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Traveling the Way

Harris family establishes a study abroad scholarship to encourage william & mary students to explore spain’s camino de santiago.

July 7, 2023 By Tina Eshleman

Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain is a meaningful way to prepare a William & Mary student for life as a global citizen. Just ask Jonathan Harris ’94, who traveled the centuries-old pilgrimage trail by foot the summer after his sophomore year at the university.

During the 500-mile trek from the French-Spanish border to Santiago de Compostela, Harris experienced the landscape, culture and history of Spain in a deeply personal way. While doing so, he walked alongside a Brazilian ship’s captain and a Dutch land-rights negotiator, among others who came seeking spiritual renewal, a deeper understanding of their place in the world and a human connection away from everyday distractions.

“It opened my eyes to our shared journey in life, and that people are more similar than we sometimes think,” Harris says. “On the Camino, everybody is doing the same thing. It’s not about status or position, but taking it step by step.”

To make this kind of experience possible for other William & Mary students, Harris’ family, including his parents and siblings, has established the Harris Family Study Abroad Scholarship Endowment. The donor group includes Don Harris ’57, P ’91, P ’94, P ’98 and Ruth Harris P ’91, P ’94, P ’98 and their sons and daughters-in-law: Tim Harris ’91 and Amy Brown Harris ’91, M.A.Ed. ’96; Jonathan Harris ’94 and Stacey Reid Harris; and Chris Harris ’98 and Rian Harker Harris ’98.

Two additional donors who wish to remain anonymous partnered with the family to fund the endowment for a combined gift of $100,000. The scholarship will provide support for W&M students to participate in Camino pilgrimages or, if those opportunities are not available in a given year, other study abroad opportunities in Spain.

The Camino de Santiago, also known in English as the Way of St. James, comprises a network of trails that pilgrims have traveled since the ninth century to reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. The cathedral was built at the site where, around the year 813, a hermit discovered a tomb believed to contain the remains of the Christian apostle James the Greater and two of his disciples. As recounted in the Book of Acts, James was martyred, and tradition holds that his body was transported from the Middle East to what is now northwestern Spain, where he had spent time evangelizing.

Today the pilgrimage routes continue to attract people from near and far, and interest has grown over the past 20 years. According to statistics published by the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino (Pilgrim’s Welcome Office), more than 437,000 made a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in 2022.

“Spiritually you get something out of it because you’re out of touch with the ordinary world,” Don Harris says. “You meet strangers with similar experiences and it’s very enriching. For some people, it deepens their faith.”

A Boston-area native, Don randomly picked out a William & Mary catalog at his high school library in the early 1950s and was captivated by pictures of the historic Wren and Brafferton buildings. Harris’ three sons followed in his footsteps to become William & Mary alumni. Tim and Jonathan run the Williamsburg-based family business, La Tienda, which Don founded in 1996 with his sons’ help. Previously, he had served as Episcopal chaplain for William & Mary students, based at Bruton Parish Church, after retiring from the Navy, and Ruth Harris served as music librarian at W&M from 1989 to 2004. The leading online U.S. retailer of gourmet food and cookware from Spain, La Tienda expanded with a retail shop and tapas bar in 2010.

As La Tienda’s CEO, Tim is responsible for the operational and financial side of the business, while Jonathan is president and head of product development. Their younger brother, Chris, works for the U.S. Department of State and will soon move from the Republic of Georgia to Madrid, where his wife, Rian, will serve as deputy U.S. ambassador to Spain. (Read more about La Tienda in the fall 2023 W&M Alumni Magazine small business profile "A Taste of Spain." )

In addition to establishing the scholarship, the Harris family encourages cross-cultural learning through their business. Because La Tienda’s employees represent at least eight different nationalities in Latin America, Asia and Europe, the company made it a priority early on to provide English literacy classes during work hours. More recently, they have added Spanish instruction for English speakers as well. La Tienda regularly employs William & Mary students as interns and provides case studies for business analytics students at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business.

“Williamsburg turned out to be a wonderful place for La Tienda to be based because we have so many neighbors who worked in the State Department, CIA or the military and have spent time in Spain,” Tim says. “A lot of William & Mary professors have also been over there to study or travel.

“That’s why we decided to open the restaurant and retail store on Jamestown Road as a way for my father, in particular, to continue to connect with people face-to-face, and share the way that the Spaniards celebrate life with their families around food — that’s his favorite part.”

The family first discovered the Camino de Santiago when Don was serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy in Spain in the late 1960s and early 1970s. While there, the Harrises came to love the warmth of the Spanish people, the flavorful cuisine and the beauty of Romanesque art and architecture.

Since then, family members have returned periodically. Jonathan and Stacey walked a 62-mile stretch of the Camino for their honeymoon; they recently traveled there again to share the experience with their daughters, one of whom was making a pilgrimage with a college group, just as Jonathan had done.

Tim has traveled portions of the trails multiple times. While attending William & Mary, he studied with George Greenia, co-founder of the university’s Program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, now a professor emeritus of Hispanic studies. An authority on the Camino de Santiago. Greenia founded the W&M Institute for Pilgrimage Studies and has taken undergraduates backpacking on the Camino de Santiago to conduct interdisciplinary field research. He noted in a 2019 interview that his students had conversed with fellow pilgrims in English and Spanish as well as in French, German, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and even Hebrew.

In addition to establishing the scholarship endowment, the Harris family is providing funds through La Tienda to maintain the infrastructure in communities along the Camino de Santiago, such as installing water fountains and helping with repairs to the boarding houses or albergues where travelers stay.

