W&M Notable Alumni

The College of William and Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, founded in 1693. Its storied legacy has produced a remarkable array of alumni who have left an indelible mark across diverse fields such as politics, academia, science, and business. From shaping the foundations of American governance to pioneering innovations and cultural contributions, William and Mary graduates have influenced both national and global landscapes with their leadership and vision.

Notable Alumni:

• Thomas Jefferson - Third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
• James Monroe - Fifth President of the United States, known for the Monroe Doctrine in foreign policy.
• John Tyler - Tenth President of the United States, served during a pivotal era of expansion.
• George Washington - First President of the United States, received his surveyor's license from the college.
• John Marshall - Fourth Chief Justice of the United States, shaped American constitutional law.
• Henry Clay - Influential statesman and orator, key figure in the Compromise of 1850.
• Robert M. Gates - Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director, led national security efforts.
• David M. Brown - NASA astronaut who tragically perished in the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster.
• William Barton Rogers - Founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a pioneer in education.
• Margaret Thatcher - Former UK Prime Minister, received an honorary degree and spoke at the college.
• James B. Comey - Former FBI Director, known for high-profile investigations during his tenure.
• Mark R. Warner - U.S. Senator from Virginia, advocate for technology and economic policy.
• Elizabeth Warren - U.S. Senator and progressive leader, briefly attended as a visiting scholar.

Famous People Who Attended College of William and Mary:

• Jon Stewart - Emmy-winning comedian and former host of The Daily Show.
• Glenn Close - Award-winning actress known for roles in Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons.
• Mike Tomlin - NFL head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl champion.
• Scott Glenn - Acclaimed actor featured in films like Apocalypse Now and The Silence of the Lambs.
• Patton Oswalt - Stand-up comedian and actor, known for Ratatouille and Parks and Recreation.
• Linda Lavin - Tony Award-winning actress, starred in the sitcom Alice.

The impact of College of William and Mary alumni resonates both locally in Virginia and globally, with graduates like Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe laying the groundwork for American democracy, while modern figures like Jon Stewart and Glenn Close inspire through entertainment and cultural commentary. Their contributions span centuries, influencing governance, science, and the arts, and continue to elevate the college’s reputation as a cradle of leadership. For more detailed biographies and additional alumni, resources like the official William and Mary website (www.wm.edu) provide trustworthy and comprehensive information. While extensive records exist for historical figures, data on contemporary alumni may be less exhaustive and is subject to ongoing updates.