WM Announces Latest Class of Honorary Alums

By Eric Pesola, of the W&M Alumni Association Thursday, May 12, 2011

Each year, the William and Mary Alumni Association recognizes a select few friends who have demonstrated a lasting commitment to and genuine affinity for the College, even though they are not graduates. During a ceremony Friday at the Alumni House, four dedicated individuals will be welcomed into the Alumni Association as honorary alumni.

These four friends have a distinguished record of service and support for the College: Ann M. Boehm, Daniel G. Stimson, J. Goodenow Tyler III and Anne Martin Ward.

Although Ann M. Boehm attended Cornell University, she is a proud supporter of the Tribe. Since arriving in Williamsburg with her late husband Bruce, Ann has served on the Muscarelle Museum of Art’s advisory committee, as president of the Christopher Wren Association and as a member of the Chancellor’s Circle and Fourth Century Club. She has attended countless Tribe football games and numerous Alumni Journeys trips overseas. The Boehms’ gift to the Mason School of Business resulted in the naming of the Bruce Boehm Center for Corporate Education in Alan B. Miller Hall.

Daniel G. Stimson is best known on campus as William and Mary’s director of cross country and track and field. In his 25 years in that position, his programs have won 49 conference championships. That is nearly half of all the championships the College has won in its entire history. He was the 2003 Alumni Association Coach of the Year, in large part for his exemplary work with the track and field throwing events, which are his specialty. Having mentored untold numbers of student-athletes, Dan’s achievements are vast and immeasurable. One of his nominators notes that he serves as “an exemplary model for what collegiate athletics should be all about.”

J. Goodenow Tyler III is better known as “Goody,” and further known for his green and gold bowtie and tennis shoes. He, along with his wife Bee, a member of the Class of 1983, has had a major impact on the lives of William and Mary students. The Tyler Recreational Sports Endowment supports the Student Recreation Center, which is used by 85 percent of students during a given year. His license plate even reads “GRFFN1.” According to his nominations, Goody “is a vital and proud member of the Tribe.”

Anne Martin Ward’s nomination form testified that her “heart has bled green and gold for many years.” One can see that this has been proven time and time again — from her membership on the President’s Council and the Chancellor’s Circle to her many hours of volunteering at Swem Library and work with the Richmond Alumni Chapter. For her husband Fred’s 50th Reunion, Anne worked hard to make the reunion gift a success. One nominator also said “Anne has so selflessly served the College for many years that I cannot believe she has not already received this honor.”