Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Phone: (315) 781-3535
E-mail: oconnor@hws.edu
Bob joined Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1998 as a development officer on the advancement team. Since 2000, he has held senior roles including chief of staff in the Office of the President and secretary to the Board of Trustees. In January 2007, he took on the additional role of director of Campaign for the Colleges before being promoted to vice president for Institutional Advancement in August 2007.
Bob graduated from Gettysburg College in 1991 with a degree in political science. He then went to Michigan State, where he earned a degree in sports administration. He previously worked at Gettysburg College, Michigan State and E & J Gallo Winery.
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Phone: (315) 781-3545
E-mail: cassell@hws.edu
After spending 22 years in independent school education as a senior administrator in admissions and development, K. C. joined Alumni House in 2003 as a major gifts officer before holding the positions of director of Gift Planning and director of Principal Gifts. He presently is serving his alma mater as associate vice president of Institutional Advancement. Kerry Cassell, K. C.'s spouse, is the Colleges' director of Parent Relations. The Cassells are parents of Katelyn '07, Tyler '10, and Shannon '12. K. C. earned a B.A. from Hobart College, M.Ed. from Lesley University's School of Education, C.A.S. from Boston University's School of Management, and M.B.A. from Regis University's School of Institutional Management.
"I take real pride in being a part of a development team that is advancing Hobart and William Smith during Campaign for the Colleges."
Assistant Vice President for Planned Giving
Phone: (315) 781-3714
E-mail: gaffin@hws.edu
Sarah Yancey Gaffin ’78 became director of Annual Support for the Colleges in 1982. Over the next 15 years she held several positions, and was responsible for creating the Colleges’ planned giving program and the Wheeler Society. In 1997, she left to serve in various development capacities at the Rochester Institute of Technology and WXXI Public Broadcasting. In January 2004, she returned to Hobart and William Smith, where she currently serves as assistant vice president for Institutional Advancement.
“I was 27 when I came to William Smith and asked the Dean if I could study here. She was the first of so many people who gave me a chance to realize my potential. I want to give something back in honor of all that these Colleges have given to me.”
Assistant Vice President for the Performing Arts Initiative
Phone: (315) 781-3743
E-mail:olaughlin@hws.edu
Mara O’Laughlin ’66 was director of admissions of William Smith College from 1974 to 1992, and then of Hobart and William Smith Colleges until 2005. She was instrumental in establishing “Frank’s Books” in the Warren Hunting Smith Library on campus—an extensive collection of nearly 11,000 scholarly books from the library of Professor Emeritus Frank O’Laughlin, to whom she was married for 35 years. Mara has also established the Frank and Mara ’66 O’Laughlin Scholarship, which targets middle income students of high promise in their first year. In her role as assistant vice president, Mara shaped the successful William Smith Centennial Fund and is now leading the Performing Arts Initiative.
“I came here from New York City to go to college in 1962 and never left. I was thrilled to lead the William Smith Centennial Fund and now, the Colleges' most pressing need, our Performing Arts Initiative.”
Director of Grants
Phone: (315) 781-3780
E-mail: mbond@hws.edu
Martha Bond came to Hobart and William Smith in 2001 from the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency in Rochester, N.Y., where she was executive director of the health data, planning, and policy organization. She holds a B.A. in political science from Mt. Holyoke College, an M.A. in French literature from Wesleyan University, and an M.P.H. in community health and preventative medicine from the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine and Dentistry. As director of grants, Martha works closely with faculty, administrators, and her colleagues in Institutional Advancement to increase the number of external grants awarded to the Colleges.
“It is wonderfully satisfying to help secure resources to implement a needed project, whether related to a faculty member’s specific area of research or to a broader institutional priority such as endowed scholarships, summer student research, or the Finger Lakes Institute.”
Director of Alumnae Relations
Phone: (315) 781-3532
E-mail: Regan@hws.edu
Kathy graduated from William Smith in 1982 with a major in art history. She completed her master's degree at Syracuse University as part of the Florence Fellowship Program - studying the Italian Renaissance in Florence. She has been at the Colleges since 1985, first in Admissions and then since 1998 in Alumni House, where she is director of Alumnae Relations.
