At year’s end, WMSURE celebrates community, belonging
If there is one takeaway from WMSURE’s end of year celebration, it is that nothing quite compares to the program’s powerful sense of community and belonging.
The gathering took place April 30 amid a picturesque coastal backdrop at the Batten School, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in Gloucester Point. With over 50 WMSURE Scholars in attendance, it was a lively evening of fun, festivities, and memory making.
WMSURE, or William & Mary Scholars Undergraduate Research Experience, is a Charles Center program whose faculty mentors promote strategies for academic success and undergraduate research.
Founded in 2010, the program has built a close-knit network of passionate students and committed faculty fellows.
“WMSURE means community. It’s a very supportive environment, where people can just come as they are,” said sociology major Darie Levermore ’25. “The program is obviously centered around research, but the people you meet support you in all of your college endeavors — the struggles, but also the accomplishments. You have people rallying behind you at all times.”
The evening kicked off with a barbeque dinner, followed by a senior ceremony in which students had the opportunity to give heartfelt speeches about each of the graduates. Afterward, students were given a tour of VIMS by Associate Professor Chris Hein.
During the Senior Ceremony, WMSURE Program Coordinator Anthony “AJ” Joseph ’21 reflected on the impact the program has had on him — first as a W&M student, now as one of its leaders — and the undergraduate community it fosters.
“What does community mean?” he asked. “It means being around people we may not like all the time but choose to love all the time, knowing that we all need this space and each other.”
He also discussed moments with the Class of 2025 and the senior fellows, who serve as crucial resources to other students in the program.
“In many ways, how senior fellows conduct themselves day-in and day-out, they live and breathe the true spirit of this program, not just in office hours but at all times across campus,” said Joseph.
English and Africana studies double major Shawna Alston ’25 served as a student fellow for the program for three years. Alston said she most appreciates the many faces WMSURE has introduced her to.
“My favorite part is meeting the people I’ve gotten to meet and learning so much from our campus community, especially because these are the voices that are typically marginalized and relegated to the sidelines. It’s so important that I get to spend my time with people with such brilliant opinions and values,” said Alston.
Kinesiology & health sciences major Yvonne Boadi ’25 also was greatly impacted by her experience as a student fellow.
“It is literally one of my favorite things I’ve done here on campus,” said Boadi. “In the year I’ve been a Student Fellow, it has caused me to find my passion. I’ve given my heart to it.”
According to Boadi, the opportunities provided to her by WMSURE, with its uniquely supportive atmosphere, is like no other.
“WMSURE is a safe haven. Walking into Blow Hall is one feeling, but walking into the WMSURE suite is a whole different feeling,” she said. “I just love this program so much. The support, the community, I think it's honestly amazing and there’s nothing like it elsewhere on campus, and I want everyone to experience it.”