STEP - Focus Your Experience

The Vanguard Cording Celebration is William & Mary’s pre-commencement event honoring the achievements of first-generation and limited-income (FGLI) graduating students.

Graduating students participate in this tradition by standing together as a graduating class in the Wren Yard. Guests are welcome to attend, but will be directed to a guest viewing area behind the students. Please note there is no seating for this event.

This interfaith gathering honors the deepening of faith and spiritual journeys during their time at William & Mary, bringing together diverse traditions in a shared moment of gratitude and reflection.

This ceremony is for all graduating students who registered to attend ONLY. Students will complete the traditional Walk Across Campus, from the Wren Building, across the Crim Dell Bridge, to Zable Stadium. 

This ceremony is for all graduating students who registered to attend and their guests ONLY. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the traditional Walk Across Campus (from the Wren Building, across the Crim Dell Bridge, to Zable Stadium).