The Best Days Ever
Traditions Weekend gathers alumni and friends to share memories old and new
May 6, 2025
By
Catherine Tyson ’20
In the fall of 1971, a new group of students arrived at William & Mary to begin their next chapter. Fresh-faced and full of enthusiasm, they were quickly caught up in a new rhythm — the bustle of classes, excitement of parties and long conversations deep into the night. During Traditions Weekend, the Class of 1975 gathered again, to celebrate the bonds that continue to flourish after 50 years.
An annual signature event, Traditions Weekend is sponsored by William & Mary and the William & Mary Alumni Association. In addition to the 50th reunion class, this weekend brings together the Olde Guarde (alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more) and the Boyle Legacy Society (those who have included W&M in their estate plans) for special events and programs.
Among the highlights this year was a Presidential Conversation. Joined by leaders from across the university, President Katherine A. Rowe delved into how William & Mary is harnessing its strengths in data science, conservation and coastal and marine sciences to tackle global environmental change. The Boyle Legacy Society heard from a panel of W&M professors and students about the opportunities provided by the Charles Center and the Center for Geospatial Analysis.
An update on campus construction outlined how W&M’s footprint is evolving to meet the university’s sustainability goals, while guided bus tours of campus and an open house at Swem Library’s Special Collections Research Center transported attendees back to the 1970s to reminisce about how W&M was 50 years ago.
The Saturday Night Bash held a special surprise for the 50th Reunion. Revelers gathered outside the Alumni House for a never-before-seen drone light show which recreated the Wren cupola, Crim Dell and other alma mater imagery.
The next day, in a ceremony at the Wren Building, the Class of 1975 donned graduation caps and gowns and was inducted into the Olde Guarde. Sam Sadler ’64, M.Ed. ’71 provided reflections on the legacy of the class. The ceremony also included a Service of Remembrance for classmates who had passed away.
The weekend concluded with the Olde Guarde Luncheon and an overview of the work of William & Mary’s School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics from Dean Douglas “Doug” Schmidt ’84, M.A. ’86. James “Jim” H. Dillard II ’59 was awarded the Olde Guarde Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding work serving his community, the environment and alma mater.
At the luncheon, 50th Reunion Committee Co-Chairs Lynn Melzer Dillon ’75, Jean Berger Estes ’75, P ’06, Leanne Dorman Kurland ’75, P ’05 and Marilyn Ward Midyette ’75 presented President Rowe with the Class of 1975 check. The gift totaled nearly $35 million, representing gifts from 50% of the class, and included approximately $12 million in planned giving, such as through wills and estates.
Part of the gift funded creation of the Class of 1975 School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics Speaker Series Endowment, which will support preeminent speakers to provide lectures, seminars and discussions at the school.
Sunday afternoon, the last of over 570 attendees parted ways, warmed by a bright sun and the connection and laughter of a weekend well spent.