Engagement 101

Welcome to Engagement 101! This is a video series designed to explore all the different ways alumni can stay connected with alma mater. Led by Faith Odom ’22, William & Mary’s assistant director for alumni engagement & inclusion initiatives, this series will introduce you to members of the William & Mary Alumni Association and discuss the six Ts of engagement: time, talent, testimony, ties, treasure and trust.

Video One: Introduction
In this video, Faith introduces the six T’s of engagement: time, talent, testimony, ties, treasure and trust. You’ll also hear from special guest Matt Brandon ’92, CEO of the W&M Alumni Association.

Video Two: Time
Giving your time is one of the most valuable ways to give back to William & Mary, whether it’s by mentoring students or writing admission letters. Kelly S. Holdcraft, executive director of alumni success, shares ways to get involved.

 

Video Three: Talent
Everyone has talents to share that can improve their community. In this video, Renard Miles, executive director of the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement, shares how you can volunteer to make a difference. Some of the many opportunities include judging student competitions like the annual hackathon, the Entrepreneurship Hub’s Rocket Pitch events or the Internships & Applied Learning Student Showcase, being a mentor or offering career coaching to students interested in your field.

 

Video Four: Testimony
Sharing your William & Mary story is a powerful way to give back! When you’re talking about your time here or sharing a memory, you’re contributing. Here are a few more ways to engage: 

  • Post about us on social media and tag us!
  • Complete feedback surveys after W&M events.
  • Show your W&M pride with a t-shirt or hat.
  • Send an update to your class reporter for the W&M Alumni Magazine.

Video Five: Ties
Ties are all about the connections you create and nurture at William & Mary. After graduation, you become part of a dynamic global community of W&M alumni. Alex Beard, senior assistant director of Alumni Career & Professional Engagement, shares how you can strengthen these bonds by joining One Network and participating in alumni networking events.

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Video Six: Treasure
At William & Mary, the culture of “treasure” runs deep. As a leading public university in alumni participation, our community’s generosity is unparalleled. In FY23 alone, nearly $1.3 million was raised from gifts of $100 or less — showing that every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. With hundreds of areas to support, you can make an impact in ways that resonate with you. Whether it’s the Scholarships Impact Fund, the Heart Fund, diversity and inclusion initiatives, your favorite club or organization, or the Fund for William & Mary — which provides financial aid, research opportunities and critical operating support — there’s a cause for everyone.

Video Seven: Trust
It’s time for our final ‘T’: Trust. Trust is a two-way street. William & Mary earns your trust by staying true to our shared mission, vision and values. In return, your alma mater trusts you to invest in the next generation through the 6 Ts.