Charter Day Celebration

In February, the William & Mary community celebrated the College’s 322-year history and the birth of the College by Royal Charter. James B. Murray Jr. J.D. ’74, LL.D. ’00, former rector of the College, served as the keynote speaker at the event, in which several members of the campus community and friends of the university were honored. Former Virginia Commonwealth University Provost Grace E. Harris and former William & Mary President Thomas A. Graves both received honorary degrees. Teaching awards went to David Aday, professor of sociology and community studies, and John Riofrio, professor of Hispanic studies. Student academic awards went to Will Bergen ’15 and Marge Lobeck ’15. W&M chancellor and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates ’65, L.H.D. ’98 offered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of scholarships.

Other highlights of the weekend included the Lord Botetourt Auction and the Alumni Medallion Ceremony. The Alumni Medallion is the highest award given by the William & Mary Alumni Association. This year’s recipients were Elizabeth Anderson ’62, Russell Brown ’74 (posthumously), Virginia McLaughlin ’71 and Martin Walsh ’66,
J.D. ’73.