One week from today — on Wednesday, April 2 — W&M alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends from around the globe will come together for a day of giving back and paying it forward, marking the 12th anniversary of the annual event. Over the past 11 years, One Tribe One Day (OTOD) has grown into a university tradition that highlights the strength and unity of the W&M community while undeniably impacting the university’s future.

From the beginning

For Caroline Stuart ’16, OTOD represents the collective strength of her beloved alma mater.

“One Tribe One Day is such a powerful manifestation of what collective voice and power can accomplish,” said Stuart. “We could all make our annual gift on any day of the year, and that’d be great, but by doing it all at once, it shows that no matter what size gift you are making, you are part of a larger movement.”

Stuart has a unique perspective, as she was a student working in the athletics development office when the first OTOD launched in 2014.

“I remember there was a palpable, exciting energy on campus,” she explained. “It introduced me to this idea that philanthropy is democratic and that, by making your gift, what you are really doing is voting for what you care most about at William & Mary.

‘It creates a snowball effect’

Since its inception, OTOD has surpassed expectations year after year. During its first year, 1,700 OTOD participants raised over $150,000. In 2024, over 11,500 donors helped raise more than $3.7 million. Over 12 years, more than 63,000 donors have given $27.9 million to William & Mary in support of 1,000-plus designations across campus.

Yet OTOD’s success is not just measured in dollars. From the annual Sunken Garden carnival to the worldwide regional gatherings, OTOD is as much about community as philanthropy.

Today, Stuart, the associate director of major giving at Boston College, volunteers to host OTOD events wherever she finds herself.

“I love helping bring the community together on OTOD. It’s wonderful to see regional communities come together, and the same energy is still very much present. I’ve been part of OTOD celebrations in Washington, D.C., Nashville and now Boston. It’s rewarding to see everyone feel valued and connected as part of the One Tribe One Day family.”

Rising to the challenge

Giving challenges have become a signature part of OTOD, with creative campaigns spurring friendly competition between schools, programs and alumni decades. This year, over 40 challenges are available, potentially unlocking $1 million in additional funds thanks to the generosity of W&M supporters.

In addition to the fun and competition, OTOD reminds us of the importance of philanthropy in higher education. With 12% of William & Mary’s operational support coming from the state, private giving has become vital in maintaining the university’s excellence in scholarship, research and campus life. Every gift — large or small — supports initiatives that shape the university’s future.

As the W&M community gears up for this year’s celebration, it’s clear that OTOD has become more than just a tradition — it’s a living testament to the power of collective action.

One alumnus who embodies this spirit is Don Beck ’64, P ’90, P ’93, G ’23, G ’26, G ’27, who has supported the university since graduation. Over the years, he and his late wife, Susie Beck HON ’01, P ’90, P ’93, G ’23, G ’26, G ’27, hosted hundreds of students at their home for dinner, fostering lasting friendships and a sense of community.

“Because of my relationship with William & Mary, I’ve gotten to know many people,” Beck shared.

These relationships have paid dividends for the university. Each year, Beck personally reaches out to friends and family with customized letters requesting support for OTOD, even including a return envelope to make the process easy. This year, Beck mailed about 280 letters.

“All of them have some connection to me through William & Mary,” he said.

True to his commitment, Beck personally hand-delivers these donations to the university. One year, he collected over 200 gifts for OTOD.

Come together for the throwback to give back

Join us on April 2 to make your mark. Visit otod.wm.edu and follow the celebrations on social media with the hashtag #OneTribeOneDay. Whether you’re giving a gift, attending an event or engaging in some friendly competition, OTOD is a day to celebrate Tribe pride and the power of community.