Five to join the ranks of W&M Honorary Alumni
Honorary alumni These five friends have a distinguished record of service and support for the College: Jean Beall of Williamsburg, James and Wendy Carter of Glen Allen, Va., Zoe Ann Wasson Graves of Williamsburg and Dixie Davis Wolf of Williamsburg. Photo collage by the W&M Alumni Association
Photo - of -
These five friends have a distinguished record of service and support for the College: Jean Beall of Williamsburg, James and Wendy Carter of Glen Allen, Va., Zoe Ann Wasson Graves of Williamsburg and Dixie Davis Wolf of Williamsburg.
As a trusted and valued employee at the College for over 30 years, Jean Beall has made a name for herself with the Tribe Club, which is a group established in 1948 to create greater support for W&M student athletes in their pursuit of excellence. Noted as a "vast source of institutional knowledge," Beall currently serves as business manager for the Tribe Club, and puts in extra work nearly every day to help push the College's athletic efforts.
"Her dedication to the College goes far beyond the requirements of her job," wrote Pete Stout '64, a former president of the William and Mary Alumni Association, in his nomination letter on behalf of Beall.
"Jean's commitment has been extraordinary throughout her entire tenure at the College. She has always shown a willingness to go that extra mile. She is among the most dedicated individuals who give so much to the Tribe family."
James and Wendy Carter are residents of Glen Allen, though the miles between their home and the College has never dampened their enthusiasm or Tribe Pride. James is a volunteer assistant equipment manager for the football program, a post which he has held for 12 years. In addition, James drives a 27-foot moving van from stadium to stadium during away games. He also sets up, monitors and troubleshoots the team's sideline communication system to ensure that all is ready for kickoff, and that all is packed up for the long trip back to Williamsburg at the game's completion.
James is also credited with being the rock of the equipment team, weathering the changes of four full-time head equipment managers, and helping to maintain the high level of professionalism while also ensuring the safety of the student-athletes who participate in the program.
Wendy, too, has been a constant presence at Tribe football games, often providing snacks and refreshments for the team and personnel. She was instrumental in securing the sponsorship for the Zable Stadium field goal nets, something which has resulted in thousands of dollars for the equipment program.
"There is no way we can pay them for what they have done or to show them how much they are appreciated," wrote W&M head football coach Jimmye Laycock '70. "They have not only saved us thousands of dollars, but they are a positive force for our players and staff."
From 1971 to 1985, Zoe Ann Wasson Graves served as the College's first lady during her husband's, Thomas Graves term as 23rd president. In that role, she was part of welcoming students, alumni, staff, friends, the Williamsburg community and the world into the President's House.
With her husband, Mrs. Graves worked tirelessly to establish the Muscarelle Museum of Art. In 1996, she and President Graves served as Grand Marshals of the Homecoming Parade in recognition of their longstanding support of the College.
"Zoe Graves continues to be active in the Williamsburg community as a resident of Williamsburg Landing," wrote Michael J. Fox, assistant to current William and Mary president, W. Taylor Reveley III. "She is well-known on campus and in the community for her kindness, gracefulness and continued support and advocacy on behalf of William and Mary."
In a way, Dixie Davis Wolf has been a member of the William and Mary family for quite some time, as she and her husband have been instrumental in helping to attract supporters for the Law School and the Muscarelle Museum of Art.
Dixie and husband Hank Wolf '64, J.D. '66 ¬ who currently serves as the rector of the College's Board of Visitors ¬ are well-known personalities across campus, and have played a pivotal role in the shaping of many campus entities. The Wolf Library at the William and Mary Law School is the most notable of these connections. At the library's dedication, Mr. Wolf credited Dixie with teaching him the value of giving, and she has done the same with countless others over the years on behalf of the College.
"Dixie has been willing to reach out ¬ and many times gently twist arms ¬ to encourage friends to support the College," wrote Sally Kellam, the Law School's associate dean. "While she may not have attended William and Mary, Dixie Davis Wolf has been as loyal as any graduate of the College."
For more information about the event, contact the William and Mary Alumni Association at 757.221.7855. Founded in 1842, the William and Mary Alumni Association is a separately incorporated nonprofit organization that encourages alumni of the College of William and Mary to remain active partners in the life of the university. The Alumni Association's programs nurture friendships, inspire pride and build an appreciation among alumni for William and Mary's long tradition of achievement. For more information about the Alumni Association, visit www.wmalumni.com.
