William & Mary celebrates military students, veterans as semiquincentennial approaches

With more than 1,800 students across campus today connected to the military, the university is celebrating those who serve and ramping up efforts to support them.

Panelists speak at the William & Mary Military & Veterans Breakfast during Homecoming 2025. (Courtesy Photo)

Veterans and military members have long been a significant part of the William & Mary community, with more than 1,800 students across campus today connected to the military.

As Veterans Day nears and multiple military branches inch closer to celebrating their 250th anniversaries in conjunction with the nation's semiquincentennial next year, the university is celebrating those who serve and ramping up efforts to support them.

"Service is a part of the DNA of the university, so having those voices and that experience of people who have gone out and put their life on the line and are now back in the classroom - adding those stories, that experience, that perspective - really helps make a classroom full of multidisciplinary experiences and awareness," said Kathleen Jabs, special assistant to the president for military & veterans affairs - a Navy veteran herself. "It's bridging a civil-military divide."

Supporting veterans

The Office of Military & Veteran Affairs, which Jabs leads, is one of many units across campus that support service members and veterans in a variety of ways. Her office helps coordinate and support existing military and veteran programs across the university, as well as forge connections with external partners across military commands and alumni. Its work was recognized in October by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council at the Workforce Innovation Awards for its contributions to the regional workforce.

Other offices that support military students and veterans include the Center for Military Transition, which helps veterans transition to high-level civilian management positions; The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic, which advocates for veterans and their disability claims; and the Clinical Mental Health & Military Veterans Counseling program, which trains counselors to work with veterans and families on a variety of issues including post-traumatic stress disorder.

Another office bridging the civilian-military divide is the Office of Student Veteran Engagement, which bolsters the efforts of student organizations, helping with applications and GI bill benefits, while also working to expand veteran enrollment.

"Working with students is a really important story to tell," said Charlie Foster, a Marine veteran and director of the Office of Student Veteran Engagement. "It's a testament to the student veterans who impress us every chance they get."

One such student is Josue Jean '25, the current president of the Student Veteran Association at William & Mary. A first-generation student who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy, he presented on a panel at this year's Inclusive Excellence Symposium and attended the National Conference for Student Veterans. He credits his service in the military as a driving force in continuing his education.

"The drive here is worth it because this space is such a welcoming place," Jean said, noting his commute to Williamsburg as a resident of Virginia Beach. "Beyond just my time here as a veteran, the way this office connects us with resources has been an integral part of my success here."

In total, nearly 400 students are active duty or veterans, and close to 25% of students, undergraduate and graduate, have some connection with the military. William & Mary continues to uplift military and veteran students throughout their time on campus. With the Army, Navy and Marines each celebrating their 250th anniversary, further recognition as these students will continue next year and beyond.

"Military and veteran students are up to the challenge at William & Mary," Foster noted, highlighting the achievements they have earned, including the Carr Cup, the Thatcher Prize for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Study and other scholarships and accolades. "(They) come in and they don't just keep up with their fellow students - they excel. These are folks for whom failure is not an option."

Veterans Day events

William & Mary's military students and veterans are pillars of the university. In recognition of this vital part of the campus community, several Veterans Day celebrations will be held to highlight their service.

Planned events include:

Veterans Day Brunch, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Chesapeake, Sadler Center)

The Office of Student Transition Engagement Programs and the Office of Student Veteran Engagement are inviting military and veteran students, faculty and staff to brunch in the Sadler Center to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.

Veterans Day Bell-Ringing Ceremony, 10:45-11:15 a.m. (Wren Building)

The ringing of the Wren Bell has become a Veterans Day tradition at William & Mary. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a William & Mary student veteran will ring the Wren Bell slowly to commemorate Armistice Day, the original inspiration for Veterans Day. All around the nation, bells will toll in unison at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day.

Raymond A. Mason School of Business Veterans Day Celebration, 12:30-1:30 p.m. (Alan B. Miller Hall, Brinkley Commons)

The Raymond A. Mason School of Business MBA Program, Center for Military Transition and Mason Military Association will thank military students and veteran faculty, staff and executive partners for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Attendees will hear from military and veteran students and can enjoy light refreshments.

Law School Veterans Day Observance, 1-2 p.m. (Law School flagpole and patio)

The law school will hold a Veterans Day observance as Law School Dean Benjamin Spencer recognizes and honors the military veterans who are members of the Law School community.

Additionally, art by honorary alumna Jeanne Weaver HON '17, P '95, P '96, P '08, made to commemorate her son, Todd Weaver '08, who died in Afghanistan, is on display in the Sadler Center through March 2026.

Outside of events held on Veterans Day, military and veteran students are eligible for a one-time use pass to access therapeutic modalities at the McLeod Tyler Wellness Center. Available services include acupuncture, Reiki, yoga therapy and massage. Appointments are offered based on availability.

William Oster, Communications Specialist

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