“We encourage the La Tienda community to support this effort along with us and maybe go over there and help out,” Tim says.

The goal of the Harris Family Study Abroad Scholarship is for at least one or two William & Mary students each year to have the opportunity to walk the Camino de Santiago on the W&M faculty-led summer program managed by the Reves Center for International Studies. Since 2012, 117 William & Mary students have participated in the Santiago de Compostela program. Faculty directors have represented Hispanic studies, theatre, sociology, chemistry and education. Typically, students spend two weeks walking from León, Spain, to Santiago de Compostela and then a few weeks in the medieval city completing their projects.

The Harris scholarship ties in with the university’s commitment to study abroad experiences as a way to enhance academic excellence and prepare students for successful careers in a global economy. W&M ranks fourth among public universities in the nation in study-abroad programs, with almost 60% of undergraduates studying abroad before earning their degrees.

Adryan Flores ’16 sketches the landscape in O Cebreiro, Spain, between the O Courel and Os Ancares mountain ranges while walking the Camino de Santiago in 2016. (Photo by   Matthew Allar)

By participating in the Santiago de Compostela program and other study abroad opportunities, students can fulfill the university’s COLL 300 requirement — part of the W&M College Curriculum courses designed to integrate knowledge across the academic disciplines. COLL 300 programs introduce students to people and ideas outside of their familiar surroundings.

“Study abroad on the Camino de Santiago hits all the right notes for a William & Mary experience — interdisciplinary inquiry, experiential learning, close student-faculty collaborations and global learning,” says Ben Boone ’07, M.Ed. ’09, Ph.D. ’19, assistant dean for undergraduate education in Arts & Sciences. He has led the program twice and wrote his dissertation on the Camino de Santiago and study abroad.

The Harrises hope that students who walk the Camino will connect with other pilgrims and bring back stories of learning and growth to share with their family and friends, Tim says. “We believe this experience will give them a different perspective on the world and on their lives.”

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The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) of William & Mary Libraries is pleased to announce that it will award travel grants to faculty members, graduate students, and/or independent researchers to support research use of its collections. Writers, creative and performing artists, filmmakers, and journalists are welcome to apply.

The SCRC is offering travel grants of maximum $1,500 for researchers 100 miles or more from Williamsburg, VA, and maximum $750 for researchers within 100 miles of Williamsburg, VA. Researchers should specify for which grant they are applying. Recipients may use the funds for more than one trip to the SCRC.

For information on the manuscripts, rare books, and university archives held in the Special Collections Research Center, please visit the SCRC  webpage . Strengths of the collections include, but are not limited to, books on dogs, fore-edge painting books, Virginia family papers and libraries, twentieth-century Southern politics, women’s diaries, travel diaries, veterans’ letters, notable alumni, and university history. Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their research project and the collections that might support it with Special Collections staff before submitting an application.

About the grant

Eligibility.

A successful candidate for the 2024-2025 Travel Scholarship will:

• Reside beyond a 100-mile radius of Williamsburg, Virginia for the $1,500 grant or within a 100-mile radius of Williamsburg for the $750 grant.
• Not be a current William & Mary employee or student.
• Submit a research plan that draws heavily on the manuscripts, rare books, and/or University Archives collections.
• Submit a brief budget with anticipated expenses.
• Commit to schedule their research visit for the 2024-2025 cycle (July 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025).
• Agree to submit a brief research report (1-2 pages) on their findings and experiences.
• Consider placing any published work resulting from their research into the  William & Mary Institutional Repository .
• Participate in the intellectual life of the university by making a public presentation of research findings and experiences, meeting with faculty and students who share similar research interests, and/or other engagement activities with the university community. 

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• The merit of the research plan.
• The demonstrated need for in-person access to the holdings of the Special Collections Research Center. 

How to apply

Please submit the following:

• A brief  research plan  (500 words maximum) that describes the proposed project, lists the specific materials to be consulted, and explains how these materials will benefit the research project. Please name the document: LastName_FirstName_research_plan.pdf.
• A brief  budget of anticipated expenses . Please name the document: LastName_FirstName_budget.pdf.
• Current  curriculum vitae . Please name the document LastName_FirstName_cv.pdf.

Send all application materials by the end of the day on May 31 to  [email protected]  with the email subject line: 2024-2025 Research Travel Grants. Please contact us at  [email protected]  or 757-221-3090 with any questions. 

Important dates

• January 22, 2024:  Application period opens.
• May 31, 2024 : All application materials are due.
• June 17, 2024:  Successful applicants are notified by email.
• July 1, 2024:  Grant cycle begins.
• August 31, 2025:  Deadline for submitting research report. 

What expenses does the grant cover?

Grant money may be used for the following:

• Transportation expenses (including air, train or bus tickets; car rental; mileage using a personal vehicle; parking fees);
• Accommodations (daily standard range of $108 for Williamsburg/James City and York Counties, Virginia);
• Meals & Incidental Expenses (daily standard per diem rate of $64 for Williamsburg/James City and York Counties, Virginia).

Expenses are reimbursed as they are incurred but must adhere to the William & Mary  Travel Guidelines . Please note that reimbursement for travel applies to routes taken based on least mileage. Recipients will not be reimbursed for lodging in an AirBnB. The submission of a William & Mary substitute W-9 Cardinal form is required. Original receipts must be submitted for reimbursement.

