistan hoping to study international relations and economics, and is also a member of both the South Asian Student Association (SASA) and the debate team. He and the South Asian Student Association are working together … Continue reading Muslim Prayer Space
Earth Week Wrap-Up
By Yellie LaBare ’19 Special to the Herald Our annual Earth Week celebration is in full swing! Led by the EcoReps and Campus Greens, it is a weeklong celebration of our planet. This year, the week kicked off with Earth Day on Monday, April 22, which featured more Saga options for Meatless Monday as well as the planting of new grape vines in the campus garden. … Continue reading Earth Week Wrap-Up
Remembering Rachel McKay ‘18
Army Sergeant Rachel Reve McKay ’18 passed away unexpectedly at the United States Army’s Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia on April 8. The death is under investigation and no immediate cause of death was provided. Rachel was twenty-three years old. McKay graduated from Marblehead High School, in Marblehead, Massachusetts, prior to attending William Smith in the fall of 2014. She graduated from William Smith last … Continue reading Remembering Rachel McKay ‘18
This Land Is Not Your Land
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor Hobart and William Smith Colleges value history. Students waiting in line to matriculate are quizzed by the Orientation Team on fun facts like the founding dates of each college. Every admissions tour involves a stop at the Elizabeth Blackwell statue, and anyone who’s taken a Women’s Studies class knows how close we are to historic Seneca Falls. However, there’s … Continue reading This Land Is Not Your Land
New Academic Day Schedule
By Ani Freedman ’22 Photography Editor & Herald Staff As students approach fall 2019 registration time, panic begins to set in — concerns arise about what classes to take next semester, fulfilling majors and minors, and whether or not students will get into the classes they want or need. With this sense of uncertainty comes the newfound uncertainty of the new academic day schedule that … Continue reading New Academic Day Schedule
Feminist Activism on Campus
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor Anonymous social media accounts are commonplace at schools, and HWS is no exception. While most of these accounts are primarily focused on entertainment, there is one anonymous Instagram account at HWS with a more serious purpose: @bossbitchtheory, which has been posting about feminist theory and feminist issues on campus since the fall of 2017. The Herald met with the … Continue reading Feminist Activism on Campus
New Junior Student Trustees
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Staff After a close runoff election, it was decided that Hobart student Albright Dwarka ‘21 and William Smith student Audrey Platt ‘21 would be the newest student additions to the Hobart and William Smith Colleges Board of Trustees. The Student Trustee position consists of aiding the Board of Trustees in decision making and voting and acting as a student voice … Continue reading New Junior Student Trustees
Barnes and Noble Moves In
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff It is official: the College Store will be closed as early as June 1 and replaced with Barnes and Noble College. BNC, which operates hundreds of campus bookstores nationwide, is tasked with renovating the HWS store and updating its website, as well as managing merchandising and day-to-day affairs. Interim President McGuire maintains that the Colleges’ partnership with Barnes and … Continue reading Barnes and Noble Moves In
Search for New Chaplain Nears End
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff The search for a new chaplain and dean of Spiritual Engagement has been in full swing in the months since Chaplain Maurice Charles left his position to be with his partner, Cliff Chan, who accepted a position at Emory University. Professor Nan Crystal Arens, who co-chairs the search committee with Julianne Miller, director of the Abbe Center for Jewish … Continue reading Search for New Chaplain Nears End
Commencement Speaker: New Yorker Executive Editor Dorothy Wickenden ’76
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief Hobart and William Smith Colleges announced today that the 2019 Commencement Address will be delivered by Dorothy Wickenden ’76 L.H.D. ’14. Currently the Executive Editor of The New Yorker, Wickenden is an accomplished novelist, journalist, and editor who has an extensive career covering national news and has been noted as one of the most influential women in journalism. Wickenden has … Continue reading Commencement Speaker: New Yorker Executive Editor Dorothy Wickenden ’76
HWS Announces Next President
By Alex Kerai ’19 & Grace Ruble ’21 Editor-in-Chief & News Editor Dr. Joyce Jacobsen was announced on Friday, Feb. 8 as the 29th President of Hobart College and the 17th of William Smith College. The introduction took place on campus in the L. Thomas Melly ’52 Lobby of the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts to a standing-room only crowd. Jacobsen comes to the Colleges after serving … Continue reading HWS Announces Next President
