AURORA, N.Y. — Wells College and Hobart & William Smith Colleges announced a legacy agreement on Wednesday.
The agreement will transfer stewardship of Wells College’s records, endowment and “some” historical materials to Hobart & William Smith Colleges as the legacy institution. The agreement was finalized and submitted to the New York State Supreme Court in Oneida County.
This means that Hobart & William Smith Colleges will retain the student, employee and financial records of Wells College. The Aurora, N.Y.-based institution went defunct in Fall 2024 in the aftermath of financial struggles and dwindling enrollment.
Wells College will maintain some specific material and cultural history as a legacy institution to be determined by the Board of Trustees.
“This agreement with Hobart & William Smith, an institution with which we share our core values, is deeply meaningful to both preserving our past and making certain our legacy is honored with integrity,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees at Wells College Marie Chapman Carroll ‘75.. “We are delighted with the support shown to Wells by Hobart & William Smith, as it welcomed nearly 70 former Wells students to its classrooms and community in the fall of 2024.”
Wells College existed for 156 years before it shut its doors for good. Non-profit organizations attempted to save the small college and multiple other groups sought to redevelop the property. Proposals were announced to turn the site into an educational center and senior housing communities.
Hobart & Williams Smith Colleges said it will preserve Wells College’s Minerva Statue and two Wells-affiliated candidates will join its board of trustees.