Recipients of the Special Collections Research Travel Grant

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the Special Collections Research Travel Grant: 

• Dr. Susan Branson (Professor, Syracuse University, New York) // Woolen textile manufacturing in the early American republic 
• Dr. Dan Du (Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina) // Tea in American culture 
• Dr. Katherine Johnston (Assistant Professor, Montana State University, Montana) // Race and breastfeeding 
• Dr. Jaroslav Kušnír (Professor, University of Prešov, Slovakia) // Hip hop culture in Virginia 
• Dr. Todd Peppers (Professor, Roanoke College, Virginia) // Biography of Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger 

2022-2023: 

•  Dr. Ross Nedervelt (Adjunct Professor, Florida International University, Florida) // Imperialism and (in)access to the Bahamas and Bermuda 
• Dr. Brent Sirota (Associate Professor, North Carolina State University, North Carolina) // Jonathan Boucher and religious modernity 
• Dr. Harrison Wick (Associate Professor/Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania) // Leadership and logistics during and after the Civil War 

2020-2021: 

• Dr. Marcus Nevius (Associate Professor, University of Missouri, Missouri) // Petit marronage and the Great Dismal Swamp 
• Dr. Jonathan Jones (Assistant Professor, James Madison University, Virginia) // The Civil War opioid crisis 
• Dr. Kevin James (Professor, University of Guelph, Canada) // Leisure activities of WWI military personnel during and after wartime 
• Dr. Heike Bauer (Professor, Birkbeck, University of London, UK) // The “dangerous dog” in American culture 
• Dr. Jessie Vander Heide (Lehigh University, Pennsylvania) // Friendships as regulating and instructed relationships 
• Dr. James Mackay (Doctoral candidate, University of Edinburgh, Scotland) // The Black refuge experience 

2019-2020: 

• Dr. Alena Pirok (Assistant Professor of History, Georgia Southern University, Georgia) //  
• Dr. Tom Martin (Interim Associate Vice President for Research and Assistant Professor of Management, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky) // Robert Gates and approaches to leadership 
• Russell Hooper (Independent scholar and collector) // Matthew Fontaine Maury and “The Pathfinder Papers” 

2018-2019: 

• Sydney Miller (Doctoral candidate, The Ohio State University, Ohio) // Histories of reading in early Virginia 
• Dr. David Silkenat (Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, Scotland) // Environmental histories of slavery 
• Dr. Pauls Toutonghi (Associate Professor of Creative Writing, Lewis & Clark College, Oregon) // Relationships between humans and dogs throughout history 

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Secret Spots to Visit on William & Mary Campus

OK. Maybe not secret locations… but definitely cool locations on the campus of the College of William & Mary!

Here are some of our favorite spots on the campus of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. We have visited these spots for years, so we are sure you will enjoy them too.

Adam’s Garden

This little patch of wonderful you have probably walked by and driven by a hundred times and never noticed it. Framed by a white picket fence on the out skirt of the confusion of confusion corner (I know there is a discrepancy on the actual confusion corner – but after working downtown for sometime now – it doesn’t get more confusing than the intersection of Boundary St., Jamestown Rd + Richmond Road). If you want to know more about it check out this short piece on our visit .

Crim Dell Bridge

This lovely branch is tucked away so much so that we are posting this little map to help you find it… Crim Dell is #4, and to orientate you, the roads that meet at a point are N. Boundary (#13 is located there) and then Richmond Rd (#11&#12) .

It is lovely to walk over but be careful who you kiss on this bridge, campus lore says that “two people crossing the bridge while holding hands will be lifelong friends; and if they kiss, lifelong lovers”.

“At the west end of the Dell in the water, look for the 4-foot bronze sculpture “Great Blue Heron with Marsh Wren and Turtle” made by David H. Turner ’83 and donated to the College by Ben Field ’57. It features cattails and a turtle on the base. Originally installed on land beside the water, the statue went missing after Hurricane Ernesto (2006) and was found at the bottom of Crim Dell. Biology Professor Mathes, consulted on the statue’s re-installation, recommended a location in the water at least “one student’s-body length from the shore.” Read more about Crim Dell here

Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens is one of the nicest spots to lounge on campus at the College of William & Mary is a perfect escape right now because the students are gone so it is empty. It is a great place to throw a football, frisbee or chase some kids who need to burn some energy. It is pretty huge so social distancing should not be a problem. Here is a great article about the gardens including the trees that are possibly the oldest on campus.

It is also a great spot to have your family photos taken – good to know for the future!  The photo at the top of the page with part of a sculpture showing is near the WM Rock Garden, which is also at the far end of the The Sunken Gardens. The Gardens are located directly behind the Wren Building.   Get directions to the Sunken Gardens . 

While down on WM Campus you have to visit our two other favorite spots…

ECHO (aka Tyler Family Garden)

Ok so it is not called ECHO, that is what our oldest named it when he was around 3 years old and experienced the echo that you will experience if you follow these simple directions. Go to the Tyler Family Garden and stand in the middle of the brick circle on the X – face the James Blair building wall and say anything you want. You will hear an unexpected echo! For little kids to hear it, you will have to lift them up to your head level. Watch this video we took years ago of a tourist who we asked to try it – several years ago!

