About the Society

Martha Elizabeth Barksdale blazed a trail. As the first female graduate of William & Mary, she was among two dozen intrepid women who broke the male-only barrier and enrolled at W&M in the fall of 1918.

More than a century later, women of W&M are award-winning scientists, playwrights, poets, coaches, entrepreneurs, teachers, and community leaders. Comprising nearly 60% of the student body, our W&M women shine. And the Society of 1918 celebrates that illumination.

We believe that all benefit from strong connections cultivated through shared learnings and experiences. The Society of 1918 fosters the engagement and recognition of women in the life of the university in active and meaningful ways, impacting W&M’s future through its continued generosity and leadership.

The Society’s philanthropic investment and programming benefits a diverse constituency including current students, alumnae, parents, faculty and staff. Opportunities include serving on volunteer university boards, participating in Society events, mentoring, networking, and advocating on behalf of the university while seeking to achieve a level of influence and representation commensurate with the broader W&M community.

Members of the Society provide significant financial support to William & Mary. We believe in our collective impact and in the benefits of a strong and growing network of women who dare to be bold and to inspire others in their commitment to W&M.