Introducing President Jacobsen
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief On Friday, Feb. 8, just hours before she was announced as the next President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Dr. Joyce Jacobsen sat down for an interview with the Herald. In a wide-ranging interview, Jacobsen discussed how she learned about HWS, her cat Mr. Butters, and her academic career. Dr. Joyce Jacobsen comes to HWS after 26 years at … Continue reading Introducing President Jacobsen
Deeper Look into the Presidential Search
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief On the morning of the presidential announcement, the Herald spoke by phone with John Isaacson, the founder and Chair of search firm Isaacson, Miller. Mr. Isaacson was integrally involved in the presidential search and answered some of the Herald’s questions about the process and what it was like to work with HWS. Mr. Isaacson and his firm have been assisting … Continue reading Deeper Look into the Presidential Search
Sodexo: History & Concerns
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor & Staff Writer Saga food isn’t the greatest. At least, that’s what everyone says in continual complaints about dining on campus. But what about Sodexo — the company that runs Dining Services and Buildings and Grounds? Although I won’t argue that complaints about food aren’t warranted, there are many reasons that students should be more concerned about the company … Continue reading Sodexo: History & Concerns
Free Speech on Campus
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff In November 2017, the Young Americans for Freedom invited its first speaker to campus. Nonie Darwish, the founder of Arabs for Israel, was widely accused of Islamophobia during her remarks in the Sanford Room, prompting a debate among students over how the campus community should balance free speech with its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The … Continue reading Free Speech on Campus
Walkway for William Smith Hill
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Staff Ever since I could walk, my Dad would constantly remind me that the fastest way to get between two places is in a straight line. This idea is partly why Nuzhat Wahid, previous William Smith Class of 2022 president and current William Smith Congress vice president, decided to construct and establish a walkway up the infamous William Smith Hill. … Continue reading Walkway for William Smith Hill
The Student Trustees’ Role at HWS
By Reed Herter ’22 Herald Staff Student Trustees are an important part of our school’s system, and a role not enough people vote for. With the upcoming election for the new junior Student Trustees (see the timetable above), the Herald met with Gavin Gross ’19 and Caitlin Lasher ’19, our senior Student Trustees to learn more about their role at HWS and on the Board … Continue reading The Student Trustees’ Role at HWS
New HSG Constitution
By Will Fuller ’22 Herald Staff On Jan. 29, Hobart’s student government proposed and passed a long list of changes to the Hobart Student Government Constitution. The changes passed with 75 percent of the vote by Hobart students. The Herald met with Ryan Skinner, Hobart Student Government’s vice president at the time of the constitution revisions, to find out more about the changes. Ryan explained … Continue reading New HSG Constitution
Sustainability at HWS
By Yellie LaBare ’19 Special to the Herald In 2007, HWS President Mark Gearan signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, which charged the Colleges with a new task: carbon neutrality by 2025. Although bold, this act was crucial in the forward momentum of the Colleges’ sustainability, and 12 years, two solar farms, and countless program initiatives later, the Colleges are well on … Continue reading Sustainability at HWS
ResEd & Housing Updates
By Ani Freedman ’22 Chief Photographer & Herald Staff With housing selection season underway, students are buzzing with excitement, nerves, and questions regarding where they will be living in the 2019-2020 school year. Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors are most likely looking to upgrade their living situations, but rumors have been stirring on campus regarding the possible uncertainty of off-campus housing, overcrowding, and the mystery of … Continue reading ResEd & Housing Updates
Meet Taylor Brorby: New English Faculty
By Tayah Payne ’22 Herald Staff The Herald recently sat down with Taylor Brorby to discuss his role as a new TRIAS Post-Graduate Teaching Fellow in the English Department and what projects he has been working on. He is teaching Creative Writing and is offering a course in Advanced Environmental Nonfiction Writing this semester. A graduate of Iowa State University originally from North Dakota, Brorby … Continue reading Meet Taylor Brorby: New English Faculty