Where is it? Directly west of the James Blair Building is the Tyler Family Garden. In addition to finding your echo you will find “three bronze busts feature Lyon Gardiner Tyler, the 17th president of William and Mary; his father, the 10th U.S. President, John Tyler, who served as rector and chancellor of the College; and Lyon Gardiner Tyler’s grandfather, John Tyler, who served as the 18th governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.” To find this building, when you enter the Sunken Gardens by the main brick steps, walk almost to the end of the garden and it will be the right side. Or just walk down the path with the Sunken Gardens on your left. The last building on your right (James Blair Building) will have the Tyler Family Garden behind it. Google Map

Campus Tour of Woody Species

For this one you will need your cell phone because the map above will only give you the number locations. We have put the hyperlinks to each location below – they will tell you in each one what to look for. The whole walk, at a leisurely pace should take about 45 min, but that does not include how long it will take you to find each specimen. Have a fun woody species scavenger hunt!

• CAMPUS TOUR OF WOODY SPECIES
• 1. Sunken Garden
• 2. James Blair Hall
• 3. Crim Dell Meadow
• 4. Crim Dell
• 5. Wildflower Refuge
• 6. Small Hall
• 7. Integrated Science Center
• 8. ISC Greenhouse
• 9. McGlothlin-Street Hall
• 10. Thomas Jefferson Statue
• 11. Washington Hall
• 12. Ewell Hall
• 13. Adams Garden

The Campus has over 300 species and varieties of woody plants. Most of them were planted and selected by John T. (J.T.) Baldwin, Jr., professor of biology from 1946 to 1974.  The collection is known as “The Baldwin Memorial Collection of Woody Species”. The self-guided tour has over 70 different kinds of plants and is reminiscent of the original tour Professor Baldwin gave. You can also visit here to read all about the history of the Tour and Professor Baldwin.

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Study Abroad

The only thing better than learning the law is learning it abroad, educational objective:.

The modern practice of law is increasingly international in nature.  Our students may find it beneficial to devote part of their J.D. education to legal instruction in a foreign location.   The Law School supports study abroad opportunities where the instruction regularly is provided for international students and course offerings advance our educational objective of expanding student learning to encompass the study of foreign legal systems. 

If you have lived and studied abroad or if you have never been abroad before, we have suggestions for both satisfying credit requirements and doing so in a foreign country.  You may choose one of these options to taste the law of another country - in that country, to establish networking for future job opportunities, to increase your foreign language fluency (though most approved courses are taught in English), or to build your resume for the perfect job.

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Club wyndham kingsgate.

619 Georgetown Crescent Williamsburg, VA 23185

Special William & Mary rates available

Adults: 1 2 3 4 Children: 0 1 2 3 4 (under 18)

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Rates subject to availability.

Our spacious one and two-bedroom resort suites comfortably sleep four to six guests and range from 535 to 1,016 square feet. Suites feature one king bed in the master, one king bed in the guest room and a queen sleeper sofa in the living area. You will appreciate the privacy of separate bedrooms, a mini or full kitchen, private balcony (two-bedroom only), and the convenience of a washer/dryer in each suite. Located only 2.2 miles away from College of William and Mary, the exceptional amenities at Club Wyndham Kingsgate are the perfect complement to any family vacation. Guests are invited to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation while playing tennis, watching a movie at the resort’s movie theater, participating in the resort activities program, playing miniature golf, working out at the fitness center, or taking a refreshing dip in one of the 2 outdoor or indoor swimming pools and hot tubs.

Amenities include:

• 600 non-smoking guest suites
• Handicapped accessible
• Minimum age to check-in: 21 years old A credit card is required at check-in as a $250.00 security deposit will be held for each unit
• 2-night minimum stay required
• $10 daily resort fee
• Complimentary parking available
• Complimentary internet access in all guest rooms and common areas
• Sly Clyde Restaurant – Open for Lunch and Dinner
• Indoor/outdoor pool
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• Movie Theater and game room
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• Languages spoken: English, Spanish

After Seven Stressful Months: How William and Kate Are Planning Their Summer Holidays

T he British royal family is reportedly gearing up for their annual summer break, looking forward to some much-needed relaxation after a stressful year.

Traditionally, King Charles III and Queen Camilla spend their summer holidays in August at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, accompanied by their closest family members, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.

It is still uncertain whether William and Kate will travel to Scotland this year due to the princess's cancer treatment.

But a royal expert believes that a summer at Balmoral could be exactly what Princess Kate needs to recuperate.

Royal Family Confirms: Queen Mary Hit in Greenland Scooter Incident

Summer at Balmoral

Royal expert and former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond noted that the first seven months of the year have been particularly tough for the British royal family, especially for Princess Kate and King Charles.

"Everyone would like to have a carefree summer," Bond told OK! magazine.

She suggested that this year's trip to Scotland would be especially meaningful for the family.

"It has been a damned difficult year for the royal family so far, and nothing would please the King more than to bring his immediate family together for a while at the peace of Balmoral to take stock of the last, incredibly difficult months and look to the future."

Kate’s Health and Family Support

Princess Catherine is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy, which raises uncertainty about her ability to spend part of the summer holidays at Balmoral.

Bond, however, is confident that if Kate is able to join, the whole family will surround her with love, support, and renewed strength.

"In the meantime, she wants to make the summer months as fun and carefree as possible for the children's sake, after everything she has been through."

An Alternative: Anmer Hall

Another option for William and Kate to spend their summer holidays with their three children, Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (9), and Prince Louis (6), is to plan a longer stay at their country estate, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.

This setting offers the family opportunities to play garden games, explore the surrounding area, and visit the beach.

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Experienced, engaged leaders join W&M Board of Visitors

New appointments to university’s governing board announced.

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Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin today announced the appointment of five business and community leaders to William & Mary’s Board of Visitors.

