The William & Mary Alumni Association offers a range of benefits and exclusive discounts to its members, with specific opportunities related to access and services in Colonial Williamsburg (CW). Current students and alumni of the university have access to free admission to Colonial Williamsburg, along with other discounts and promotional offers. These benefits are designed to enrich the academic and personal experiences of the William & Mary community and to maintain lifelong ties to the university.
Current Student Benefits in Colonial Williamsburg
Current William & Mary students receive free admission to Colonial Williamsburg. This access allows students to visit the historic area, including museums, taverns, and tradespeople, as often as they wish. The free admission is available to all current students, and the program is intended to provide a valuable resource for those interested in history, architecture, or simply experiencing a unique atmosphere. In addition to free admission, current students also enjoy a variety of discounts at CW shops. The Student Cultural Partnerships (SCP) office facilitates the process for current students to pick up their free pass. Students may email the SCP office for assistance in taking advantage of this offer.
Alumni Access and Discounts
While the provided documentation primarily details benefits for current students, the William & Mary Alumni Association provides various exclusive offers and discounts to its members. These benefits are available to alumni at every stage of life, from recent graduates to those enjoying retirement. The Alumni Association has partnered with several reputable retailers to provide a wide variety of William & Mary gifts and gear, including exclusive items available directly from the Alumni Association.
Exclusive Gifts and Merchandise
Alumni can shop for exclusive William & Mary gifts, including T-shirts, golf bags, grilling tools, sunglasses, Under Armour apparel, mugs, and accessories. The Alumni Association also offers commemorative bricks that can be engraved with a name, class year, or sentiment. Additionally, M. LaHart provides cufflinks, official accessories, collectibles, commemorative frames, and fine watches, all of which can be personally engraved. William & Mary license plates and class rings from Jostens are also available, allowing alumni to showcase their Tribe Pride. The rings are made of time-tested materials in gold and silver and feature the W&M Shield and Royal Cypher.
Digital and Media Benefits
Although the documentation does not specify if these benefits extend to alumni, current students have access to free digital subscriptions to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Students also have free access to Ancestry.com through Swem Library and a free subscription to the streaming service Kanopy, which includes a variety of films, documentaries, and the A24 catalog. The student Spotify plan, which includes Spotify Premium, Hulu, and Showtime, is available for $4.99 per month.
Alumni Association Membership Benefits
Membership in the William & Mary Alumni Association provides access to several exclusive programs and discounts. These include financial and insurance products, as well as access to exclusive club memberships.
Financial and Insurance Programs
The Alumni Association offers a Visa Signature credit card program that allows alumni to carry a piece of their university wherever they go. Additionally, the Alumni Insurance Program provides a wide variety of insurance plans to meet the needs of alumni at every stage of life, from family and career planning to retirement. The program aims to provide peace of mind through quality products and excellent customer service.
Club Memberships
William & Mary alumni can apply for business associate membership in the Cornell Club-New York. This members-only club is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, near Grand Central Terminal and Fifth Avenue. The 14-story club offers lodging, dining, meeting spaces, and access to a network of reciprocal clubs across the globe.
University Initiatives Supported by Alumni Giving
The William & Mary Alumni Association Fund supports the most pressing needs of the Alumni Association, allowing it to serve a growing alumni body of more than 100,000. This fund provides expendable support for alumni and student programs, regional and virtual engagement programming, communications, events, and services aimed at strengthening lifelong ties to William & Mary.
Areas of Focus
Alumni contributions support a variety of university initiatives, including:
- Entrepreneurship Hub: Equips students across all majors to think creatively and act boldly, building resilient problem-solvers ready to lead in any field.
- Health & Wellness: Supports programs focused on helping students manage stress and gain confidence in their ability to flourish.
- Inclusive Excellence: Embraces initiatives that build unity, raise awareness, offer vital resources, and set the university on a path toward a more inclusive future.
- Internships: Vision 2026 aims to guarantee a funded internship opportunity or other applied learning experience for every undergraduate student.
- Veterans and Women’s Initiatives: Supports the presence, success, well-being, and engagement of military students and bolsters investment in women’s initiatives and programs.
Conclusion
The William & Mary Alumni Association provides a diverse array of benefits, discounts, and exclusive offers to its members. While current students have specific access to free admission and discounts in Colonial Williamsburg, alumni benefit from a range of merchandise, insurance programs, financial products, and exclusive club memberships. The Alumni Association Fund further supports university initiatives that enhance the student experience and foster lifelong connections. Alumni seeking to take advantage of these offers or learn more about specific discounts are encouraged to contact the Alumni Association directly.