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Charter Day
About Charter Day
William & Mary celebrated the 333rd anniversary of the awarding of the Royal Charter from King William III and Queen Mary II of England during the Charter Day Ceremony on February 6, 2026.
This year's theme and visuals spotlighted the Year of Civic Leadership, a celebration of William & Mary's enduring commitment to service, public stewardship and leadership in service of the common good.
2026 Charter Day Speakers
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger spoke at the Charter Day ceremony on February 6 and helped launch W&M's Year of Civic Leadership.
Charter Day Events
Charter Day Prizes & Awards
During Charter Day weekend, prizes and awards are presented to faculty, students, alumni and friends who make a difference at William & Mary and in our nation and world.
Ken Burns
2026 Honorary Degree
Abigail Spanberger
2026 Honorary Degree
Kate Carline '26
2026 Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy
Jason Zheng '26
2026 James Monroe Prize in Civic Leadership
Randolph "Randy" Chambers
2026 Thomas Jefferson Award
Jennifer Lorden
2026 Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award
Alumni Medallion
The highest and most prestigious award given by the W&M Alumni Association, the Alumni Medallion recognizes outstanding alumni for their professional accomplishments, leadership, dedication to the community and commitment to their alma mater.
Elizabeth Cabell Jennings '85, P '17
2026 Alumni Medallion
Leanne Dorman Kurland '75, P '05
2026 Alumni Medallion
Devin I. Murphy '82, P '10, P '14
2026 Alumni Medallion
Stuart "Stu" D. Spirn '67, J.D. '70
2026 Alumni Medallion
Watch the Ceremony
We were pleased to offer streaming of the 2026 Charter Day ceremony.
Download the ceremony program (pdf).