"Imagine being surrounded by great people in an awe-inspiring environment, full of curious minds and intellectual spirit, and being responsible for getting others excited about it. I enjoy being part of a team and a place that is motivated by the challenge and inspired by the possibilities."
Director of Alumni Relations
Phone:
(315) 781-3782
E-mail: weeden@hws.edu
Jared graduated from Hobart in 1991 with a major in political science and returned to Alumni House as director of Annual Giving in 2001. In 2002, he moved across the hall to head our Alumni Relations programs. Jared got his start in development at his other alma mater, The Lawrenceville School, where he served as associate director of The Lawrenceville Fund. Outside the office, Jared assists with the William Smith club hockey team, sharing what he learned as a member of the Statesmen hockey team under then head coach, and now Alumni House colleague, Bill Greer.
“I came back for my 10th Reunion a few years ago and never left! I am grateful to be here now, especially to watch and be a part of the dynamic growth that is taking place on our campus and in the greater Hobart and William Smith community.”
Director of Development
Phone: (315) 781-3701
E-mail: peterson@hws.edu
Casey Peterson, who came to the Colleges from Canton, N.Y., is director of development. Casey started at HWS in 2004 as the assistant director of Annual Giving and became the director of Annual Giving in 2006. Now the director of development, Casey oversees the Office of Annual Giving and the Office of Parent Relations. She also works closely with athletics on giving to athletics generally as well as on the Heron Society and Statesmen Althletic Association. Casey received a B.S. in math and economics and a master's in educational leadership from St. Lawrence University. While at St. Lawrence, Casey worked in the president's office, supporting advancement services, and played on the ice hockey team.
"Attending a small, private liberal arts college was a life changing experience for me. Working at Hobart and William Smith allows me to play an active role in helping to guarantee that same experience to our current and future students."
Director of Parent Relations
Phone: (315) 781-3755
E-mail: kcassell@hws.edu
A Boston native, Kerry Cassell moved to Geneva and Hobart and William Smith in 2003 from Colorado, where she worked at the Dawson School in lower schools admissions and testing for students. Before her current role as director of Parent Relations, Kerry was a residential education coordinator, a major gifts program administrator, and then assistant director of Parent Relations for the Colleges. Her husband, K. C., is the associate vice president for Institutional Advancement for Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The Cassells are parents of Katelyn '07, Tyler '10, and Shannon '12.
“My work with Parents Relations allows me to witness firsthand the powerful outcomes of support and generosity from our parents, alumni and alumnae who annually invest in this wonderful place. I am especially proud to be a parent of a Hobart and William Smith graduate and two current Hobart and William Smith students.”
Director of Annual Giving
Phone: (315) 781-3753
E-mail: einstein@hws.edu
From 1998-2005, Kristen Einstein worked at the Colleges in various capacities for the Reunion Giving and Annual Giving programs. Kristen returns to Hobart and William Smith as the director of Annual Giving after spending 3 1/2 years as the executive director of the Finger Lakes Health Foundation. Her primary focus is coordinating efforts to secure annual support from alumni, alumnae and friends for the Annual Fund.
“Having lived in Geneva most of my life, I am delighted at the progress Hobart and William Smith have made over the years, especially in terms of community engagement. These are exciting times at HWS, and I could not resist the lure to be a part of it all once again! As the Colleges continue to advance, so too does the challenge for Institutional Advancement. I am thrilled to be a part of such a talented team of colleagues and the many students, faculty, alumni, alumnae, parents and friends who collaborate to make great things happen.“
Director of Advancement Services
Phone: (315) 781-3722
E-mail: reuscher@hws.edu
Karen Ilacqua Reuscher graduated from William Smith in 1988 with a major in anthropology and sociology and a minor in education. She then spent time in Boston in commercial real estate while working on her master’s degree. Karen has held many positions in Advancement Services, beginning in 1990 as the prospect research associate and eventually becoming the director in 2002. She manages and directs a staff of eight, and oversees the prospect research function, biographical records, gift records, acknowledgments and computer programming for the department, including a recent and very successful database conversion.
