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WMSURE’s annual Whimsy marks program’s power, community
William & Mary Scholars Undergraduate Research Experience (WMSURE) returned to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science April 29 for “The Whimsy,” its annual end-of-year celebration of scholarly achievement, research excellence, and the vibrant, close-knit community that has become the program’s hallmark.
More than 50 WMSURE students, student fellows, faculty fellows, and staff attended the event, which featured a DJ, line dancing, a photo booth, and a catered dinner.
According to WMSURE Co-Director Katherine Barko-Alva, a joyous, celebratory gathering was just what was needed at the end of a rigorous academic year.
“To see our students and faculty come together like this, enjoying one another’s company and reveling in the community we’ve created — in such a beautiful place — is truly a highlight of the year,” Barko-Alva said.
Katherine Zavala-Aguiluz ‘26, a double major in government and psychology, pointed to The Whimsy as one of William & Mary’s powerful new traditions.
“Every spring, I eagerly await WMSURE’s end of year celebration. It's a reminder of our community’s achievements, joy, and the love we have for one another,” Zavala-Aguiluz said.
“For the last three years, I’ve also watched pillars of our community be celebrated as graduation finds itself around the corner. This year, it was my turn to tearfully rejoice in the memories of four years beautifully experienced within WMSURE’s community of warmth and support,” she added.
Allison Nkansah ‘26, an economics and public health double major, described the transformational role that WMSURE played during her time at William & Mary.
She noted the special importance of WMSURE’s home base on campus — a suite tucked away on Blow Hall’s second floor.
“I was sad that my days laughing with other WMSURE folks in the suite were coming to a close, yet grateful to have found a space as meaningful as this,” Nkansah said.
Zavala-Aguiluz agreed. “I found myself reminiscing on the many conversations about our cultures’ traditions, how we laughed until our bellies hurt, or when we learned about our struggles and the resilience that flourished from those experiences,” she said. “The WMSURE suite, our workshops, and everything we hosted offered a safe haven for many of us who felt we needed a space to simply be ourselves.”
For Nkansah, Zavala-Aguiluz, and the several hundred undergraduates participating in WMSURE’s events and programs this year, WMSURE became more than a scholars program.
“What I'll miss most is the people who make WMSURE a home,” Zavala-Aguiluz said. “What a beautiful feeling it has been to be in such a special place where one can show up authentically, share themselves with others, and find that they appreciate every quirk, new idea, and silly comment about you. Thank you, WMSURE, for making me the scholar, community member, and person I am today, for that I am eternally grateful.”