John Brownlee J.D. ’94, P ’22, Rob W. Estes ’74, P ’06, W. Taylor Franklin, Jennifer Tepper Mackesy ’91 and Jill Holtzman Vogel ’92 will join the board on July 1, 2024. They will fill vacancies left by S. Douglas Bunch ’02, J.D. ’06, Cynthia E. Hudson J.D. ’87, Anne Leigh Kerr ’91, J.D. ’98, former Rector John E. Littel HON ’23, P ’22 and Brian P. Woolfolk J.D. ’96. Hudson will reach the end of her first term on the board at the end of June, and the other four will reach the end of their second terms.

“We are delighted to welcome our five new board members,” said President Katherine A. Rowe. “As leaders in their respective fields, they bring rich management and higher education insight to William & Mary. We look forward to working with them to advance our university and its mission.

“We also extend warm thanks to our departing board members. They helped this university navigate the choppy waters of pandemic with resilience and grace. Their partnership has been a blessing to their fellow board members, to our administration and to our entire campus community.”

Chaired by a rector, the Board of Visitors is the governing body of the university. Earlier this year, the board voted unanimously to re-elect Rector Charles Poston J.D. ’74, Vice Rector Barbara L. Johnson J.D. ’84, and Secretary Ardine Williams.

“Serving alongside the departing members of the board has been a privilege, and I am immensely grateful for their friendship and partnership,” said Poston. “I look forward to forming similar friendships and partnerships with our new board members as we work together to advance the mission of the university in service of the Commonwealth and the nation.”

New board members

John brownlee j.d. ’94, p ’22.

Brownlee is a litigation attorney and co-chair of Holland & Knight’s National White Collar Defense and Investigations Team. He previously served with the U.S. Department of Justice for more than 10 years as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia. In that role, he worked with federal prosecutors to convict a pharmaceutical company for misbranding the highly addictive drug OxyContin. The investigation is featured in the Hulu miniseries, “Dopesick.” Brownlee’s work was also included in a 2020 issue of the W&M Alumni Magazine that focused on the national opioid crisis.

Previously, he served as an active duty soldier with the U.S. Army and in the Judge Advocate General Corps for the U.S. Army Reserve. In addition to graduating from W&M Law School in 1994, he is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Airborne and Ranger programs. 

Rob W. Estes ’74, P ’06 

Estes is chairman and CEO of Estes Express Lines, America’s largest privately owned freight transportation carrier. He began working for the company as a salesman after graduating from William & Mary with a degree in accounting. Throughout his career, he held various positions with the company before finally taking the helm. 

He and his wife, Jean Berger Estes ’75, have been strong supporters of alma mater throughout their lives. He was co-chair of the 50th reunion committee for the Class of 1974 and has served as a W&M Business School Foundation board member. The two also served on the For the Bold campaign steering committee and co-chaired its Richmond regional campaign committee. Recently, they provided gifts to the All In Campaign for Athletics that supported renovations to Kaplan Arena, and the loading dock was named in their honor, as well as a new pilot initiative to provide more access to art for students. In 2019, Estes received the TC and Elizabeth Clarke Medallion from the Raymond A. Mason School of Business for his distinguished career and contributions to business. The W&M Alumni Magazine has highlighted the Estes family a number of times, including a recent article on their company’s sustainability efforts. 

W. Taylor Franklin 

Franklin is chief executive officer and co-founder at The Franklin Group, a leading multifamily development and property management firm headquartered in Virginia Beach. Working collaboratively with his executive team and co-founders, Franklin oversees company operations, new business and partnership acquisitions and new development opportunities. He has frequently been named to Inside Business’ Power List of individuals who have had the most influence in shaping Hampton Roads.

Franklin has also served in a number of community leadership and volunteer roles across the region. He currently serves on the executive board for Neptune Festival, is vice president on the board of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic, and has served as vice chair for The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to fight ALS. He was past chair on the board at Norfolk Collegiate School. Franklin is also a member of the Virginia Beach Economic Development Authority. Franklin is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University.

Jennifer Tepper Mackesy ’91

A standout W&M soccer player as a student, Mackesy is a co-owner of NJ/NY Gotham FC, which recently won the National Women’s Soccer League title. She and her husband, D. Scott Mackesy ’91, are also part of the ownership group of Chelsea FC in London.

A marketing major at the university, Mackesy went on to success in the retail and fashion industry, eventually becoming a vice president at Lord & Taylor. She has remained closely connected to William & Mary throughout the years, including service on the W&M Foundation Board of Trustees. She chaired its athletics subcommittee during the All In campaign for W&M Athletics and was an honorary campaign co-chair. With support from the Mackesys and John Goodenow “Goody” Tyler II, the university recently installed a new turf field at the 1987 Women’s Soccer Team Training Center named for Jill Ellis ’88, L.H.D.’16, who was a teammate of Mackesy’s at William & Mary. The Mackesys also supported significant portions of the new W&M Athletics complex, including a revitalization of the outdoor tennis facility — renamed the Mackesy Tennis Center — and the construction of the new Mackesy Sports Performance Center .

In addition to her work with W&M Athletics, Mackesy is a current member of the advisory board for the university’s Global Research Institute. 

Jill Holtzman Vogel ’92 

Founder and managing partner of the Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky & Josefiak law firm, Vogel is an attorney who specializes in tax-exempt organizations, campaign finance law and ethics. 