“I absolutely love my position at the Colleges. I work with an incredible group of dedicated and caring individuals and I am proud of what we accomplish every day.”
Director of Donor Relations
Phone: (315) 781-3783
E-mail: KeYoung@hws.edu
Kelly Young, director of Donor Relations, worked at Hobart and William Smith Colleges as part of the advancement team from 1985 to 1997 before making a move to Rochester Institute of Technology in 1997. There, she was the development associate for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. She returned to the Colleges in 2001 to accept a new position as the director of Donor Relations, where her primary responsibility is communicating with donors on the important impact of their support to the Colleges.
“Coming back to Hobart and William Smith was like coming home. In my position as director of donor relations, I get to report on all the good things happening at the Colleges thanks to students, faculty, staff and donors."
Assistant Director of Alumni and Alumnae Relations
Phone: (315) 781-3721
E-mail: DMeyer@hws.edu
After achieving her undergraduate degree in sociology from St. John Fisher College, Dulcie worked in her hometown of Rochester, NY, at the Monroe Community College Foundation. In 2005, she joined the Colleges' Institutional Advancement staff as a major gifts and reunion giving program administrator. In 2007, she was promoted to her current position as the assistant director of Alumni and Alumnae Relations. Dulcie works closely with the regional clubs to help plan club activities and events throughout the country.
"I have always known Hobart and William Smith to be an exceptional institution, and I am honored to now be a part of the HWS community. Working with alumni and alumnae who feel so passionately about their alma maters has developed into an inspiring career for me, and I look forward to continue building upon the strong volunteer networks throughout the country."
Assistant Director of Advancement Services
Phone: (315) 781-3739
E-mail: knapp@hws.edu
Larry Knapp came to Hobart and William Smith in 1990, after working as Gift Office coordinator at the University of Rochester. Larry has held three positions in Advancement Services: gift office manager, alumni data analyst, and (since 2006) assistant director of Advancement Services. He manages the Biographic records department and also provides database training for Institutional Advancement staff and other campus users. A lifelong Rochester resident, Larry holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.B.A. in marketing from the University of Rochester.
"I never expected to work at HWS so long, but it's been well worth the commuting miles. Hobart and William Smith has been a rewarding place to work, and I love the size of the campus – big enough, but not too big."
Associate Director of Annual Giving
Phone: (315) 781-4068
E-mail: beaver@hws.edu
A native of Williamsville, NY, Skylar graduated from William Smith College in 2008 with a B.A. in sociology and joined our staff in July 2008. During her collegiate career, Skylar was a member of the William Smith Field Hockey Team and served as president of the club ice hockey team. Skylar got her start in development as an intern with the Annual Fund team and quickly realized where she wanted to focus her energies. Starting as the assistant director of Annual Giving and working with young alumni and alumnae, Skylar was subsequently promoted to the associate director of Annual Giving and now works with Reunion Classes to enhance their class gifts to the Annual Fund. Still an active member of the HWS community, Skylar is an assistant coach with the Heron Field Hockey Team and volunteers as coach of the William Smith club field hockey and ice hockey teams.
“After a wonderful undergraduate experience, staying at Hobart and William Smith Colleges was an obvious decision. I can't think of any other place I would rather be but here- advancing the lives of students through the generous and philanthropic gifts of alums.”
Assistant Director of Annual Giving and HWS Connect Manager
Phone: (315) 781-4069
E-mail: carrow@hws.edu
A native of Syracuse, Ashley Carrow, assistant director of Annual Giving and HWS Connect manager, joined the Alumni House team during the summer of 2008. Ashley earned her B.A. from Canisius College, where she majored in communication studies. She found her niche in fundraising and development while working for the Canisius College Annual Fund throughout her undergraduate experience, both as a student caller and as a call center manager. In her current role at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Ashley leads HWS Connect, the student phone-a-thon program, which secures annual support from all constituencies. In addition, Ashley coordinates the Stewardson Society, the senior class gift initiative.
“As a recent college graduate, I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity for an education from an institution that truly shaped the person I have become. Now, it is my job to get other young people excited about the philanthropic opportunities at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.”
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Phone: (315) 781-4522
E-mail: rkelly@hws.edu
A native of Wellsville, NY, Ryan Kelly, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, joined the Alumni House team in October 2009. Ryan earned her B.A. from Albright College in Reading, PA, where she majored in sociology. From 2005-2009, Ryan lived in Boston where she completed her M.A. in Applied Sociology at UMASS Boston and worked as a Development Research Associate at Eduventures, Inc. In her current role at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Ryan works primarily with young alumni and alumnae to enhance their class gifts to the Annual Fund.
"I really enjoyed my time at a small, liberal arts college. It is exciting to have the opportunity to work in a similar environment, especially one that has made me feel so welcome in such a short amount of time."
Major Gifts Officer
Phone: (315) 781-3779
E-mail: greer@hws.edu
Bill Greer graduated from Amherst College in 1978 and began a 22-year stint in collegiate coaching at Amherst, RPI and Brockport State. He came to Hobart as head coach for men’s hockey in 1984. In 16 seasons, Bill guided the Statesmen to their first-ever post season appearances in 1991 and 1992; In 1998 he was named ECAC West “Coach of the Year.” In addition to coaching, Bill has served as assistant athletic director, director of summer programs, and assistant to the treasurer at the Colleges. In 2000 he joined the development staff as a major gifts officer. Bill holds an M.B.A. from St. John Fisher College.
“For me, it has always been about the people—the athletes and their families, my colleagues, and our incredible faculty. This is an amazing place because of the people who are here. I love my job because every day I see, and help others to see, the connections between people.”
Major Gifts Officer
Phone: (315) 781-3776
E-mail: foster@hws.edu
Benjamin (Ben) Foster, major gifts officer, joined the Colleges in 2003 as director of Reunion Campaigns and became major gifts officer in 2007. He came from Tufts University, where he was the associate director of the Tufts Fund for Arts, Sciences and Engineering, and coach of men’s rowing. A Hobart graduate, Ben served for two years as the assistant rowing coach for Hobart and William Smith before moving on to become head rowing coach at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania. Ben received his master’s degree from Boston College while coaching at Tufts University. He entered the development field shortly thereafter, when he accepted the position of associate director of the Tufts Fund for Arts, Sciences and Engineering.
“I loved my four years at Hobart and William Smith and jumped at the opportunity to return. I have fond memories from my time at the Colleges, and enjoy working with alums to build upon and honor their memories from this special place.”
Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer
Phone: (315) 781-3724
E-mail: reese@hws.edu
A 2003 Hobart alum, John Reese returned to the Colleges in 2007 to join the advancement team in Alumni House as a major gifts officer. While a student at Hobart and William Smith, John was a member of the Chimera and Orange Key honor societies and was a scholarship recipient. He graduated with a double major in media and society and English, and then worked as assistant director of Admissions at the Colleges from 2004 to 2006 before heading to New Jersey to serve as director of Admissions for the Lewis School of Princeton. In his current role, John works with alums and friends of the Colleges to advance the capital campaign and its initiatives.
“I had a wonderful undergraduate experience at Hobart and am so proud to continue to call the Colleges my home. It is electrifying to work with alums who have a deep appreciation for how their Hobart and William Smith experience has shaped their lives. I am honored to have an impact on the Colleges’ future.”
Date: 9/24/2010 to 9/26/2010 Come back to campus September 24-26, 2010! More >>
Date: 8/7/2010 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Join us for a summer gathering in Westhampton, New York. More >>
Date: 5/6/2011 to 5/14/2011
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Join Scott McKinney, P'12 Professor of Latin American Studies and Economics, for a cultural and culinary tour of Peru - including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cuzco and Lima. More >>