HWS President Announced
Hobart and William Smith Colleges announced today the next person who will serve as the 29th President of Hobart College and the 17th of William Smith College. Joyce P. Jacobsen was named to the role at a ceremony on campus in the L. Thomas Melly ’52 Lobby of the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts. Jacobsen will be the first female president of Hobart and … Continue reading HWS President Announced
Culture of Exhaustion
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a friend in the library and she looked over at me and said “You know what the Herald should cover? The culture of exhaustion on this campus.” She continued to explain to me that she felt a good number of students at HWS faced pressure from a myriad of … Continue reading Culture of Exhaustion
Voting on Campus: From U.S. Congress to William Smith Congress
By Olivia Rowland ‘21 Copy Editor Almost a month after the midterm elections, students had the opportunity to vote in another election, this time for the executive board of William Smith Congress. But the atmosphere surrounding both opportunities for civic participation was unmistakably different. The HWS community put a lot of effort into mobilizing for the midterm elections. By Nov. 6, HWS Votes and the … Continue reading Voting on Campus: From U.S. Congress to William Smith Congress
Chief Diversity Officer Search
By Ryan Skinner ‘19 Herald Staff Last spring, amid a flurry of emerging vacancies at the colleges, it was announced that Interim Chief Diversity Officer Solomé Rose would be leaving the position she had held since March of 2016 to join Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York. Her exit prompted a series of emails from more than a dozen faculty members congratulating Rose … Continue reading Chief Diversity Officer Search
Hobart Deans Envisioning Change
By Ani Freedman ‘22 Photography Editor Over the past year or so, HWS has had some noticeable administrative changes across various offices and departments, including a new interim president, professors joining and retiring within various departments, and of course new additions in the Dean’s Office. A notable aspect of these changes for Hobart College students is the appointment of Interim Dean Khuram Hussain and Interim … Continue reading Hobart Deans Envisioning Change
Gib Shea: First-Year Class President
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Staff Through correspondence with Gib Shea ‘22, the newly elected Hobart class president as of October 2018, I was able to gain a greater perspective about his background, as well as his outline for the future of the class. As a student and active community member, Gib talked about the different roles he plays on campus, as well as his … Continue reading Gib Shea: First-Year Class President
HWS-Technos Exchange Program
By Will Fletcher ’20 Herald Contributor For two weeks this past June, Professor Gabriella D’Angelo, William Smith sophomore Carly Shiever, and I were able to travel to Japan free of charge to participate in an international exchange program. The trip included interactive workshops at Technos College, which is outside of Tokyo, a three day stay at a traditional Japanese onsen (a hot spring with baths), … Continue reading HWS-Technos Exchange Program
The Coordinate System: History & Context
By Alex Kerai ’19 Editor-in-Chief When William Smith gave about $475,000 to the Trustees of Hobart for the founding of William Smith College for women on December 13, 1906, the college was to be coordinate with the “men’s department” and under Hobart’s Board of Trustees. The coordinate agreement is unique among American colleges; it is touted by the Colleges as being in place for exploration and … Continue reading The Coordinate System: History & Context
Kavanaugh Walkout
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor On Oct. 4, the voices of HWS students chanting “Kava-what? Kava-no!” over the South Main Street overpass joined the voices of those across the country who participated in the #CancelKavenaugh Walkout Against Patriarchy. The walkout protested Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court in the wake of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s sexual assault allegations and offered support for Dr. … Continue reading Kavanaugh Walkout
Campus Connections
By Reed Herter ’22 Herald Contributor The Campus Connections Program is a newly instituted service for first-year students. It takes all first-year students and pairs them up with a mentor on campus. These mentors are staff members who volunteered, and they “are the people not interacting with students on a daily basis,” as John Young, the Dean of Admissions, put it. The purpose of the … Continue reading Campus Connections
William Smith Congress Reaching Out