Vogel recently served four terms with the Senate of Virginia as a representative for the 27th district, which previously included the City of Winchester, Clarke, Fauquier, and Frederick Counties, and part of Culpeper, Loudoun, and Stafford Counties. During her time in the State Senate, she was the whip and deputy whip for the Republican Caucus and served on the Finance Committee, General Laws and Technology Committee, the Rules Committee and served as chair of the Privileges and Elections Committee. She was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Parole Review, the Joint Subcommittee to Evaluate Tax Preferences and the Land Conservation Foundation Board of Trustees among others. Vogel serves on the Board of Directors for Opportunity Scholars and has been involved with many other organizations including the Virginia Outdoors Foundation Board and the Massanutten Military Academy Board of Trustees. Her previous positions have included deputy counsel and chief counsel of the Republican National Committee and deputy counsel at the Department of Energy.

During her time with the Virginia Senate, Vogel met with William & Mary students through internship opportunities and as part of the annual Road to Richmond event.

Departing Board members

S. douglas b unch ’02, j.d. ’06.

A partner at the law firm of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, Bunch serves in its Securities Fraud & Investor Protection Practice Group and co-chairs its Pro Bono Committee. In 2022, he was appointed by U.S. President Joe Biden to serve as public delegate of the United States to the United Nations.

A dedicated alumnus, Bunch served as a member of the search committees for the university’s 28th president and sixth provost. He has also served on W&M’s Student Engagement and Leadership Advisory Board and Washington Center Advisory Board.

He was appointed to the Board of Visitors in 2016 and reappointed in 2020. Most recently, he served on the board’s Executive Committee and Committee on Academic Affairs; he also chaired the Committee on Institutional Advancement.

Cynthia E. Hudson J.D. ’87

A former chief deputy attorney general of Virginia (2014-2020), Hudson has had a long career in public legal service. She is currently owner and managing attorney of Eppes-Hudson Law PLLC and provides mediation and ombuds services as a member of The McCammon Group. Previously, she worked in the government practice group of Sands Anderson PC and served as deputy city attorney and city attorney for the City of Hampton. Before that, she served with McGuire Woods LLP. A leader in her field, she was named chair of the Governor’s Commission to Examine Racial Inequity and served as president of the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia.

She was appointed to the Board of Visitors in 2020 and most recently served on the executive committee. She was also vice chair of the Committee on Administration, Buildings and Grounds and chair of the Committee on Audit, Risk and Compliance. In addition to her work on the board, she has served as an adjunct professor in state and local government law at William & Mary Law School.

Anne Leigh Kerr ’91, J.D. ’98

Kerr is the president of Kerr Government Strategies in Richmond, representing businesses and trade associations on state-level government-relations matters. Previously, she served as director of Troutman Sanders Strategies for 17 years. Her other roles have included legislative counsel to Waste Management of Virginia, policy advisor to Lt. Gov. Don Beyer and special assistant to the director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. 

She was appointed to the W&M Board of Visitors in 2016 and reappointed in 2020. Most recently on the board, she served on the Committee on Institutional Advancement and Richard Bland College Committee and was the vice chair of the Committee on Financial Affairs.

John E. Littel HON ’23, P ’22

Littel is the chief of staff for Governor Youngkin. He was recently appointed to that role after serving as Secretary of Health and Human Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Previously, he worked with Magellan Health, serving as its president and chief external affairs officer. Before that, he held leadership roles with Amerigroup Corporation and Anthem and worked at both the federal and state government levels.

An honorary alumnus , he has remained closely involved with the university throughout the years. He served as a member of its Public Policy Board of Advisors and the search committees for the 28th president of William & Mary. Littel was originally appointed to the Board of Visitors in 2012 and reappointed in 2016 to fill an unexpired term. He was appointed again in 2020. He served as rector of the board from 2018 to 2022. Most recently, he served on the board’s Committee on Administration, Buildings and Grounds and its Committee on the Student Experience.

Brian P. Woolfolk J.D. ’96

Woolfolk’s career in government relations and congressional investigations has spanned more than 20 years. Currently a principal with Swan Creek Strategies, he previously served with Squire Sanders Public Advocacy and Mattox Woolfolk, which he co-founded. Prior to his tenure in private practice, he was minority counsel on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee and served as legislative counsel to Congressman Robert C. (Bobby) Scott.

Woolfolk was originally appointed to the Board of Visitors in 2016 and reappointed in 2020. His most recent work on the board has included membership on the Committee on the Student Experience and Richard Bland College Working Group. He also served as vice chair of the Richard Bland College Committee. In addition to his service on the board, Woolfolk was a member of the search committee for the university’s 28th president.

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Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It's complicated.

• Travel insurance can be complicated, but it's worth it if you have travel expenses that insurance would cover.
• You might not need travel insurance if you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free.
• If you're leaving the country, you'll likely need travel insurance.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here .

If you're planning to travel somewhere this summer, you're probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Kingsley Hopkins is. He's headed to Portugal and Iceland with his girlfriend, and he wants to make sure he's covered for things like medical emergencies or trip disruptions, "or if a volcano erupts," he said.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

But getting the right travel insurance can be complicated. There's no one-size-fits-all policy, and Hopkins, an assistant editor at a book publishing company in New York, has been spending a lot of time thinking about how to protect his summer vacation.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Chances are, so have you.

Why finding the right travel insurance is so hard

Most surveys suggest this will be a record summer for travel. How much of a record? Demand is so high that some airlines are afraid they will run out of planes. Now that's busy.

At the same time, danger and uncertainty are lurking everywhere – wars in Europe and the Middle East, the usual slate of natural disasters like hurricanes and maybe a volcano or two. It's no wonder people are giving some serious thought to insurance. 

