The Hulon Willis Association

Nearly 75 years ago, the first Black student enrolled at William & Mary. His name was Hulon Willis. He obtained a master’s degree in education in 1956, blazing a trail for future generations of Black students, including his son, Hulon Willis Jr. ’77, P ’13, and granddaughter, Mica Willis ’13.

Today, the legacy of Hulon Willis Sr. M.Ed. ’56, P ’77, G ’13 lives on through the Hulon Willis Association (HWA). Established in 1992, HWA is an alumni-focused organization that connects, engages and supports alumni of Black and African descent. Collaborating with current students and W&M Alumni Association staff, HWA elevates the experiences and voices of the Black community, providing a space to reflect on the past and shape the future.

“By preserving our stories and advocating for our future, the Hulon Willis Association enriches the William & Mary experience for Black alumni, current students and the campus community. It serves as a force for progress — amplifying voices, reclaiming narratives, uniting generations and shaping a campus culture where equity is not only valued, but centered,” says Jerome Carter ’12.

“Whenever you think of an alumni affiliation, you want to feel like you’re coming home. HWA is important because it is all encompassing for African American alumni of William & Mary,” says Thomas Johnson ’92. “Whether your fondest memories were with Ebony Expressions, the Black Student Organization, your Greek letter organization or any other fulfilling pastime beyond the four walls of the classroom, HWA captures it all. This is why HWA is important and why it always will be.”  

The Hulon Willis Memorial Scholarship Endowment is a key part of HWA’s mission. This scholarship provides assistance to undergraduate students with a record of leadership and service to the multicultural community at W&M and beyond with a preference for need-based support.

HWA also fosters community through programming both on W&M’s campus and in the surrounding region. In 2022, William & Mary hosted its inaugural Black Alumni Reunion in collaboration with HWA, offering a series of programs, ceremonies and receptions honoring the Black experience at W&M. In June, William & Mary’s inaugural Mosaic Weekend brought together HWA and the university’s other identity groups and their allies for discussion, learning and fellowship.

HWA welcomes all who identify with its mission — there are no requirements for membership. Alumni engagement and involvement are always encouraged, and the initiatives and events provided by HWA are open to the entire W&M community. Visit wmalumni.com/affinity for a list of W&M Alumni Association alumni groups and raise your hand to get involved.