On Friday, Nov. 14, James F. '56 and Cynthia L. Caird were presented with dual President's Medals by Hobart and William Smith Colleges President Mark D.Gearan, in recognition of their contributions to the Colleges and their unwavering support of education. The Cairds have been generous supporters of Albany Academy, Mr. Caird's secondary school, and HWS, where they have provided the most up-to-date resources, facilities and opportunities for today's students.
Born in Troy, N.Y., James Caird graduated from Albany Academy, where he played varsity basketball and baseball. At Hobart College, he played baseball and was active in his fraternity, Kappa Sigma, and participated in the ROTC program. In 1957, he joined the Army. He was president and founder of Auto Insurance Specialists, which became the world's largest privately owned personal lines insurance agency.
Cynthia Caird has traveled the world extensively as a fundraiser for the USO and in the airline industry. Her work has brought her a unique perspective on the power of global awareness and the need in higher education to educate students to be 21st century citizens who have an understanding of different peoples and cultures.
In honor of their leadership gift to Hobart and William Smith, the Colleges named Caird Hall, a state-of-the-art residence hall, in their honor.
The Cairds have also established the James F. '56 and Cindy L. Caird Endowed Scholarship Fund to support an academically qualified and financially deserving student from the Capital Region of Albany, N.Y., with preference given to an Albany Academy graduate.