Mosaic Weekend Builds Community, Belonging
July 2, 2025
By
Catherine Tyson ’20
June 6-8, William & Mary hosted the inaugural Mosaic Weekend. Bringing together the William & Mary Alumni Association’s identity groups — the Hulon Willis Association, the Crim Dell Association, the APIM Association and Familia — as well as friends and allies, Mosaic Weekend celebrated the varied backgrounds, experiences and identities that make up our vibrant community. Check out weekend highlights below.
Keynote and Q&A With Anika Noni Rose and President Rowe
Photo by Tim Sofranko
Anika Noni Rose — acclaimed actress, singer and storyteller — delivered a rousing keynote to kick off Mosaic Weekend. Reflecting on her trailblazing roles, including Tiana in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” she spoke about the power of family, the value of community and the importance of mastering your craft. In a Q&A with President Katherine A. Rowe and the audience, she delved deeper into her personal story, giving advice for others seeking to discover and achieve their dreams. Her words stressed the importance of finding your people, or as W&M would say, your Tribe.
“Do you have friends that you can both work with and dream with? These are your people. Work on creating and nurturing honest and healthy friendships that allow each other to grow and change. And I dare say, challenge each other to grow and change.”
Panel Discussion — Building Bridges: Finding Community and Giving Back
Photo by Heba Alwan ’28
On Saturday morning, attendees gathered to hear from Wayne Curtis ’82, Nyla Pollard ’21, Liz Hernandez ’15 and Jess Skinner ’06 on a panel moderated by Carlane Pittman-Hampton Ph.D. ’03, chief of staff for President Katherine A. Rowe. Panelists described their paths to becoming involved with W&M as alumni and how they found fulfillment, belonging and support through the university community.
Their stories highlighted the myriad ways alumni can stay connected to their alma mater. Hernandez serves on the Familia Advisory Board, helping to organize events and initiatives that foster a thriving Latino community among W&M alumni and students. Pollard stays engaged through the Entrepreneurship Hub, where she draws on her experience as the founder and CEO of Ballin AI, a sports technology startup, to support students. Skinner gives back as a class ambassador, while Curtis is a leader for the university’s LGBTQ+ community, having played a key role in establishing the Crim Dell Association as an officially recognized alumni group.
Despite their varied paths, each panelist shared a common message: Staying connected to W&M doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small — click on the next alumni engagement email, attend a Yule Log event, email a professor who inspired you, come back to campus for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend — and see what possibilities one simple action can spark.
“As alumni, we show current students that people with the same hopes and dreams have been here, and we are fellow travelers on this road,” said Curtis. “There is such joy in knowing you are making a difference for people you know and those you may never meet.”
Mosaic Talks
Janet Brown Strafer ’71, M.Ed. ’77, L.H.D. ’18 (left) and Lynn Briley ’71, L.H.D. ’18, two of the presenters for the Mosaic Talk “Being the First.” Photo by DiYanna Hairston ’26
Mosaic Talk presenters Mike Zung ’90, P’25 and Crystal Morrison Joseph ’09. Photo by Heba Alwan ’28
Mosaic Talks brought together voices from the university community to speak about their lived experiences and professional paths.
From the story of the first three African American residential students to insights on thriving as an entrepreneur to the psychology behind hope, attendees engaged with presenters in thoughtful, small-group conversations.
Mosaic Alumni Celebrations
Photos by Tim Sofranko
Building connections between the alumni and student experience was a key part of the weekend, with student ambassadors attending sessions, taking photos and answering questions for alumni. At Saturday afternoon’s stole ceremony, alumni also had a chance to participate in a new tradition started by students over the past decade. The Lavender Celebration, Celebración Raíces, the Donning of the Kente and the Khatalampay Celebration offer graduating students in the LGBTQ+, Latino, Black and APIM communities the opportunity to gather with family and friends and honor the role of culture, identity and community in shaping their William & Mary journeys. In the alumni ceremony, each participant received a specially designed stole, symbolic of their identity and heritage, which was placed around their shoulders by a family member or friend.
Sneaker Ball
Photos by Kimie James
Pairing snazzy outfits with their favorite pair of kicks, alumni and friends danced the night away during Saturday’s Sneaker Ball. Food options celebrated the culinary traditions and special flavors of cultures around the world, while a live band filled the Alumni House with energetic jams.
Sunday Brunch With Coach London
Photos by Ashley Glasco
To conclude Mosaic Weekend, attendees gathered for a farewell brunch featuring remarks from W&M Head Football Coach Mike London. Reflecting on his experiences working with student-athletes, Coach London spoke about the importance of uplifting one another and finding strength in unity. He encouraged attendees to carry the spirit of the weekend with them as they returned home.
To learn more about Mosaic Weekend, visit mosaicweekend.wm.edu.