Fall 2020 Issue

Bringing Homecoming to You


By Claire De Lisle M.B.A. ’21

What’s Homecoming without, well, coming home to campus? 

It’s a new opportunity to bring this beloved W&M tradition directly to you, wherever you are.

Though the pandemic means we aren’t able to meet on campus in person for Homecoming this year, it has necessitated creative new ideas for how we can make this year’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend special — while being entirely virtual.

This year’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend will be more than a weekend — we’ve expanded the festivities into two weeks, from October 12-23, so that everyone has a chance to attend the events most interesting to them.

All you need to participate is a device with an internet connection. Laptops and desktops work best, but you can also join us over an iPad or even your phone. Most sessions will take place via Zoom. While all events this year are free, you must register for each event you would like to attend so we can email you the link to join in.

On Sunday, October 18, at 4 p.m. ET, the Alumni Association will stream its annual Sunset Ceremony online. This beloved tradition honors the lives of alumni, students, faculty and friends who have passed this year.

In a reunion year? Be sure to tune in on Friday, October 16, for a special celebration. Mingle and reconnect with classmates, get an update on the class gift and see a sneak peek of the newly expanded Alumni House. Bring your beverage of choice for a toast to the good times! As a thank you for participating, all attendees will receive a complimentary reusable W&M mask.

The Order of the White Jacket, LGBTQ+ Alumni and the Hulon Willis Association will hold their annual gatherings throughout the week. The newest alumni group, Asian-Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern Alumni (APIM), will also be holding their kickoff event during this year’s Homecoming.

Other highlights this year include a career coaching session, the Class of 2020 induction ceremony and a discussion on the admissions process for families of high-school-aged students. Departments across campus will also be holding events. You can view the full schedule at the Homecoming website.