Mason School Welcomes Alumni to Campus for Annual MBA Alumni Weekend
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business was honored to welcome more than 200 alumni and their guests back to campus for the annual MBA Alumni Weekend June 3-4.
Five different milestone reunions were celebrated over the weekend in addition to members of the Quittmeyer Society, which recognizes those who graduated 40 or more years ago, and those who represent many other graduation years. The reunion classes contributed $531,838 toward MBA scholarships which will be awarded to future scholars enrolled in the Full-Time MBA Program.
Dean Larry Pulley ’74, participated in programming throughout the weekend, which was the last of his formal engagements before he retires from his post at the Mason School at the end of June. He said of the overall reunion weekend, “It is truly an honor to preside over an event that brings together so many of our distinguished alumni. I hope that everyone enjoyed sharing memories of their time at William & Mary and had an opportunity to create new ones with their fellow classmates, faculty, and loved ones. Reunions are a time to be together and reminisce, and I would be remiss not to thank properly each and every one of our MBA alumni for the impact they have had on my time here at the Mason School both as a professor and as dean.”
The weekend kicked off with the Milestone Reunion Dinner on Friday evening. The MBA classes of 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, and 2002 were honored alongside members of the Quittmeyer Society. Dean Pulley delivered remarks which included one of his hallmark “word breaks” where he shared the etymology of the words “footloose” and “first rate.”
“Our 25th Reunion was first class, phenomenal, and profound, as we honored the true accolades and accomplishments of our MBA programs and Dean Pulley,” said Trent Williams, MBA ’97, JD ‘97. “We are extremely blessed to return to such a remarkable institution ... our William & Mary. Each year, I cherish the education, the experiences, and most importantly, the lifelong friendships established during my time in the MBA/JD program.”
Also honored at Friday’s dinner was the 2022 Outstanding Alumni Volunteer Award recipient, Don Lowman MBA ’82, P ’17, who was recognized for his service to the W&M Business School Foundation Board and his time as the school’s Chief Operating Officer.
Saturday’s programming included Back to the Classroom Sessions led by esteemed faculty and alumni. Topics included diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; reimagining work; an annual financial strategy and planning discussion; and a thought-provoking conversation with military veterans.
Attendees had an opportunity to honor and say farewell to Dean Pulley at Saturday’s luncheon and the afternoon’s keynote alumni panel, “Living a Life of Principled Achievement” focused on a topic Dean Pulley often highlights: the Mason School’s mission to prepare students for lives of principled achievement, personally and professionally.
The formal program wrapped up with a cocktail reception at which alumni and their guests were able to reconnect and network with one another as well as faculty and staff.
“The reunion was all about renewing connections that were dormant for a while but easily clicked back in place as if no time had passed,” said Carol Bishop, MBA ‘87. “The campus and historic district are filled with memories for me. I’m so grateful to add more to my Williamsburg chapters.”
