The William & Mary Alumni Association undertook a wide-ranging alumni survey this past spring. We wanted to know what we’re getting right, what you love the most and how we can keep getting better. I’m proud to begin sharing the results with you in this issue of the Alumni Magazine.
We’re especially excited that so many of you feel good or great about your alma mater and promote W&M to others. As you can see on the facing page, nearly 3,000 alumni from a wide range of graduation years provided feedback. We had a good idea that William & Mary is beloved by alumni; we are pleased to see just how strong that is. It was wonderful to have so many filled with Tribe Pride for the value of our degrees, our history and traditions, campus beauty and for the accomplishments of our fellow alumni.
But our survey also pointed to areas where we can improve. You told us you want William & Mary to do more for career support after graduation. Michael Steelman, who directs the Alumni Association’s career networking efforts, continues to plan more professional development webinars as well as online and in-person alumni networking events. We also plan on increasing opportunities to connect those looking for new employment with those looking to employ their fellow alumni. We just began these career service efforts in the last year. We have great ideas that we want to implement properly, which takes time and investment. We also heard that you’re interested in connecting with students, so we are establishing more robust alumni admissions and career networks: enlisting alumni around the world to bring the best students to W&M and advise them as they launch their careers.
The entire Alumni Association board and I are proud to be on this journey with you. We will continue to update you on our exciting plans for connecting alumni with students, each other and alma mater. Being William & Mary alumni is a bond that lasts a lifetime — let’s continue to build on our shared, historic legacy together.
One of the best ways to connect with your classmates, other alumni and the College is quickly approaching. There are only a few weeks left until YOUR Homecoming, Oct. 13-16! Also mark your calendar for our W&M Weekend in New York City, May 18-21, 2017. It promises to be as exciting and unique as our inaugural 2016 weekend that everyone is still talking about.