BY MELISSA V. PINARD

Autumn in Williamsburg brings football, Class Reunions and cool weather.

But while we relish the past at Homecoming we should also recognize that we have a glorious future. In an article about Grand Marshal Joe Plumeri '66 on page 17, he makes a profound statement: "I think that, as rich as the history of William and Mary is, you have to be careful that tradition doesn't become your jailor," says Plumeri. "This is not a college of memories; it should be a college of dreams."

And for the freshman Class of 2010, this is the beginning of it all.

It is with sadness that I report the deaths of two of our photographers. You've witnessed their work over the years in the pages of this publication. Randy Searle, who passed away May 27, was a friend of the Alumni Communications office. He was always able to help us in a pinch and was one of the nicest people you could work with on a project. Some of you may remember the stunning image he took of the Sunken Garden for our cover in 2001. He also was the guy who took the Class Reunion photos for the past six years, as I shouted through the megaphone to herd all the class members.

Jim Gleason, who died July 5, worked for the College since 1973 and has taken more photos on campus than probably anyone else in the history of the place. They will be missed.

Some changes to the publication include the renaming of the Philanthropy section "Gifts At Work." The Alumni Communications staff, along with the staff of Development Communications, which provides the material for that section, believe that the new terminology better defines what is going in this section. Take a look if you want to learn more about what happens to the dollars you donate to the College.

My favorite part of working for the Alumni Association is meeting and interviewing alumni who have fascinating jobs. This issue's Just Off DoG Street features one of those people -- Duane Williams '81, a private investigator. Who knew William and Mary graduated PIs?

Have a great fall and see you at Homecoming, Oct. 26-29, 2006.