Board Notes

The William & Mary Alumni Association (WMAA) Board of Directors held its fall meeting Sept. 16-17, 2021, in Williamsburg.

Anna Dinwiddie Hatfield ’96, board president, opened the meeting and welcomed the members. As this was the first in-person meeting of the board since February 2020, she reintroduced those members whose terms began July 2020, and recognized the most recent new members as participating in their first official meeting. The Board moved to approve minutes and items in the consent agenda and then Chief Executive Officer Marilyn W. Midyette ’75 reviewed activities and accomplishments for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. She addressed significant gains and accomplishments in virtual programming and highlighted the ongoing effort in determining and balancing the ratios of live vs. virtual programming, given our successes and the reduced expense impact.

Committee chairs from the Communications, Board Development, Career & Regional Engagement, and Finance & Investment committees updated members on action items and priorities in their respective areas. Other presentations and updates included a presentation on the WMAA’s fundraising status and goals, a summary of the Homecoming & Reunion Weekend programming scheduled for in-person events the following month, and a discussion on the planning for the next W&M Weekend in San Francisco, tentatively May 31-June 5, 2023.

Immediate Past President Carla Moreland ’81, J.D. ’84, summarized ongoing actions between the WMAA, the W&M Foundation and the university about the current Memorandum of Understanding from 2014 and the preparation or necessity of newer documents such as a Master Services Agreement, Administrative Services Agreement and restructured lease for the Alumni House. These discussions are still in progress.

Vice President for University Advancement Matthew T. Lambert ’99 gave a recap of university fundraising for the past year, post-campaign, citing achievements in fundraising for scholarships, the launch of the All In athletics campaign, women’s philanthropy and career networking services. As a backdrop for the remainder of the session, Midyette provided board members with a brief update on university strategic planning, which was put on hold in March 2020 due to the pandemic. The Vision 2026 framework will be unveiled during Charter Day Weekend 2022.

Board secretary Dave Scott ’93 then led the board in a strategic planning refresh focusing on the development of SMART goals by each committee for accomplishment within the next 1-2 years, which they presented prior to adjournment.

Significant discussion and decisions also took place on the following actions:

• Approved according Associate Alumni membership status to 32 retiring faculty and staff members.
• Received presentation on the investment portfolio status from Wells Fargo Advisors, citing a portfolio value of $10.2 million with a total of 5.8% return since inception.
• Received a clean audit recommendation from PB Mares, who presented the draft FY21 audited financial statements, to be finalized pending final investment data from the W&M Foundation.
• Approved the revised Board Policies and Procedures manual as recommended by the Board Development Committee.
• Approved recommended changes to the Alumni Medallion policy as presented by the Alumni Medallion Review Task Force.

The next regular meeting of the WMAA Board of Directors is scheduled for Feb. 10-11, 2022, in Williamsburg.

The Alumni Association also held its annual membership meeting virtually on Nov. 13, 2021, at 10 a.m. The presentation and video recording of the session can be found at wmalumni.com/2021-annual-membership-meeting.

Nominations for 2023 Alumni Medallions

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, 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 may be downloaded at https://wmalumni.com/medallion or it can be requested by emailing alumniceo@wm.edu. Three supporting letters are required and other supporting documents are encouraged. The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2023 awards is April 1, 2022.

Nominations for Alumni Service Awards

The Douglas N. Morton ’62 Alumni Service Award and Young Alumni Service Award are given annually to individuals for their exceptional service to the Alumni Association and the university, often through involvement in regional networks, affinity and identity groups and volunteer opportunities.

You may download a nomination form for this and any other alumni award at wmalumni.com/awards or contact the Office of the CEO at (757) 221-7855. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2022.