Hobart and William Smith Colleges will open the academic year with a celebration of service, creativity, and community on Sunday, Aug. 31, during their 2025 Convocation ceremony on Stern Lawn.
The event will highlight the remarkable career of Richard “Toby” Pugh ’67, a Vietnam veteran and longtime Walt Disney Imagineering architect, who will receive the Hobart Medal of Excellence — the Alumni Association’s highest honor.
Pugh flew more than 100 combat missions during the Vietnam War before shifting to a career in architecture that spanned over three decades. He spent 20 years at Walt Disney Imagineering, helping shape resorts in Anaheim, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, and was known for leading design standards across Disney properties worldwide.
A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and founder of Toby Pugh Architects LLC, Pugh studied psychology at HWS and was involved in music, fraternity life, and student leadership. He remains an active alum, supporting career programs and the performing arts on campus.
Campus voices welcome a new year
President Mark D. Gearan will deliver the keynote remarks, setting the tone for the academic year. Senior Associate Dean Kelly Payne will open the ceremony, followed by an invocation from the Rev. Nita Byrd, Chaplain and Dean for Spiritual Engagement.
Other speakers include Provost and Dean of Faculty Sarah Kirk, faculty speaker and HWS alum Jiangtao Harry Gu ’13, and Student Government President Emily Gorczynski ’26.
Melanie N. Sage ’95, P’25, P’27, Executive Director of Alumni and Alumnae Relations, will present the Medal of Excellence to Pugh.
Pugh now lives in Ranchos De Taos, New Mexico, with his wife Elizabeth Baker. He is the father of Meredith.
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