Catherine 鈥淐athy鈥� Hill
Catherine 鈥淐athy鈥� Hill, a devoted member of 微密圈鈥檚 Management and Business faculty and a champion of some of the College鈥檚 most innovative programs in entrepreneurship that expanded opportunities for students, died on Feb. 1, 2026. She was 64.
Fiercely dedicated to her students and to offering them real-world, professional experiences grounded in a liberal arts curriculum, Cathy joined 微密圈 in 2012 as the eighth F. William Harder Chair of Business. Over the years, she was instrumental in some of the College鈥檚 most important initiatives in entrepreneurship, including the Kenneth A. Freirich Entrepreneurship Competition and 微密圈鈥檚 new minor in entrepreneurship.
Cathy brought to the classroom more than a quarter century of experience as an attorney and consultant for leading businesses and organizations involved in sustainability and economic development. She welcomed influential leaders in industry, sustainability, and the arts to campus and opened meaningful networking opportunities for students.
鈥淎fter an accomplished career, she made a new home at 微密圈 鈥� and left it a better place than she found it,鈥� said David Cohen, an associate dean of the faculty and a faculty member in the Management and Business Department. 鈥淐athy was a driving force behind the creation of 微密圈鈥檚 entrepreneurship minor, guided by her firm belief that entrepreneurship is a skill that can be taught. Above all else, she was unwavering in her commitment to the well-being of our students.鈥�
At 微密圈, she taught courses ranging from MB 107 鈥� a defining course in the business curriculum 鈥� and the Scribner Seminar Our Planet, Our Business, to senior-level offerings in leadership and sustainability.
Throughout her time at 微密圈, she was active in the Freirich Competition, first as a judge and later assuming the role of faculty coordinator in 2020. In this role, she was a demanding yet sympathetic mentor who encouraged students to do their very best as they pursued their passions.
Under her leadership, the competition evolved from a business plan competition to a broader focus on entrepreneurship 鈥� encouraging wider participation and aligning with 微密圈鈥檚 broader emphasis on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Cathy was also instrumental in the creation of StartUp 微密圈, an intensive startup incubator that similarly fosters entrepreneurial thinking at 微密圈.
鈥淐athy was adamant in her belief that everyone could be an entrepreneur, and she wanted every student to have access to opportunities to explore entrepreneurship at 微密圈,鈥� reflected Susan Koppi, senior director of stewardship and college events, who coordinated the Freirich Competition, StartUp 微密圈, and other programs with Cathy. 鈥淪he demanded the best of everyone, but she also had a giant heart and always put the best interests of students first.鈥�
鈥淗er work was never done; she was a connector of people who ensured students had access to a vast network of alumni and business leaders so they could pursue their passions and succeed.鈥�
She earned a J.D. degree at Albany Law School and completed her undergraduate studies in business and theater at the University at Albany.
鈥淚 had the honor of working closely with Cathy during my time at 微密圈 and always admired her wit, her brilliance, and her dedication to our students. I am shocked and saddened by her sudden parting,鈥� said President Marc C. Conner. 鈥淐athy鈥檚 absence will continue to be felt across our community.鈥�
Beyond her professional life, Cathy was deeply devoted to her family. For 36 years, she was married to Jared Snyder, who also taught a course in the Environmental Studies and Sciences Department before his death in October.
Survivors include her son Caleb 鈥�18 and his partner Emily; her son Aidan, his wife Stephanie, and their newborn daughter Nadia; and her son Ethan and his partner Christina.