Welcome to the Storage Scholars Spotlight series! Every week, we highlight a different school in our network of college storage locations. This week, we're talking about William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Read on to learn more about this historical research institution and why it's the perfect place for your summer storage needs!

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About William & Mary 

William & Mary is a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Established in 1693, it is the second oldest higher learning institution in the United States after Harvard University. The school has just under 10,000 students, with 30% undergraduate and 70% graduate students. The student population is diverse, with students hailing from 50 states and 65 countries. The campus spans 1,200 acres and offers 115 majors and minors for students to choose from. William & Mary is also one of only eight U.S. universities designated a "Public Ivy," meaning it offers a superior education at a cost far below that of Ivy League schools. This prestigious designation reflects the high-quality education and opportunities available to students at William & Mary.

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What W&M is Best Known For

College of William & Mary is best known for its rich 300-year history as one of the very first higher learning institutions in the United States. However, it is also recognized for its academic strengths, particularly in STEM-related and computational fields, with 70% of all majors falling under this category. Additionally, the school's study abroad program is highly ranked, with William & Mary earning the #4 spot in the country. Approximately 58% of students participate in a study abroad program during their time at the college. Another notable aspect of the school is the Sir Christopher Wren Building, which is both the oldest college building in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. Initially built in the 1690s, the building was named after the famous English architect Sir Christopher Wren in 1931. The Wren Building remains an iconic symbol of William & Mary and its storied history.

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History of William & Mary

The College of William & Mary came into existence when King William III and Queen Mary II of England signed a charter on February 8, 1693, to establish a "perpetual College of Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and other good Arts and Sciences" in the Virginia Colony.

In 1695, construction commenced on the College Building, which would later be known as the Sir Christopher Wren Building, even before the town of Williamsburg was founded. The Wren Building was rebuilt inside its original walls three times over the next two centuries after being destroyed by fire. As a result, it is the oldest college building still standing in the United States and may be the most prone to fire.

Due to its close connections to America's founding fathers, William & Mary has earned the moniker of the Alma Mater of the Nation. George Washington, who was only 17 years old at the time, obtained his surveyor's license through the college and later became its inaugural American chancellor. Presidents John Tyler, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson, who earned his undergraduate degree here, all received their education at William & Mary.

William & Mary has gained notoriety for its numerous firsts, such as being the initial U.S. institution to hold a Royal Charter and establishing a Greek-letter society (Phi Beta Kappa, created in 1776), the first to implement a student honor code. The college was also the first to transition from a college to a university and to open a law school in the United States.

In 1906, William & Mary received state support and became a public institution. It later became a coeducational school in 1918. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. selected the Wren Building in 1928 as the first building to undergo restoration to its 18th-century appearance as part of the famous Colonial Williamsburg restoration project.

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Famous Alumni

William & Mary has a long and impressive list of notable alumni. While its history is long, its list of remarkable alumni may be even longer. Perhaps most noteworthy, four U.S. presidents have attended the school: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, and George Washington. Other prominent alumni include John Stewart, the former host of The Daily Show and current host of The Problem with Jon Stewart, and Jen Psaki, a former White House press secretary. Stephanie Coleman Linnartz, the President and CEO of Under Armour, and Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, are also William & Mary alumni. James Comey, the former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is another notable alumni. These individuals are just a few examples of the many successful and accomplished graduates of William & Mary, reflecting the school's reputation for producing leaders and trailblazers in various fields.

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Life On Campus

Life at William & Mary is vibrant and diverse, with 65% of students choosing to live on campus. With 450 clubs and organizations available, there are plenty of extracurricular activities to participate in. The school also boasts 40 club sports and over 500 intramural teams, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in athletics and team sports. The school has 23 Division 1 varsity sports teams for those who prefer to watch sports. From cheering on the Tribe at sporting events to joining a club or organization that aligns with your interests, life on campus at William & Mary is full of opportunities to get involved, make connections, and create lifelong memories.

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Life Off Campus

Attend William and Mary, and you may already know about the amazing attractions that Williamsburg, Virginia, has to offer! Whether you enjoy city life, history, or even nature, there is something for everyone to do once you step off campus. One of the city's top attractions is the Busch Gardens amusement park. Students can enjoy rides, live shows, and delicious food. 

History buffs will know that Williamsburg is a wonderful place to explore, but Colonial Williamsburg stands out as the best. Here, students can explore the restored 18th-century buildings, watch historical reenactments, visit museums, and even learn to make traditional crafts. There is so much to do and see that can teach about the founding of our great country. Since it can't be experienced all in one day, students can use their student ID card for passes and discounts to go back again and again.  

Finally, students looking to connect with nature can escape to York River State Park. Here, they can hike along the trails, paddle in the river, rent a kayak or canoe, and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Whatever you may be looking for, Williamsburg, Virginia, has a little to offer for just about everyone. 

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Favorite W&M Traditions

The College of William and Mary has many cherished traditions that unite the campus community throughout the academic year. One of the most significant is the Opening Convocation, which marks the start of the school year and welcomes the newest class. During this event, the President gives a speech, introduces students to campus, and all enjoy food and fun. 

Another beloved tradition is the Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, celebrated for over 100 years. This event brings together students and alumni for a home game, tailgating, and a sunset ceremony. 

Each December brings the long-awaited Yule Log Celebration. The student body gathers in the Wren Courtyard to enjoy live festive music and singing, student reflections on themes of peace, joy, and gratitude, and reading a special story by the university president. After tossing sprigs of holly into the Yule log fire for good luck, students warm up inside with hot cider and sugar cookies. 

In recognition of W & M's rich history, we can't forget the traditional celebration of Charter Day in February. The long tradition remembers the granting of William and Mary's Royal Charter in 1693. The day includes festivities, distributing honorary degrees and awards, and ends with a concert or show. 

The academic year wouldn't be complete without the traditional Royal Ball. Students celebrate with a formal ball under the stars and in the Sunken Garden on campus. The night ends with a toast from the university president and a singing of the alma mater.

These traditions at William & Mary are integral to campus culture and serve as a reminder of the school's rich history and community spirit.

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Storage Scholars and William & Mary

William & Mary has partnered with Storage Scholars for several years now. We are proud to have a strong campus presence again this year! Students and parents have entrusted us to pick up student belongings after final exams, keep them safe in storage for the summer, and then deliver everything back in the fall before the first day of class. We even provide all the boxes and packaging supplies, so students don't have to leave campus for anything. We're glad to be called upon year after year by William & Mary students and parents.

This year, the campus is led by Campus Co-founders Neel Davuluri and Shehryar Waheed alongside Marketing Manager Isaiah Nunez for a more tailored and personalized experience. We are excited to provide the high level of storage service that our families have come to expect. If you're new to campus or eager to learn about Storage Scholars and secure your spot for an upcoming campus move, visit www.StorageScholars.com.

‍To find out more about Storage Scholars and secure your spot for an upcoming campus move, visit www.StorageScholars.com. Or check out W&M Storage Scholars' Instagram page for the latest on student storage news.

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Sources:

https://kids.kiddle.co/The_College_of_William_%26_Mary

https://www.wm.edu/about/history/traditions/index.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_of_William_%26_Mary

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