Older travelers are particularly worried. And they should be, said PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care . Claims by travelers over age 50 spike during the summer months.

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Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

"According to our claim data, medical emergencies tend to uptick during the summer, especially for those going on trips that involve outdoor activities," he said.

But there are so many choices out there, including credit card coverage, medical evacuation membership programs and stand-alone travel insurance. What should you get?

You need peace of mind 

But don't just reflexively start shopping for a travel insurance policy this summer. Instead, look for peace of mind – knowing that if something goes wrong, you'll be taken care of.

"Knowing you're protected from unforeseen travel mishaps – like delays, lost baggage and even medical emergencies – can make the trip that much more enjoyable,” said Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz Partners USA .

As it turns out, there are several ways to get the peace of mind you need. And there are times when you can safely skip travel insurance.

This is when you don't need insurance

Here's when you can skip travel insurance, according to experts:

◾ If you already have coverage. "You may already have travel coverage through your benefits at work, your credit card, or through group benefits with an organization," said Jiten Puri, CEO of PolicyAdvisor.com. If you do, there's no need to buy more coverage. You're all set.

◾ If you're not traveling far. If you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free, like a relative's sofa, then there's not much to insure. "If you already have health insurance, it may cover you for a domestic trip, so you don't need to think about health insurance coverage," said Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

◾ If your trip isn't insurable. Traditional travel insurance covers conventional trips with prepaid, nonrefundable components like airline tickets and hotel stays. You might find that you either already have coverage through your medical insurance, or the trip is essentially uninsurable.

So think twice before saying "yes" to optional travel insurance that your online travel agency may offer you when you're booking a trip. You might not need it.

Here's when you need travel insurance

But most travelers should consider some kind of travel insurance coverage this summer. Here's when you need the extra coverage:

◾ If you have travel expenses that insurance would cover. "If you have many prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, it's best to take out travel insurance," said Lauren Gumport, a spokeswoman for Faye Travel Insurance ."This includes things like flights, hotel rooms, tickets and activities." The more conventional your vacation, the likelier travel insurance is to cover almost every aspect of your summer vacation.

◾ If you're leaving the country. "Your regular medical insurance might not extend coverage beyond your home borders," said John Rose, chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR . Also, many countries require travel insurance for entrance. They include Bermuda, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and some European countries.

◾ If you can't afford to lose your trip. "When considering travel insurance for your summer trip, evaluate whether you can afford to lose your vacation investment due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, weather disruptions, or emergencies," explained Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA). "Can you afford the financial risk if you miss your cruise departure because of covered flight delays? What if you have to cut your trip short because of illness?"  

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming their credit card will cover them. For example, I found that my credit card only covered my rental car as secondary insurance, which made it completely useless when I rented a car in Tampa recently. I had to buy a standalone policy from Allianz to cover the vehicle.

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How one traveler insured his summer vacation

So, how did Hopkins handle his travel insurance needs? Well, as I mentioned – it's complicated.

Hopkins said he always buys some travel insurance before he takes a trip, "but how much, and what I cover, varies," he explained.

He decided that his path to peace of mind in this case was to spend a few extra dollars: He made fully refundable flight and hotel reservations, just in case something went wrong. That would eliminate a lengthy claim with his travel insurance company or credit card.

But he still needed at least $50,000 in medical coverage with emergency evacuation because of his active schedule.

"We’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in Iceland," he said. "And you just never know." 

At the beginning of the year, he decided to buy an annual Medjet Horizon plan, a membership that would get him from a hospital in Portugal or Iceland to a hospital at home, in case something happened. 

For insurance, Hopkins checked TravelInsurance.com to find an affordable travel insurance policy. He found coverage through Trawick International that pays up to $50,000 in medical expenses and up to $200,000 for an evacuation.

"I’ve heard good things about them," he said. "Hopefully, we won’t need any of it."

How do I insure my trips?

I'm on the road about 360 days a year, so I'm always thinking about peace of mind. I currently use a Wells Fargo credit card with lots of travel benefits, and I have long-term policies through Faye and Cigna, which have worked fairly well. I also am a long-time Medjet Horizon member. If I rent a car, I turn to Allianz for my primary coverage.

I know – that's a lot of peace of mind. 

But I've also run into trouble and had to use many of those benefits. Medjet got me back home during the pandemic. Cigna covered me after a serious ski accident in Switzerland. My old Allianz policy took care of my medical expenses when I had to see a doctor in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a few years ago.

Like I always say, when it comes to having enough insurance, better safe than sorry.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

• Departments & Offices
• Financial Operations

Business Meals

Generally, meal expenses must involve an overnight stay to qualify for reimbursement. In these instances, the traveler must adhere to the travel regulations outlined earlier for meal reimbursement. Individuals who are not in a travel status are eligible for meal reimbursement if they participate in a business meal. Individuals in travel status may occasionally attend meals that qualify as business meals. Departments must use Chrome River for business meal expenses incurred during travel and non-travel status.

Such meals occur while the individual is on official business and must:

• Include Agency Head or Designee approval. Department approvals will be routed in Chrome River based on the designated Chrome River approver of the allocation and overage exceptions.
• Involve substantive and bona fide business discussions and include the original, itemized receipt.
• List by name all persons involved in the meal and affiliations (up to 10 persons) and the reason for the meal. For a group of more than 10 people, a description of the group/attendees are required. If the reimbursement is for a group of conference participants, identify the number of people fed and an explanation of additional meals, if necessary (example: Coverage of walk-ins).
• Be reimbursed for actual expenses up to the amount shown for the applicable meal in the M&IE Rate Table, excluding the incidental allowance.
• For the individuals in travel status, the per diem allowance applicable to the business meal must be clearly excluded from the daily reimbursement.
• Delivery costs and a reasonable tip (up to 20%) are reimbursable as long as the total cost does not exceed the allowable per diem for the meal.

