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Charter Day
About Charter Day
William & Mary will celebrate 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 at 3:30 p.m.
2026 Charter Day Speakers
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will speak at the Charter Day ceremony on February 6 and help 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.
Todd A. Stottlemyer '85, P '16, P '21
2025 Honorary Degree
Alison Mayer '25
2025 James Monroe Prize in Civic Leadership
Bella Ginzbursky-Blum P '14
2025 Thomas Jefferson Award
Phillip E. Wagner
2025 Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award
Yigit Simsek '25
2025 Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy
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.
Betsy E. Calvo Anderson '70, HON J.D. '15, P 00
2025 Alumni Medallion
Warren W. Buck III M.S. '70, Ph.D. '76, D.Sc. '13
2025 Alumni Medallion
Lawrence "Larry" B. Pulley '74, P '13, P '15
2025 Alumni Medallion
Watch the Ceremony
We are pleased to offer streaming of the 2026 Charter Day ceremony.