Awards & Recognition

The Alumni Association Board of Directors is proud to recognize excellence within the William & Mary community through awards given to alumni, faculty/staff, coaches and friends of the university.

Our community is composed of many outstanding individuals. We need your submissions to identify and select the most-deserving candidates! Please consider sending in a nomination. These awards are a vital way we honor individuals who embody our values of excellence and service through outstanding achievement and dedication to the W&M community and the world. More information about each award and nomination forms can be found below.

Alumni Awards

• Alumni Medallion

The highest and most prestigious award given by the Alumni Association, the Alumni Medallion recognizes outstanding alumni for dedication to and support for William & Mary; leadership in civic engagement in their communities, states or nations; and exemplary accomplishments in their professional lives. Nominations are due April 1. The award is presented to recipients the following Charter Day.

• Civic & Humanitarian Leadership Award

The Alumni Civic & Humanitarian Leadership Award recognizes alumni who are significantly improving or enhancing the lives of others on a local or global scale through their professional work, volunteering or philanthropy. Nominations are due April 1. The award is presented to recipients the following Charter Day.

• Douglas N. Morton '62 Alumni Service Award

The Douglas N. Morton ’62 Alumni Service Award recognizes exceptional service by alumni on behalf of alumni chapters, clubs, constituent organizations or associations, the Alumni Association, and in special instances, William & Mary and its schools. Nominations are due by April 1, 2024 and awards are bestowed the following Charter Day.

• Olde Guarde Distinguished Service Award

The Olde Guarde Distinguished Service Award recognizes alumni whose class graduated a minimum of 50 years prior to the year the award is presented. The criteria include dedication, involvement and continued service to the university as well as lifetime achievement. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Awards are presented during Traditions Weekend.

Awards for Faculty, Staff and Friends of W&M

• Honorary Alumni

The William & Mary Alumni Association grants the status of Honorary Alumni to non-alumni with a distinguished record of service, support, advocacy and commitment on behalf of William & Mary and its schools, departments, units, organizations and boards. Nominations are due by December 15 and awards are presented during commencement the following year.

• Homecoming Grand Marshals

The Homecoming Grand Marshal is an honorary position filled by someone with a special tie to William & Mary and receives special recognition throughout Homecoming & Reunion Weekend and rides in the lead car in the Homecoming parade. Nominations are due by January 15.

• Coach of the Year

The Alumni Association Coach of the Year Award recognizes exceptional achievement in coaching an intercollegiate varsity sport at William & Mary. The award is presented based on the overall competitive records, improvement and academic success of the athletes participating on the teams, and on the impact, both personally and athletically, of the coaches. Nominations are made by W&M staff and the WMAA board. The award is presented on Charter Day.

• Faculty/Staff Service Award

The Faculty/Staff Service Award was established by the Alumni Association Board of Directors to recognize and honor a university staff member who has demonstrated outstanding service and support to the Alumni Association. Nominations are made by the WMAA board. The award is presented on Charter Day.