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor “We never really leave our roles,” says Eva Catanzariti ‘21, Vice President of William Smith Congress. “What we want to do is take issues that students care about on campus and take them out of just conversations with friends, and bring them to the next level where we can figure out how can we support you going forward and … Continue reading William Smith Congress Reaching Out
Student Voter Engagement
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor The Herald’s coverage of Hobart class president elections in last month’s issue revealed that most students were apathetic when it came to voting. With the midterm elections coming up in less than a month, students have another, arguably more important, chance to let their voices be heard. But will they vote? In short, the data is not promising. Young people … Continue reading Student Voter Engagement
Competitive Gaming Starts on Campus
By Jackie Steinman ’20 Herald Contributor The new E-Sports Gaming House opened on Pulteney Street with its ribbon-cutting ceremony just a few weeks ago. E-Sports refers to video gaming competitions in which individuals or teams can play against one another at the amateur, collegiate, or professional level. Overwatch and League of Legends are two games that have their own professional leagues and have led the … Continue reading Competitive Gaming Starts on Campus
Intercultural Affairs Center
By Will Fuller ’22 Herald Staff Exciting times are upon the International Affairs Center. The center, which creates a supportive place for international students, will soon be under renovation. Ideas and plans for the new renovations have already began. “The process is following the timeline,” says Alejandra Molina, one of the directors of the International Affairs Center. This timeline started in the spring of last … Continue reading Intercultural Affairs Center
First Impressions from the Classes of 2022
By Grace Ruble ’21 News Editor According to the “Welcoming the Classes of 2022” article published by the HWS Update before the new class of First Years arrived on campus, the Classes of 2022 include “class presidents, all-star athletes, engaged volunteers and inspired artists.” Statistically, this same article identified that 40 percent of the Classes of 2022 applied to HWS Early Decision, 25 percent identify … Continue reading First Impressions from the Classes of 2022
Title IX Update
By Olivia Rowland ’21 Copy Editor Last April, the Herald published six articles about Title IX and sexual assault on campus. The series investigated how reports of sexual assault are handled on campus in addition to the campus culture around the issue. The Herald found that there seemed to be less openness to discussion about sexual assault on campus than there was in 2014. In … Continue reading Title IX Update
Beginning Again: The Presidential Search
By Abbey Frederick ’20 Managing Editor When an individual is appointed to the presidency of an institution of higher education, he or she takes on the responsibility to guide the institution into the future. This year, Hobart and William Smith Colleges face the challenge of selecting the person who will not only represent the alumni, faculty, staff, and students of the Colleges, but also represent … Continue reading Beginning Again: The Presidential Search
Elections Reveal Apathy
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Staff This year’s class president elections were defined by a continuing trend of uncompetitive elections, voter disengagement and revealing defects in the electronic ballot. As the vice president of Hobart Student Government, I have made the unusual decision to publicize some limited data from the elections. I believe this is a necessary course of action because only through a shared … Continue reading Elections Reveal Apathy
Lasher: ‘And So There I Was in Poland’
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Contributor On August 27, the greater population of Hobart and William Smith Colleges gathered in the Vandervort Room to celebrate the start of the 2018-2019 school year. Featuring remarks from esteemed alums, student leaders, and HWS faculty, the ceremony presented inspiratory comments for the Classes of 2019, as well as words of welcome for the Classes of 2022. To commence … Continue reading Lasher: ‘And So There I Was in Poland’
New William Smith Deans Outline Vision
By Elise Donovan ’22 Herald Contributor As of July 2018, two out of the three William Smith deans will have stepped into their roles within the past few months. However, despite being new to William Smith administrative roles, both Assistant Dean Kelly Payne and Assistant Dean Lisa Salter are far from inexperienced. Both Dean Payne and Dean Salter bring their experiences of teaching and advising … Continue reading New William Smith Deans Outline Vision
Fostering Conversation & Self-Confidence: an Interview with Eye-to-Eye Chapter Leader Isabelle Jeppsen
