Katherine Ambrose
Hello everyone! My name is Katherine Ambrose, and I am a sophomore pursuing an International Relations major with a Gender & Women’s Studies minor. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon – and yes, it’s just like Portlandia. I cannot wait to be a resource to you all during the college search, and I represent the Admission Office as your head Blog, Photography, and Videography Coordinator.
Here at the College, I’m busy every single day with activities I love. I volunteer on a regular basis as a Sharpe Community Scholar, and founded a debate club last spring at one of the local middle schools. I am a member of the Greek community, the club lacrosse team, and the Orientation Aide staff. I also work as a tour guide in the Admission Office. This summer, I will be working an internship in Washington, D.C. with the William & Mary Leadership and Community Engagement Seminar. Outside of my weekly meetings and classes, you can find me taking walks in Colonial Williamsburg with friends, running on the Matoaka Lake trails, and relaxing at the Terrace on a nice day. I hope to study abroad next summer in Florence, Italy, and perfect my Italian language skills.
Throughout my time at the College, I truly have gained another family. I did not know a single person on campus when I moved in August 2013, and now I could not feel more at home. I have met some of my best friends and mentors here, and I am inspired every single day by those around me. I know that you will love the College just as much as I do, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you all. If you have any questions – from food recommendations to typical days on campus – please let me know!
Marissa Alvarez
Hi everyone! My name is Marissa Alvarez and I am a sophomore here at the College, majoring in Psychology and Kinesiology with a concentration in Public Health. I am from Leesburg, VA (way to go NoVa!) but was born just 20 minutes from Williamsburg in Newport News, VA.
Along with being a Spring Intern for the Admission Office, I am an active member and leader of my social sorority, as well as a participant of the Student Leadership Foundation on campus. I also just wrapped up my first term on the Undergraduate Honor Council which was such a rewarding experience! In my spare time, you can find me exploring DoG Street, studying at Swem, or sharing a skillet cookie at the Crust with my friends.
It’s always so difficult for me to pick my favorite thing that I love about William & Mary, but I’d have to say I’ve come to realize that there is truly no other place like it because of the students that go here. The students and faculty here are so driven, dedicated, and passionate about everything they do, and this is something that has created a community of people that I just love to be around. The phrase, “One Tribe, One Family” seems to always ring true. People truly care about each other here. Although this campus may be small, I love the fact that I always run into someone I know on the way to class. Yet, I still have the opportunity to meet new people every single day. I consider William & Mary my second home – it is one of my favorite places in the entire world and I feel so lucky to be a part of it!
I am BEYOND excited to congratulate and welcome the Class of 2019 – we are so happy to have you! Go Tribe!!
Mark Bland
Hey everyone! My name is Mark Bland, and I am a junior studying Government and Public Health here at the College. I am from Purcellville, Virginia, but Williamsburg has become my home away from home.
On campus, I stay involved with a wide range of organizations. I serve as an Orientation Area Director, President of the Class of 2016, Tour Guide, Orientation Diversity Facilitator, and a member of the Student Leadership Foundation. I am also a member of the Student Alumni Council and a social fraternity. Last summer, I lived in D.C. through the W&M D.C. Summer Institute for Leadership and Community Engagement, and again this past winter break as a D.C. Winter Seminar Scholar. In my free time, you can find me exploring Colonial Williamsburg, hanging out with friends on the Terrace, and playing intramural volleyball.
This is my third year assisting in planning the Day For Admitted Students, and it is easily one of my favorite days of the year! Feel free to contact me at any point with questions about life at William & Mary and the college application process. Go Tribe!
Adam Siegel
Hey guys! My name is Adam Siegel and I am a senior at the College, majoring in Finance and Chinese. Before coming to William & Mary, I was a lifelong resident of Minnesota.
On campus, I am actively involved with the club sailing team, which allows me to sail after class and travel for free to locations from New York to Florida. I am also involved with Greek Life and the Interfraternity Council, the Office of University Advancement, and the Office of Admission.
The summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Beijing with a William & Mary program. I loved living in another country, while still earning a semester’s worth of credits! It was an absolutely awesome experience that allowed me to explore another part of the world while making friends that I will have for a lifetime.
After graduation in May, I will be moving up to Washington D.C. to begin working for PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Consultant – a job that I got through the Cohen Career Center. As I prepare to leave William & Mary, I can absolutely say that the phrase “One Tribe, One Family” rings true. The College has become as second home!
Will Cumbia
Hey Y’all! My name is Will Cumbia and I am a Junior at the College majoring in Marketing. I was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia but proudly call Williamsburg my home. I am thrilled to be a part of the Admission team this spring as an intern!
On campus I am heavily involved with the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) and the Admission Office. I work as an RA for upperclassmen apartments and as a student aide and stage manager for the department of music. I also sang in one of William & Mary’s many a cappella groups for my first two years at the College. In my spare time I enjoy going on long walks through Colonial Williamsburg with friends, cardio dance, and making people laugh.
Over the past two and a half years, William & Mary has truly become my home. I was originally drawn to its rich history, academic rigor, and small student body size. Since, I have fallen in love with what really makes William & Mary so special: the people. Our faculty and staff are some of the most supportive people I have ever met, and the students here are astoundingly talented, passionate and caring. I cherish each moment I’ve spent here and so look forward to the next year and a half. I am so excited to be on the team welcoming the new generation of the Tribe! Welcome!
Amanda Gordon
Hello everyone! My name is Amanda Gordon and I am a junior here at the College, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Accounting. I am from Berryville, Virginia a small town near West Virginia, known for our fifteen minutes of fame in a past Wendy’s commercial.
Other than being a Spring Intern and Tour Guide through the Admission Office, I am an Orientation Aide Director, the Students for University Advancement Chair and an active member of my social sorority. When you can’t find me sipping on coffee in Swem Library, I can be found studying at the Grind (an on-campus coffee shop), sitting on the terrace in the springtime, or eating bread ends at The Cheese Shop in CW.
It is so hard to pick my favorite thing about W&M (there are so many!) but my top one would have to be our small community. I have this “five-friend rule,” where I know I will see at least five friends when I walk to or from class. They’ll be friends that I do not only recognize, but that I can say hi to and have some sort of connection with, whether they be from a class or a an organization. Our small and caring community is what makes W&M such a unique school.
I am SO excited to welcome the Class of 2019! Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome to your new home!
Check out our Admission Ambassadors from other years: