Partly cloudy skies early. Thunderstorms developing late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..
Partly cloudy skies early. Thunderstorms developing late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Updated: July 27, 2026 @ 8:49 pm
A rendering of the 40,000-square-foot Fish Center for the Sciences being built on the campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
A rendering of the 40,000-square-foot Fish Center for the Sciences being built on the campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
GENEVA — Hobart and William Smith has been awarded a $3 million Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program grant from New York State to support the next phase of the Fish Center for the Sciences, providing important dollars for advanced laboratory equipment, scientific instrumentation, technology, and specialized learning spaces that will transform science education and research on campus.
Funding also will support the construction of specialized facilities, including a greenhouse and vivarium, as well as infrastructure improvements such as HVAC upgrades, landscaping, and site restoration.
The award, administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, builds on a 2025 HECap award for $5 million and represents another significant public investment in the most ambitious capital projects in Hobart and William Smith’s history, the Colleges said.
The new 40,000-square-foot Fish Center for the Sciences and the concurrent renovation of Lansing, Rosenberg and Gulick halls form the centerpiece of Hobart and William Smith’s $400 million Further Together comprehensive campaign. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2027.
“This investment by New York State is an investment in our students, our region and the future of scientific discovery,” HWS President Mark Gearan said. “We are deeply grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul, our state legislative delegation and DASNY for their confidence in Hobart and William Smith and their partnership in this transformative project. As one of the Finger Lakes region’s largest employers and economic drivers, HWS plays a vital role in the prosperity of our community, and this investment strengthens our ability to educate future leaders, advance research and contribute to the long-term vitality of Geneva and the Finger Lakes.”
The Fish Center project reflects Hobart and William Smith’s vision for reimagining science education through interdisciplinary teaching, undergraduate research, and collaboration. According to the Colleges, more than 40% of HWS students major or minor in a science discipline, and every student completes at least one science course as part of the liberal arts curriculum.
According to HWS, the new and renovated facilities will support existing strengths in biology, chemistry, physics geoscience and psychological science while expanding opportunities in emerging fields, including public health, environmental science, aquatic studies and data analytics. The project also positions HWS to explore future graduate offerings in the sciences while continuing to attract outstanding faculty and students.
Hobart and William Smith said it is recognized nationally for providing undergraduate research opportunities and is among the select liberal arts institutions designated as a Carnegie Research College. Faculty consistently secure competitive grants from agencies including the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, while HWS’ Finger Lakes Institute serves as a regional leader in research, education, and environmental stewardship.
The science project also represents a significant investment in the regional economy, HWS said. According to the Center for Governmental Research, the Colleges generates an estimated $220 million annual economic impact across Geneva and the Finger Lakes region. It noted that the construction of the Fish Center is employing numerous contractors and subcontractors from New York State, while the completed facility will strengthen HWS’ competitiveness in attracting students from across the country and abroad, supporting local businesses, jobs, and continued economic growth.
To date, Hobart and William Smith has secured more than $42 million toward the Fish Center project, including the transformational $25 million lead gift from alumna and Honorary Trustee Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish and John F. Fish, for whom the center is named.
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