Campaign Chair: Top 10 reasons 2018 was a big year

It’s that time of year again — students are busy studying for exams, holiday festivities are filling our calendars and family and friends are gathering together to celebrate and give thanks. 

Despite the flurry of activity, it is important to take a moment to think about all that we are grateful for over the last year. Every Thanksgiving, as I gather with my family around the table I think about how fortunate I am to be surrounded by those who mean so much to me. My husband, my two children and their spouses all went to the university — we are all part of the larger Tribe family — and we share many wonderful memories of our time at William & Mary, including the annual Yule Log tradition.

One thing I take great comfort in knowing is that as a family, we are always there for each other, no matter where we are or what we are doing. That is what drew so many of us to the university — our tight knit community — and something that will always bond us together. 

It is impossible to count how many times this year that I have been in awe of all that we have collectively accomplished. It has been a remarkable year — one filled with many proud moments of achievement. 

With that said, I would like to unveil my top 10 list of why 2018 was a BIG year for the university. These aren't in any particular order; it's a list that we can reflect on and celebrate because we — every single one of us — have a played a role in some or all of it. 

Top 10 Reasons Why 2018 Was A Big Year for William & Mary:

• Katherine A. Rowe was sworn in as our 28th president — the first woman to ever lead our university
• William & Mary surpassed $800M in our $1B For the Bold campaign
• The 50th anniversary of African-Americans in residence and commemoration of 100 years of coeducation
• We are the No. 1 nationally ranked public university for alumni giving
• Shenkman Jewish Center and McLeod Tyler Wellness Center both open for students
• W&M students are ranked the happiest in the U.S.
• Women’s Field Hockey Team wins first-ever CAA Championship, just after the groundbreaking of the new Tribe Field Hockey Center
• Inaugural W&M Women’s Weekend held, with Society of 1918 — a society for women, by women — unveiling $2.65M raised
• The university garnered the top spot in study abroad among public universities
• All of our donors – you — are the reason why the university is thriving

Of course, these are only a few of the many highlights over the past year that I am particularly proud of — and I hope you are too!

Thank you for your constant support and I wish you the best this holiday season!