The ceremony will include a Charter reflection by Senior Class President Aria Austin, conferral of awards and honorary degrees and a special birthday mash-up by DoubleTake.
Charter Day Program
William & Mary will mark the 328th 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 11 at 7 p.m. ET.
Read select features of the Charter Day program or download the full program (pdf).
On February 20, 2018, William & Mary's Board of Visitors unanimously elected Katherine A. Rowe as the 28th president of the university. She began on July 1, 2018 and was inaugurated on February 8, 2019.
Robert M. Gates, William & Mary's 24th Chancellor, is the first alumnus to hold this position in the university's modern era. He began his first seven-year term as Chancellor in 2012 and began a second term in 2019.
Aria A. Austin '21 is this year's student speaker selected to reflect on William & Mary's charter and to celebrate the university's 328th birthday at the 2021 Charter Day celebration.
Established in 2009 by Joseph J. Plumeri II '66, D.P.S. '11, the Plumeri Awards for Faculty Excellence recognize and cultivate core virtues that distinguish outstanding faculty members and define excellence at William & Mary.
The Alumni Medallion recognizes outstanding alumni for commitment, dedication and assistance to William & Mary; exemplary accomplishments in their professional lives; and leadership in civic engagement in their communities, states or nations.
The James Monroe Prize in Civic Leadership honors an undergraduate who, in the spirit of James Monroe, has demonstrated sustained leadership combined with initiative, character and an unfailing commitment to the ethic of service.
The Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy is awarded to an undergraduate student recognizing excellence in the sciences and honors the relationship that Mr. Jefferson enjoyed with Professor William Small, his W&M tutor in mathematics and natural sciences.
The Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award is a tribute to a younger teaching member who has demonstrated, through concern as a teacher and through character and influence, the inspiration and stimulation of learning to the betterment of the individual and society.
The Thomas Jefferson Award is given each year to a member of the William & Mary family for significant service through his or her personal activities, influence and leadership.
Honorary degrees are awarded to distinguished individuals during William & Mary's special events and ceremonies. The tradition began in 1756 with the granting of an honorary degree to Benjamin Franklin.
Honorary degrees are awarded to distinguished individuals during William & Mary's special events and ceremonies. The tradition began in 1756 with the granting of an honorary degree to Benjamin Franklin.
Honorary degrees are awarded to distinguished individuals during William & Mary's special events and ceremonies. The tradition began in 1756 with the granting of an honorary degree to Benjamin Franklin.
Honorary degrees are awarded to distinguished individuals during William & Mary's special events and ceremonies. The tradition began in 1756 with the granting of an honorary degree to Benjamin Franklin.
The Alma Mater of William & Mary was written by James Southall Wilson, class of 1904, set to the tune of Annie Lisle, an old Welsh ballad by H.S. Thompson.