In order for an employee to receive reimbursement for a business meal, there must be two or more attendees on the business meal form.  All business meal receipts must be for two meals or more.  If an employee attends a meeting in whereas each person is paying for his or her own lunch, it is not considered a business meal and it is not reimbursable under the guidelines for State Funds.  If the business meal falls under Grant funding, which restricts employees from being reimbursed for business meals (allows only guest meals to be reimbursed), a statement from OSP specific to the employee's reimbursement voucher must be provided which states the grant does not allow business meal reimbursement for employees.  If the business meal falls under non-grant funding, but the department only wants to reimburse the guest's meal and not the employee's meal, the reimbursement will be processed only if an original, detailed receipt showing 2 meals or more is provided.

Business Meal Exceptions

Business meals that exceed the meal allowance rate require an approved justification statement for up to 150% of the meal allowance and are allowable expenses to charge to State Funds.  Meals that exceed 150% of the allowance up to 200% of the standard rate with Dean or VP approval are allowable with William & Mary Local Funds.

Appropriate Food and Beverages Functions

The functions or events at which it is considered appropriate for food and beverages to be served to College personnel are listed below as 5 allowable business meal types:

Internal Training: Internal training refers to the process of providing education, skill development, and learning opportunities to employees within an organization. This type of training is conducted by the organization itself and is designed to enhance the knowledge, capabilities, and performance of its workforce. Internal training programs can cover a wide range of topics, including job-specific skills, compliance with company policies and procedures, leadership development, or communication and teamwork.

Retreats: Employee retreats refer to organized on-site/off-site gatherings or events arranged by a department for their employees. These retreats are designed to provide a break from the usual work environment and routine, offering participants a chance to engage in team-building activities, professional development, and bonding. These retreats may involve workshops, seminars, recreational activities, and discussions aimed at improving teamwork, communication, morale, and overall job satisfaction among employees.  To optimize cost-effectiveness, it is encouraged that retreats take place at properties either owned or leased by William & Mary. However, retreats held at off-campus locations require advance written approval in the form of a Travel Authorization from an authorized approver.

• Business Meals involving External Parties : Business meals involving external parties refer to dining occasions in which individuals or groups from the university and external participants come together for the purpose of discussing and conducting business-related matters.
• Events with Students : Events with students primarily serve as opportunities to enhance their educational and social experiences. These gatherings, often organized by the departments or student associations, aim to foster a sense of community and engagement among students. The primary purpose of such events is to provide a platform where students can interact with their peers, faculty, and staff outside of the traditional classroom setting. These events can take various forms, including academic conferences, workshops, cultural festivals, and extracurricular activities.

Retirement Events:   Retirement events are gatherings or celebrations held to mark the end of an individual's working career and their transition into retirement. These events are typically organized to honor and recognize the retiree's contributions, accomplishments, and years of service in their profession or occupation.    

Appreciation Events: Appreciation events for employees are special occasions organized by a department or university to express gratitude and recognition for the contributions, hard work, and dedication of their staff members. These events are designed to acknowledge employees' efforts and accomplishments, boosting morale, motivation, and a positive work environment.  These events are typical for group appreciation NOT individual employee recognition or appreciation.

• Meals, Food or Beverages for One University Employee: Allowed if the employee is meeting with a non-employee who is covering his or her own meal expenses.  The expense must be approved by the responsible Dean or Vice President and must be handled on a reimbursement basis.  This expense is allowable under Local Funds only.  These expenses are prohibited on the University Small Purchase Charge Card (SPCC).

See the Business Meal Chart (pdf) for additional clarification, rules, and requirements for Business Meals

Unallowable Business Meal Expenses

Activities that are excluded and not allowable under the Business Meal Policy:

• Lunches for deans and department heads
• Regularly scheduled meetings for university employees
• Faculty and/or staff department meetings
• Group planning meetings
• Round table discussions
• General discussion meetings between faculty and staff
• Mentor/Mentee meals between university employees
• A one-on-one appreciation meal
• A new employee meal 
• A farewell gathering for an employee that is NOT retiring (an employee departing from the university)
• Employee monthly birthdays, weddings, and work anniversaries
• Holiday Gatherings and Parties

Alcoholic beverages, including tax and tip may not be provided at College expense on state funds.  Alcohol is allowable under local funds only at the cost of $30 per person, including tax and tip and food must be included in the business meal for reimbursement.  The alcohol is not part of the per diem cap and it must be excluded from the per diem rates.

Spouses and Children

Spouses and children of a business meal participants may attend a business meal, but their portion of the expense will NOT be reimbursed by the university.   Only meal expenses for job candidates' spouses are allowable under the same rules as business meal exceptions with university local funds.

On-Campus Catering

America to Go (ATG) is a web-based, managed catering platform for local food ordering.

• ATC is required to be used for all William & Mary on-campus food (pick-up order delivery) or catering orders.
• ATG Ordering Portal: catering.wm.edu
• The ATG vendor network and list of Frequently Asked Questions is located:   https://www.wm.edu/offices/procurement/purchasing/food-catering-business-meals-etc/index.php  

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