By Abbey Frederick ’20 Managing Editor On the first Friday of the new school year, students wander from one table to the next at the Involvement Expo, writing their names down on mailing lists. For many students, signing up at the expo is the first step toward finding a community where they can explore their passions alongside like-minded peers. But Isabelle Jeppsen ’21 had her … Continue reading Fostering Conversation & Self-Confidence: an Interview with Eye-to-Eye Chapter Leader Isabelle Jeppsen
President Gregory Vincent Resigns
The Board of Trustees at Hobart and William Smith Colleges announced on Friday, April 13 that President Gregory J. Vincent ’83 would be resigning as the 27th President of Hobart and the 16th President of William Smith. The announcement comes in the midst of an investigation into claims that President Vincent plagiarized parts of his 2004 dissertation, which was completed for a Ed.D. degree at … Continue reading President Gregory Vincent Resigns
Seating Opinions: Jackie Fisher
At the end of March, the Classes of 2018 voted to decide between joint seating and processions for commencement or separate seating and processions by college. The debate prompted discussion about gender differences and inclusivity within the coordinate system. To shed greater light on the discussion the Herald asked three campus leaders and active participants in the conversation to express their views in print. By Jackie … Continue reading Seating Opinions: Jackie Fisher
Social Space & Social Responsibility in Fraternities
By The Herald News Team As with many other colleges and universities, fraternities play a dominating role in social life at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and, as a side effect of their social role on campus, are frequently tied to instances of sexual assault. The 2017 Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS) Sexual Assault Campus Climate Survey found that of the 46 students who self-reported … Continue reading Social Space & Social Responsibility in Fraternities
Troubling Statistics of Campus Sexual Assaults
By The Herald News Team The National Criminal Justice Reference Service published two reports under the U.S. Department of Justice, one in December 2000 and another in December 2007, which highlight troubling facts about campus sexual assaults: nationally in more than 90 percent of rapes and unwanted sexual contact incidents on campus, the student did not report. This is based on the December 2000 report, which … Continue reading Troubling Statistics of Campus Sexual Assaults
Trias Astounds
By Wren Andrews ‘21
Staff Writer
It wasn’t an exceptionally nice evening out—it was rainy, dark, and cold. However, despite the weather, a reasonably-sized swarm of people were walking in the direction of the Hirshson Ballroom. Inside was a completely different world: the room was bright, and full of light and energy as much as it was full of people. As Associate Professor of English Kathryn Cowles said, people were “hanging from the rafters,” standing in the aisles, sitting in places where no seats were left. The sheer number of students in attendance was an incredible anomaly, especially for this campus, but it was a crowd well-deserved for a poet as incredible as Danez Smith. Continue reading Trias Astounds
Blue Lights at HWS: A Complicated Necessity
By The Herald News Team Referred to by Marty Corbett, director of Campus Safety at HWS, as “rarely used,” the blue lights and call boxes on the Hobart and William Smith campus exist as a safety measure to protect members of the HWS community in the event of an attack. Both the lights and call boxes contain emergency buttons that can be pressed to directly contact … Continue reading Blue Lights at HWS: A Complicated Necessity
Meet the William Smith Trustee
By Claire Joshi ‘21
Herald Staff
On March 5, it was announced that Gianna Gonzalez ’20 won the March 2 election for the new William Smith Junior Trustee. On March 9, Edens Fleurizard ’20 was announced as the new Hobart Junior Trustee following a run-off election. Continue reading Meet the William Smith Trustee
Free Speech Discourse on Campus
By Phoebe MacCurrach ‘18
Herald Staff
On the Friday before spring break at noon, President Gregory Vincent ’83 sent out an email with the subject “Diversity of thought and the First Amendment Right to freedom of speech.” The email addresses his belief in the importance of complying with the community standards, he even included a link to an online version. Continue reading Free Speech Discourse on Campus
Classes of 2018 to Have Joint Graduation Seating
By Dan Bristol
Managing Editor
Through a decisive vote last week, the Classes of 2018 decided to make this year’s commencement ceremony on May 13th a joint ceremony with Hobart and William Smith students sitting and graduating together. This marks the second year in a row that students from both schools will be seated together, returning to a graduation arrangement more familiar to President Vincent ’83 and his peers from the 70s and 80s. Continue reading Classes of 2018 to Have Joint Graduation Seating
A Culture of Respect?
