Hobart and William Smith Colleges students got a rare, up-close look at the future of transportation when Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet Inc., brought one of its self-driving cars to campus on November 11.
The visit—complete with a live demonstration outside the Scandling Campus Center—was more than just a showcase of technology. It offered students a tangible connection between artificial intelligence, public policy, and liberal arts education.
The event was made possible through a collaboration between HWS Trustee and New York State Senator Jeremy A. Cooney ’04, the HWS AI Club, and Assistant Vice President for Career Services Brandi Ferrara. It was sponsored by the newly formed Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership, which focuses on preparing students for emerging industries through experiential learning.
“Real-world innovation, right on campus”
Students explored the Waymo vehicle between classes and during lunch, with many stepping inside the fully autonomous car. Despite light snowfall, the visit drew significant interest—both on and off campus. Local news outlets WROC, WHAM, and WHEC covered the demonstration and interviewed students and Senator Cooney.
“This was a chance for students to experience something they may be seeing on city streets in just a few years,” said Cooney, who chairs the State Senate Transportation Committee and has introduced legislation supporting autonomous ride-share services. “We want HWS students thinking about the ethical, environmental, and social impacts of technology—not just the mechanics.”
AI Club fosters learning beyond the classroom
For AI Club President Dominic Schimizzi ’26, the Waymo visit reflected the group’s broader mission.
“Our club isn’t about pushing AI—it’s about building knowledge and perspective so people can use it responsibly,” Schimizzi said.
Vice President Zackary Hanna ’28 added that seeing the technology in person deepened his interest in autonomous systems. “It reinforced my excitement for the future of self-driving vehicles.”
A liberal arts lens on future careers
Ferrara, who helped coordinate the event, says it’s crucial that students understand how artificial intelligence intersects with fields like engineering, business, and public service.
“This kind of exposure is key,” she said. “Waymo’s visit shows how a liberal arts education can empower students to lead in fast-changing industries.”
Waymo currently operates self-driving ride-hailing services in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Its long-term mission includes making transportation safer, greener, and more accessible through electric vehicles and walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods.
As part of its broader efforts, the Melly Institute continues to connect students with forward-thinking companies, ensuring they graduate not only with strong academic foundations, but also with practical experience and insight into what comes next.
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