Alongside President Rowe’s launch of university-wide strategic planning, the William & Mary Alumni Association (WMAA) has also begun its strategic planning process. Alumni engagement is critical to the continued success of William & Mary, and fostering meaningful relationships long past graduation is vital. Some of the big questions we’re asking include: How do we better engage young alumni, graduate school alumni, international alumni and more? What does engagement look like in the 21st century, as work, technology and the expectations of our alumni change? How do we implement new ideas while keeping William & Mary’s unique culture and brand? As President Rowe has said, “We change to advance what we value most.”
Our alumni tell us that the William & Mary network is invaluable throughout their lives and careers, and our career and networking offerings continue to expand. One of the wonderful online resources available through the Alumni Association is William & Mary Switchboard, where members of the W&M community post “asks and offers” that range from internships and job opportunities, to requests to connect in a new geographic area. Check out William & Mary Switchboard and the other career and networking opportunities at wmalumni.com/career-networking.
Homecoming & Reunion Weekend also offers a tremendous opportunity for peer-to-peer outreach and strengthening the William & Mary network. We hope you will join us on campus October 17-20, 2019! It is a perfect time to reconnect with a roommate, classmate or teammate, or catch up with your fraternity, sorority or musical group. There is something for everyone — check out the event schedule at homecoming.wm.edu.
Finally, I’m delighted to report that the Alumni House expansion is well underway! The bulldozers and backhoes have moved in, the concrete and steel are being laid, and you will be amazed at the progress when you head back to campus this October. We look forward to its completion by summer 2020. Learn more and keep up with the renovation on our Facebook page and alumnihouse.wm.edu.
Whether in person or virtually, we look forward to our next opportunity to engage with you and welcome you back to William & Mary!