As policy, the Herald follows Associated Press guidelines and does “not generally identify those who say they have been sexually assaulted…except in unusual circumstances.” The four interviews with survivors of sexual misconduct on this campus were conducted on the record, and the Herald will not identify those victims of sexual assault and harassment. Instead we have given them the opportunity to choose a pseudonym with … Continue reading A Culture of Respect?
William Smith Walkout
By Grace Ruble ’21
Herald Staff
March 8, 2018 was International Women’s Day. This year, many Hobart and William Smith students celebrated by participating in a walkout and rally on the Coxe steps and then marching to a rally in downtown Geneva. The walkout and Coxe steps rally were organized by a group of William Smith students including Hilda Agyekum, Kerry Bartholomae, Madeline Cook, Bex Czajkowski, Loretta Hauslauer, Alex Holmes, Sydney Hummel, Lara Johnson, Megan Mahar, Morgan Neils and Ainsley Rhodes. Continue reading William Smith Walkout
Reporting Concerns: Survivors Describe Experiences with the Office of Title IX
As policy, the Herald follows Associated Press guidelines and does “not generally identify those who say they have been sexually assaulted…except in unusual circumstances.” The four interviews with survivors of sexual misconduct on this campus were conducted on the record, and the Herald will not identify those victims of sexual assault and harassment. Instead we have given them the opportunity to choose a pseudonym with … Continue reading Reporting Concerns: Survivors Describe Experiences with the Office of Title IX
Board Investigates President Vincent
By Ryan Skinner ‘19 Staff Writer On March 21, while students were enjoying Spring Break, a bombshell struck HWS. An anonymous email signed by “A Professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges” was sent to Professor Scott Brophy, Professor Tom Drennen, Professor Steve Penn, and senior officials at the University of Pennsylvania as well as news agencies such as The New York Times, Washington Post, … Continue reading Board Investigates President Vincent
Four Years Later: the Herald Investigates Sexual Misconduct Response at HWS
By The Herald News Team On July 12 2014, The New York Times published an article on the front page of its Sunday edition titled “Reporting Rape, and Wishing She Hadn’t: How One College Handled a Sexual Assault Complaint” that specifically focused on the adjudication process of the alleged rape of a first-year student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The article was preceded by a … Continue reading Four Years Later: the Herald Investigates Sexual Misconduct Response at HWS
Journey Beyond: An Interview with John Grotzinger ’79
By Quinn Cullum ’18 News Editor As announced on February 9, John Grotzinger ’79 will be giving the Commencement address for the classes of 2018. He studied Geoscience, was a member of the Hobart Lacrosse team, and a brother in Theta Delta Chi while at Hobart. Now an accomplished geoscientist and an endowed chair at CalTech, he upholds the liberal arts philosophy and he reflected … Continue reading Journey Beyond: An Interview with John Grotzinger ’79
Food Pantry Opens for Students
By Wren Andrews ’21 Herald Staff Following the recent addition of Au Bon Pain, renovations to SAGA, and revised meal plan options including docked hours of food availability, elimination of meal swipes outside of SAGA, and a mandate for all first years to purchase the most expensive meal plan, food and nutrition on campus have been contemptuous topics of discussion. These changes have been even … Continue reading Food Pantry Opens for Students
Illness Strikes HWS
By Ryan Skinner ’19 Herald Contributor As the United States endures a national flu pandemic, concern has risen among many students at HWS about health standards at the colleges. This concern was exacerbated by a small outbreak of influenza and influenza-like illnesses on our campus. Rumors began to swirl about quarantines being imposed on certain residences. Students may have noticed their professors liberalizing their policies … Continue reading Illness Strikes HWS
Role of the Student Trustee
