Exploring Hobart and William Smith Colleges notable alumni reveals a tapestry of entertaining insights and remarkable achievements that showcase the power of a liberal arts education at this unique coordinate college in Geneva, New York. Founded as Hobart College for men in 1822 and William Smith College for women in 1908, the institutions merged into HWS (Hobart and William Smith Colleges), fostering leaders who blend intellect, grit, and creativity.
Take Treat Williams, a Hobart graduate from 1973, whose breakout role in the film Hair launched a career spanning decades. He charmed audiences as Dr. Andy Brown in the TV series Everwood, earning two Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy nod for A Streetcar Named Desire. Williams often credited his HWS theater experiences for honing his stage presence, turning him into one of Hollywood's most versatile actors before his passing in 2023. For more on entertainment figures, check entertainment alumni.
In business, Jim Collins (Hobart '81) redefined leadership with his blockbuster book Good to Great, selling over 4 million copies worldwide. His research on Level 5 leaders—humble yet driven executives who build enduring companies—stems from rigorous analysis, including time spent studying firms like Walgreens. Collins' insights have influenced CEOs globally, proving HWS grads excel in turning data into destiny. Parents and job seekers eyeing HWS can draw inspiration from such breakthroughs; explore career advice on crafting standout CVs.
Politics boasts John J. LaFalce (Hobart '64), who served nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, championing banking reforms as chair of the House Financial Services Subcommittee. His advocacy for community development financial institutions highlights HWS' emphasis on public service. Dive deeper into politics alumni.
Sports shine through Hobart's lacrosse dynasty—24 NCAA Division III titles since 1980—with alumni like those in the Premier Lacrosse League carrying the Statesmen legacy. William Smith field hockey and lacrosse stars add to the athletic prowess. These stories entertain while motivating students to pursue passions, whether on stage, boardrooms, Capitol Hill, or fields. Faculty and staff at HWS nurture this spirit; rate professors to find mentors who spark success. For local opportunities, check academic jobs in Geneva or higher ed jobs.
Learn more via the official HWS alumni page or Wikipedia's notable alumni list. Famous graduates from Hobart and William Smith Colleges continue inspiring a global network—join the legacy!
Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) alumni have made meaningful impacts across diverse fields, showcasing the power of a liberal arts education in fostering leadership, resilience, and innovation. These star ratings evaluate the prominence and influence of Hobart and William Smith Colleges notable alumni in key categories, based on verified achievements from the official HWS website and trusted sources like US News and Niche. Ratings are out of 10, considering the number of standout graduates, their societal contributions, and recent trends over the past 5-10 years. For students and job seekers eyeing HWS, these ratings highlight pathways to success—think networking with alumni through the HWS alumni association for mentorship or internships. Parents and faculty can use them to appreciate how HWS cultivates influential leaders. Advice: Leverage Rate My Professor reviews for HWS to choose courses that align with strong alumni fields, and explore higher ed jobs in Geneva to build connections early.
| Category | Rating | Explanation & Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Politics | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆ (8/10) | HWS boasts alumni in state and local government, including judges and policymakers. Notable figures like former New York State Senator James Seward (Hobart '72) demonstrate public service excellence. Advice: Pursue HWS's government majors and join pre-law societies to follow suit; check politics alumni list for inspiration. |
| Sports Figures | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆ (9/10) | Strong athletic legacy, especially lacrosse—Hobart has 24 national championships. Alumni like NHL player Chris Tanev (Hobart '12) excel professionally. Advice: Excel in HWS athletics for NCAA exposure and pro opportunities; see trends in Division III success. |
| Entertainment Figures | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆ (7/10) | Monica Lewinsky (William Smith '98) is a prominent public speaker and activist on cyberbullying. Advice: Hone communication skills via HWS media studies for media careers. |
| Business Leaders | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆ (8/10) | Executives like Jim Collins, author of "Good to Great," highlight business acumen. No billionaires noted, but solid CEOs and entrepreneurs. Advice: Use HWS entrepreneurship center; search higher ed executive jobs. |
| Science & Innovation | ✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆☆ (6/10) | Alumni contribute to research, though no Nobel laureates. Advice: Engage in HWS labs for grad school prep; link to research jobs. |
Overall, HWS alumni shine in public service and athletics, with growing business impact—perfect for aspiring leaders. Visit the official HWS notable alumni page for full profiles. For job seekers, explore academic jobs in Geneva, New York or higher ed career advice to emulate these paths. Ratings inspire: Focus on HWS's collaborative environment to build networks that lead to breakthroughs, much like these famous graduates of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges alumni have excelled in acting, writing, and comedy, bringing creativity and talent to theater, film, and television. Categories include Actors, Comedians, Playwrights, with notable impacts in entertainment through iconic roles and productions.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Patrick Kelly | Actor | English | 1956 | Known for his roles as Luther in The Warriors (1979), Doc in 48 Hrs. (1982), and other films like Commando and Last Man Standing. |
| Gretchen Cryer | Actress, singer, playwright, lyricist | 1957 | Co-creator of the feminist musical I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road, with a career spanning Broadway and off-Broadway theater. | |
| Mary Jo Pehl | Actress, writer, comedian | English | 1983 | Best known as Pearl Forrester on Mystery Science Theater 3000, contributing as performer, writer, and voice artist in comedy television. |
Hobart and William Smith Colleges alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. politics, including governors, acting cabinet secretaries, and state legislators, shaping policy and leadership at state and federal levels primarily in American government.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Paterson | Governor of New York | History | 1977 | Served as the 55th Governor of New York from 2008 to 2010, the state's first African American governor and second legally blind governor in U.S. history. |
| Christopher C. Miller | Acting United States Secretary of Defense | Government | 1983 | Served as Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense from November 2020 to January 2021 during the transition period. |
| Mark B. Cohen | Pennsylvania State Representative | 1965 | Longest-serving Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Philadelphia from 1975 to 2017. | |
| Thomas B. Campbell | Lieutenant Governor of Wyoming | 1923 | Served as Wyoming's 18th Lieutenant Governor from 1959 to 1961 and earlier as Secretary of State. | |
| James R. Eklund | Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission | 1957 | Appointed Chairman of the FERC by President Jimmy Carter, overseeing national energy policy. | |
| R. Gardner Hewit | New York State Senator | 1961 | Served in the New York State Senate representing the 54th District from 1973 to 1982. |
