Welling Family and Friends Transform Hutchins Cafe at Paul Smith's College
Revitalized campus space will give students another place to learn, work, and connect
PAUL SMITHS, N.Y. (10/15/2026) — A $100,000 commitment from Kathy and Curt Welling will anchor the transformation of a longtime campus study space into a new coffee shop at Paul Smith's College. Their gift inspired siblings and friends to collectively give another $120,000, bringing the total raised for the project to $220,000 and making the new space possible.
The project will renovate the College's existing 24-Hour Study Room, located at the Joan Weill Adirondack Library's south end, into a contemporary cafe and student gathering area. The new space, named the Hutchins Cafe, will give students a comfortable place to study, meet with friends and faculty, grab a coffee or meal, and spend time between classes.
"We wanted to help create a place that feels like the heart of campus for students," said Kathy Welling. "We hope that the Hutchins Cafe becomes a place where students can settle in to get their work done, connect with faculty, or simply spend time together. We are excited to help create a space that feels welcoming and distinctly part of student life at Paul Smith's College."
The cafe will also create a new setting for students studying culinary arts, hospitality, and related fields to gain experience operating a busy campus business.
"Students learn a lot by being responsible for the day-to-day operations of a real business with real customers," said Robert Dumas, director of the Institute of Adventure Hospitality & Food at Paul Smith's College. "The Hutchins Cafe will give them that opportunity while also connecting directly to the work happening at A.P. Smith's Bakery. Baked goods made by our students at the bakery will be served in the cafe, creating a real connection between production, hospitality, and the student experience."
The gift continues a family legacy of supporting the College. Kathy's father, Frank Hutchins, was a long-time member of the College's Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Jeanne, made their first gift to the College's Capital Campaign when the Joan Weill Adirondack Library was built. Now, Kathy and Curt are helping shape the next chapter of that same campus space, creating a place that will serve generations of students to come.
Their support also joins a series of significant commitments announced by Paul Smith's College this year, including $3 million from Joe VanWhy to expand hospitality education at the College and $1.25 million from the Weatherup family to support the student experience. The College will recognize the gift during an October 16 community event held ahead of its Board of Trustees meeting.
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