Board Notes

The William & Mary Alumni Association Board of Directors held its winter meeting Feb. 6-7, 2020, on campus in conjunction with the university's Charter Day celebrations.

The board convened in Miller Hall on Thursday, Feb. 6, and began with a welcome for members and introduction of new ex-officio member Jordan Strong ’22, representing Students for University Advancement. The president called for approval of consent agenda items and provided a report on university initiatives and issues. The executive director reviewed FY19 events and activities, addressed upcoming significant events and gave an update on the Alumni House expansion project. Other significant topics discussed included a policy review and approval of honorary alumni and Homecoming Grand Marshal. The Finance and Investment committee led the review and approval of the audited financial statements and IRS tax forms for submission, review of the second-quarter income and expense report and discussion around the coverage level of the current directors and officers insurance policy for board members. Other significant presentations consisted of updates on governance and nomination processes led by the Board Development committee and an update of progress in planning and fundraising for W&M Weekend in San Francisco.

The board adjourned at 2:15 p.m. to join members of the Board of Visitors, the W&M Foundation Board, the Annual Giving Board and the Campaign Steering Committee for a Joint Boards Meeting in the Sadler Center. More in-depth information was shared and discussed about university strategic planning and the closing months of the For the Bold campaign.

On Friday, Feb. 7, the board reconvened in Miller Hall. Following a review of prior strategic planning discussions and updates, committees broke out to develop strategic priorities for their committee areas. These will be used to guide board and staff activities for the coming years. The Communications Committee also presented revised mission, vision and values statements for the WMAA, which the board approved. The board adjourned at 3 p.m. so members could attend and participate in the 2020 Charter Day ceremony and celebration.

• Significant discussion and decisions took place on the following actions:
• Approved conferring Associate Alumni membership to 11 retiring faculty and staff members.
• Approved the FY19 Audited Financial Statements and IRS Forms 990 and 990T.
• Approved the adoption of restated mission, vision and values statements for the Alumni Association.
• Approved an increase in the coverage amount for directors and officers insurance.
• Conferred Honorary Alumni status on Patricia J. Dywer.
• Approved Hunter Jones Smith ’52, L.H.D. ’18 as Homecoming Grand Marshal for 2020.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for June 18-19, 2020, online.

The Annual Meeting of the general membership of the Alumni Association was held Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. in the Sadler Center. Standing in for the president, WMAA board Vice President Gerald “Jeb” Jeutter ’82 called the meeting to order and together with Treasurer George Cruser ’84 and members of the Association staff presented the “Year in Review” for the Alumni Association, highlighting alumni engagement programming, priorities, funding, and the Alumni House Expansion project. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m. with members invited to attend the Alumni Medallion ceremony and reception.

Nominations for WMAA Board

To nominate a deserving individual to the Alumni Association Board of Directors, please visit https://wmalumni.com/about-us/board-of-directors. Nominations are accepted all year but must be received by July 1 to be considered for the next election year.

Alumni Medallion

The Alumni Medallion is the highest and most prestigious award given by the Alumni Association and recognizes outstanding alumni for exemplary accomplishments in their professional life, demonstrated leadership in service to their communities, state or nation, and commitment, dedication and assistance to William & Mary. The award reflects the honor that recipients bring to the university and its alumni through their actions and contributions.

The submission form can be downloaded from the Alumni Association’s website at http://wmalumni.com/medallion or it can be requested by emailing alumni.ed@wm.edu. Three supporting letters are required. Include up to three news articles, vitae, biographical sketches, etc. as supporting documentation. Materials may be mailed to Alumni Medallion, c/o Executive Di- rector, WMAA, P.O. Box 2100, Williamsburg, VA 23187-2100. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2021.

Honorary Alumni

The William & Mary Alumni Association grants the status of Honorary Alumni to non-alumni with a distinguished record of service, support, advocacy and commitment on behalf of William & Mary and its schools, departments, units, organizations and boards. To nominate someone, please submit a letter describing his or her visible and consistent involvement, loyalty, and affection for W&M, through active participation, leadership, generosity, assistance, advocacy and counsel. All letters must be signed.

Nominations may be submitted online at http://wmalumni.com/honorary-alumni. Mail your letter to Honorary Alumni Award, c/o Executive Director, WMAA, P.O. Box 2100, Williamsburg, VA 23187-2100. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 15, 2021.

Alumni Serice Awards

The Douglas N. Morton ’62 Alumni Service and Young Alumni Service Awards are given annually to individ- uals in recognition of exceptional service, loyalty, commitment and leadership on behalf of alumni chapters, regional engagement, constituent organizations, and in special instances, William & Mary and its schools. The Young Alumni Award is specific to individuals age 25 to 35.

You may download a nomination form at http://wmalumni.com/service-awards. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2021. The Board of Directors will select honorees at its spring 2021 meeting.