Fall 2017 Issue

An Eventful Season

By Marilyn Ward Midyette ’75

The William & Mary Alumni Association is committed to providing best-in-class alumni engagement programs and services benefiting all members of the Tribe. During the spring and summer, there have been many extraordinary opportunities for our alumni to connect with alma mater and each other. In April, we welcomed members of the Olde Guarde, Robert Boyle Society and the Class of 1967 back to campus. More than 350 attendees enjoyed 23 events over the course of three days. Our thanks and congratulations go to the Class of 1967 for raising almost $18 million for their 50th reunion gift!

We then traveled to New York City for William & Mary Weekend in May. More than 700 alumni, parents and friends gathered to connect, discover and celebrate. Events included a private tour of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and discussion with David N. Kelley ’82, former co-chair of the U.S. Justice Department’s 9/11 investigation. Attendees also explored innovation in business, science and technology with Beth Comstock ’82, vice chair, GE, and Ellen Stofan ’83, D.Sc. ’16, former chief scientist, NASA. Other signature events included the crowd-favorite Raft Debate and the record-setting Gala & Auction. See photos on pages 8-9. The next W&M Weekend is June 1-3 in Chicago, so mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed event!

The Alumni Association welcomed the next generation of the Tribe on campus in June for Alumni Admission Weekend. Nearly 250 legacy families and their high school-aged children participated in campus tours and workshops throughout the weekend. Admissions experts from private and public universities and high schools presented on topics such as navigating college applications, financial aid and successfully transitioning to college.

We also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Hulon Willis Association (HWA) in June. The weekend featured many of the university’s esteemed African-American alumni and faculty in a variety of Washington, D.C., locations. Young alumni kicked off the weekend with a night of performances at Busboys and Poets, and HWA members had exclusive access to the sold-out National Museum of African American History and Culture. The gala at the National Press Club Saturday night was an event to remember.

Lastly, the hint of fall in the air reminds me that all roads lead home. Please join me Oct. 19-22 for that
special time of year when we once again remember what made our college experiences great — each other! Learn more about Homecoming & Reunion Weekend and register at homecoming.wm.edu