College of William and Mary
05/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/20/2026 08:18
A tradition of generosity
A tradition of generosity
At Traditions Weekend, the 50th Reunion Class celebrated the largest class gift ever
Published May 20, 2026
(Photo by Katie Warner)
The following story originally appeared as an online exclusive for the W&M Alumni Magazine. - Ed.
The Class of 1976 chose the moniker "the Coolest Class Ever" for their 50th reunion, but they could have used "Most Generous Class Ever." On April 25, as part of Traditions Weekend, the class presented President Katherine A. Rowe with a check for more than $36 million - the largest class gift ever recorded at William & Mary. Their final total: $36,098,180.08.
"The Class of 1976 earned their degrees during the U.S. bicentennial. They recognize that duty to others is core to civic leadership," said Rowe. "We joyfully celebrate the 'coolest class' at the country's quarter millennium. Their generosity ensures that investing in future leaders remains a hallmark of the Alma Mater of the Nation."
The gift supports areas across the breadth of the university and includes $24.7 million in planned/legacy giving. 43% of the class - 413 alumni - contributed. A portion is designated to the Class of 1976 Scholarship Endowment, which the class created during its 25th reunion.
Members of the 50th Reunion committee, led by Committee Chair Sue Hanna Gerdelman '76, P '07, P '13, presented President Katherine A. Rowe with the class gift.
"The entire Class of 1976 - the Coolest Class Ever - has shown up in a remarkable way," said 50th Reunion Chair Sue Hanna Gerdelman '76, P '13. "Your participation, your generosity and your spirit have made this reunion something truly special."
The check presentation was just one part of the 50th Reunion celebration, which also included a welcome reception at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, a happy hour at local favorite College Delly, yoga in the Sunken Garden, a pickleball tournament and even a drone show over Zable Stadium. The reunion was planned with the help of the 50th reunion committee - 16 members of the Class of 1976 who reached out to classmates and planned events.
The annual Traditions Weekend celebration each spring brings together the 50th reunion class, the Olde Guarde (alumni whose undergraduate class graduated 50 years ago or more) and the Boyle Legacy Society (those who include William & Mary in their legacy plans). The 55th and 60th reunion classes also hold celebrations during the weekend.
The weekend featured many opportunities for members of these groups to reconnect with each other and alma mater, including then-and-now tours of campus, a Special Collections open house at Swem Library and more. The Presidential Conversation highlighted the Better Arguments framework used by W&M students, with opportunities for participants to participate in civil discourse around timely questions.
"This has been a remarkable weekend. Not just because of what we've celebrated - but because of what we've remembered. The friendships, the shared experiences, the small moments that somehow stayed with us… and came rushing back the minute we saw each other again," said Gerdelman.
The Boyle Legacy Society gathered during the weekend for their annual signature luncheon. This year, members heard from Dean Douglas "Doug" Schmidt '84, M.A. '86 and three William & Mary students who are campus leaders in organizations related to the new School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics - Allyson Morris '27, chair of the Association of Computing Machinery; Tucker Peters '28; president and founder of the AI Club; and Celia Schaefers '28, treasurer of Women in Computing. They shared how their liberal arts & sciences education is preparing them well for their future careers.
This year also featured a special dedication ceremony for the newly expanded W&M Memorial Garden - which now features a columbarium, new entryway, additional seating and more - and for Garrett Way, the road leading to the garden. Garrett Way is named in honor of the late Capt. Jack Garrett '40, P '67, P '70, G '93, G '95, G '95 for his leadership in creating the garden. Learn more about the Memorial Garden at wmalumni.com/memorialgarden.
On Sunday, the Class of 1976 was inducted into the Olde Guarde in a formal ceremony at the Wren Building, complete with graduation caps and gowns, reminiscent of the way current students process through the Wren at Convocation and Commencement. At the ceremony, classmates received their Olde Guarde Medallions, and members of the Olde Guarde greeted them with noisemakers, pom-poms and signs.
"Traditions Weekend was such a memorable experience for me, especially since I didn't 'walk' for my graduation in 1976," said Beth DiPace Liivak '76. "Receiving a medallion was very special and it makes me proud to be a member of the Olde Guarde. I encourage alumni to attend theirs in years to come."
At the ceremony, the Olde Guarde recognized this year's recipient of the Olde Guarde Distinguished Service Award, Dorothy "Dottie" Nowland Gabig '61, P '89.
"You have had a momentous journey from students to the people you are today," said Brian Focarino '11, J.D. '15, president of the W&M Alumni Association, at the Olde Guarde Induction Ceremony. "Your William & Mary family is proud of you - and we thank you for your dedication and support throughout the years."
The 50th reunion class photo.
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