New York college receives tens of millions of dollars in largest donation in its history: “I want to put this money to good use ”
Liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith will receive a multi-million dollar gift from trustees
A New York college is set to benefit from the benevolence and generosity of one its former trustees. Liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith have been bequeathed a multi-million dollar gift from Trustee Chair Emeritus L. Thomas Melly and Judith Hershey Melly.
Last week HWS President Mark D. Gearan announced that Mr Melly had bequeathed a $70 million gift to the institution - the largest donation in the college’s 200-year history.
Tom Melly’s $70 million donation to impact HWS students
A HWS statement said that the generous gift “will impact generations of students, faculty and staff, driving academic innovation, expanding access and affordability for students, and supporting strategic initiatives”. Mr Melly’s donation was one of the largest contributions to any US college or university in 2024.
“It is my hope that this gift will make the future bright for Hobart and William Smith,” Mr Melly explained in an interview in December, not long before he passed away. “I want to put this money to good use to benefit students who need it. I believe in the leadership of Hobart and William Smith and in the vision that Mark Gearan has created. That kind of leadership warrants our support.”
HWS state that the Mellys’ donation will be used in various ways. It will fund “Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century” - an initiative designed to boost accessibility and affordability for students on campus. Other funds will destined to setting up the Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership.
An endowed fund will provide funding up to 100 scholarships of $10,000 each year for the the most talented students to study at Hobart and William Smith.
A lifetime of service to former college
HWS President Mark Gearan said of the Mellys’ enduring impact on HWS: “In a sea of accomplishments and a lifetime of service, what inspired me most about Tom was his ambition for Hobart and William Smith. He urged me to ‘think big’ and prepare the Colleges for the future. He wanted our students to enjoy the opportunities he had as a result of his education. On behalf of our entire community, I thank Tom and Judy for their investment in our future.”
Meanwhile, Mr Melly’s widow Judy added: “I trust that our action will inspire others to expand their ideas of their own philanthropy. Being part of the Hobart and William Smith community has brought joy to both of our lives, and we are very happy to return that joy.”
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