You Belong Here

Since its founding on July 4, 1852, as the Society of the Alumni, the William & Mary Alumni Association has continually fostered lifelong connections between the university and those who call her alma mater. To paraphrase a colleague, our work is all about the people! At its core, the Alumni Association joins university leadership to ensure ours is a community of belonging. And we must use the tools available to us to ensure as many members of our William & Mary community as possible participate in the university’s future as it bolsters its national preeminence.

Our ultimate alumni engagement goal is to meet, collaborate with and provide valued services for alumni globally. There is much to be gained by being together, as my kids say, “in real life.” In addition, by creating vibrant online communities such as One Network, virtual lifelong learning opportunities, virtual engagement officers and other opportunities — some yet to be invented — our goal is to use technology to increase opportunities for you to connect with other alumni and support university priorities that make us so distinctive.

The success of our work depends completely on finding the right combination of opportunities to connect alumni talents and passions with rewarding and meaningful experiences. I appreciate the commitment so many alumni make to contribute to our alma mater. That more than 4,000 people registered for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2024 is evidence that William & Mary is a vital part of so many people’s lives.

But what else might we consider offering to compel even more alumni to participate? What would convince you to do “one more thing” on the road to Full Engagement — sharing your time, talent, treasure, ties, trust and testimony to benefit future students? Let me know at alumniceo@ wm.edu. The W&M Alumni Association stands at a pivotal juncture, poised to enhance its efforts to serve Gen Z and younger alumni while meeting the needs of alumni of all ages in our intergenerational community.

By embracing technology, facilitating in-person gatherings and adopting innovative strategies, the Alumni Association can ensure that alumni maintain a meaningful and lifelong relationship with William & Mary and one another. Through continuous exploration of alumni needs, strategic opportunities and compelling experiences, the Alumni Association will continue to elevate the university’s reputation and prestige, fostering a vibrant and impactful alumni community. And you will be powerful contributors to W&M’s increased prominence as a leading American public university with global impact.