The winter meeting of the William & Mary Alumni Association Board of Directors was held virtually on Feb. 4, 2021. This was necessitated by continued in-person restrictions due to COVID-19.
Board President Carla Moreland ’81, J.D. ’84 opened the meeting with a welcome to all members, review of the schedule and objectives for the meeting and a call for approval of consent agenda items. Chief Executive Officer Marilyn Midyette ’75 gave members a presentation on the significant activities and achievements of the W&M Alumni Association during the second quarter of FY21 and provided an overview of the remainder of FY21. Key points highlighted were the pros and cons of virtual engagement opportunities, noting increases in registrations for events and in the diversity and reach of virtual events and then addressing changes in and implications for alumni engagement brought about by the pandemic.
Other significant topics discussed included a policy review and approval of honorary alumni and Homecoming Grand Marshal. The Finance & Investment Committee led the review and approval of the audited financial statements and IRS tax forms for filing, review of the second-quarter income and expense report and review of the WMAA investment portfolio. The board also received an update on WMAA fundraising efforts and progress, an explanation and review of the Career Pathways Team organization and its goals and progress, an update on Leadership Circles and a discussion about the cancellation of the W&M Weekend in San Francisco and planning for such an event at a future date.
Significant discussion and decisions took place on the following actions:
- Conferred Associate Alumni membership to 16 retiring faculty and staff members.
- Approved the FY20 Audited Financial Statements and IRS Forms 990 and 990T.
- Approved the appointment of Willis H. Gee Jr. ’99 to the board to fulfill an unexpired term.
- Conferred Honorary Alumni status on Valerie Foradas and Michael S. Halleran.
- Approved Hunter Jones Smith ’52, L.H.D. ’18, as Homecoming Grand Marshal for 2021.
The next regular meeting of the board of directors is scheduled for June 10, 2021, and will be held in a virtual format.