Virtual Homecoming Brings William & Mary to Homes Worldwide

October 26, 2020
By Claire De Lisle M.B.A. ’21

William & Mary alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, family and friends came together virtually Oct. 12-23 to reconnect with each other and celebrate the community we share.

This year’s Homecoming was held entirely online to align with the university’s Healthy Together Community Commitment. The virtual format allowed Homecoming to extend over two weeks, with more than 55 events hosted by the W&M Alumni Association and community partners.

Events ranged from Zoom-unions to an online career coaching hour for alumni to a virtual W&M Wind Ensemble Concert to a panel and film screening on trailblazing women in conservation. Because all sessions were virtual, members of the W&M community from all over the world were able to attend, even if they would not normally have made the trip back to Williamsburg.

More than 1,300 people registered to tune in on Thursday, Oct. 22, for a special virtual conversation and Q&A sponsored by W&M’s Global Research Institute, in which Chancellor Bob Gates ’65, L.H.D. ’98 shared insights from his latest book, “Exercise of Power: American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World.”

Zoom-unions were also lively, with more than 320 alumni logging in to share their memories, see a special sneak peek of the new Alumni House expansion and join a toast to their class. And during their first Homecoming as graduates, the Class of 2020 was officially inducted into the W&M Alumni Association in a special ceremony on Oct. 15.

“Though we missed seeing everyone on campus, it was wonderful to have so many alumni, family and friends come together online to celebrate our enduring and cherished tradition of Homecoming,” said Marilyn W. Midyette ’75, CEO of the W&M Alumni Association. “Although Homecoming 2020 has concluded, our virtual engagement programming continues year-round to add value to the alumni experience and keep our community connected.”

See all virtual engagement opportunities offered by the W&M Alumni Association at wmalumni.com/events/virtual-opportunities.

All Zoom-union attendees will be mailed a complimentary W&M reusable mask. They are also available for purchase on our Exclusive Gifts page or by calling Cindy Gillman at 757.221.1168.

Gifts to the Alumni Association benefit signature events like Homecoming & Reunion Weekend and initiatives such as affinity and identity programming, student events and virtual engagement.