HWS Graduates 10th Posse Cohort, Celebrates Longstanding Partnership

The partnership between The Posse Foundation and Hobart and William Smith Colleges continues to deepen, reflecting a shared commitment to access, leadership and community. What began as a strategic collaboration has grown into a dynamic, values-driven alliance—one that has awarded more than $39 million in scholarships and supported a decade of graduating Scholars whose influence extends far beyond campus.

HWS joined the Posse network in 2012, initially recruiting students from Los Angeles. A decade later, the partnership expanded to Chicago, further broadening its reach. To date, HWS has welcomed 18 Posses and 186 Scholars, with 74 alumni to date. This year marks the graduation of its 10th Posse class—a milestone that underscores both the program’s longevity and its lasting impact. For Chevy Graham DeVaney, the connection to both HWS and Posse is deeply personal. A member of the Class of 1995, she has experienced the institution from multiple perspectives—student, parent, mentor and now senior leader.

Posse is a natural fit for us. The presence, activism and joy Scholars bring to campus leaves a lasting impression on our community.

Her introduction to Posse came nearly a decade ago at a Posse Plus Retreat. “The venue was great, the students were engaged, and it was clear something special was happening,” she recalls. Drawn to the program’s energy and purpose, she returned the following year and soon stepped into a mentorship role—an experience that revealed the program’s depth and long-term influence.

Today, as both vice president and campus liaison, Chevy works closely with Posse staff, mentors and Scholars. For her, one of the most powerful aspects of the program is witnessing students’ growth from the very beginning. “Meeting them before they arrive, seeing how they will shape our environment and then watching them step into that impact—it’s astounding,” she said.

At HWS, Posse Scholars are recognized not only for their academic excellence but for their leadership and presence across campus. They build strong relationships with mentors, faculty and administrators, contributing to what Chevy describes as a “relationship-rich institution.” “Posse is a natural fit for us,” she explains. “They identify students who align with our values but may not have otherwise found their way here. Their presence, activism and joy leave a lasting impression on our community.”

That influence extends beyond individual contributions. Feedback and advocacy from Scholars have helped shape institutional practices, strengthening the experience for all students. “We needed those gut checks,” Chevy said. “We’re grateful for that perspective.”

The partnership has also cultivated a growing network of faculty and staff mentors eager to support Scholars’ success—an enthusiasm that reflects HWS’s broader culture of engagement. “Our leadership sets the example,” she notes. “It inspires us to be present and to genuinely care for our students and for one another.”

For Chevy, this work is both professional and personal. As a first-generation college student who immigrated from Jamaica as a preteen, she sees mentorship as an opportunity to provide the support she once lacked. “It was important for me to do for those students what was never done for me,” she said.

As the partnership enters its next chapter, Posse and HWS remain united in their mission: to prepare students to lead lives of consequence. Through sustained collaboration, mentorship and a deep sense of belonging, their work stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when institutions invest not just in access—but in community.