By Abbey Frederick ’20 Herald Staff Three times every year, the Hobart and William Smith Board of Trustees assembles to discuss issues on campus, meet with faculty, clubs, and sports teams, and make crucial decisions about the future of the Colleges. The Board includes alumnae and alumni from the class of 1961 to the class of 1996 and from a wide range of professions. It … Continue reading Role of the Student Trustee
Accessibility & Inclusivity at HWS
By Phoebe MacCurrach ’18 Herald Staff Access is not a privilege or a convenience but a fundamental human right. Without equal access, there is no equality. Our understanding of disability has grown, we know now that it is a spectrum, you meet a person with a disability and you have only met one person with a disability. From physical disabilities to learning disabilities to psychological … Continue reading Accessibility & Inclusivity at HWS
Lack of Engagement with WSC & HSG Elections
By Dan Bristol ’18 Managing Editor Another William Smith Congress and Hobart Student Government election passed at the end of January with a worryingly small amount of fanfare. Not only did students pass through the two-day period in which the polls were open unaware of the election, but most positions were also uncontested. Of the eight positions up for election across the two governments only … Continue reading Lack of Engagement with WSC & HSG Elections
Disconnect in Sodexo Kitchens
By Henry Duerr ’21 Staff Writer When I first arrived on campus at HWS, I was a little disappointed with the food options on campus. I come from a household that really focuses on communal eating: meals are meant to be shared, savored, and prepared in the home. I was unfamiliar with this centralized hub of food activity on campus. So, I did what any … Continue reading Disconnect in Sodexo Kitchens
John Grotzinger ’79 Named Commencement Speaker for 2018
By Quinn Cullum ‘18 News Editor The 2018 Commencement Address will be delivered by John P. Grotzinger ’79 S.D. ’13. A leader the field of geology, Grotzinger made history as the project scientist for the Mars Science Laboratory when the NASA team that he led successfully landed the Curiosity rover on Mars and confirmed that the environment there could support life. Grotzinger’s contributions the field … Continue reading John Grotzinger ’79 Named Commencement Speaker for 2018
Seneca Falls Women’s March
By Mary Warner Arts & Entertainment Editor On January 20, 2018, millions of protestors gathered in cities around the world to participate in the Women’s March. One of these protests took place in Seneca Falls, NY, home to the Women’s Rights National Historic Park. Around 15,000 people attended the march and a number of people spoke at the event, including Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and … Continue reading Seneca Falls Women’s March
‘The Martini’ Publishes Incendiary Piece
By Alex Kerai ‘19 Editor-in-Chief On Monday, February 5, the Martini published an incendiary piece that can only be qualified as an Op-Ed –although there was no real purpose, opinion, or point to the piece as a whole. By the late afternoon, one particular paragraph from that piece was circulating around campus, from the @BossBitchTheory Instagram account to messaging chains. To say it provoked a … Continue reading ‘The Martini’ Publishes Incendiary Piece
Changes for the College Store
By Phoebe MacCurrach ‘18 Herald Contributor Upon return from Winter break, many students noticed there have been some large changes made to The College Store. While what students have noticed are mainly changes in layout and organization, there is a much larger change that is underway. Under the new administration, The College Store now under the direction of the Communications Office. Under this new direction … Continue reading Changes for the College Store
Sustainable Development to be Built in Geneva
By Aldo Giannattasio ‘19 Part of downtown Geneva is being revamped with the development of townhomes that run off of solar power in what is an estimated 8.5 million dollar project. Known as Lake Tunnel Solar Village, the project shall be built on a vacant three-acre lot near the pedestrian tunnel running under Routes 5&20. Under the proposal roughly 38 single-family townhomes will be built … Continue reading Sustainable Development to be Built in Geneva