McGlothlins to serve as Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals
Distinguished alumni James W. McGlothlin ’62, LL.B./J.D. ’64, L.L.D. ’00 and Frances Gibson McGlothlin ’66 will lead this year’s Homecoming Parade. The McGlothlins were selected as Grand Marshals by the William & Mary Alumni Association’s Board of Directors in March.
Jim McGlothlin is the founder and current CEO and Chairman of the United Company, headquartered in Bristol, Virginia. In 1970, McGlothlin acquired and became President of United Coal Company, which eventually evolved into what is now The United Company.
“It’s great to have Jim and Fran McGlothlin as the Grand Marshals of this year’s Homecoming Parade,” said President Taylor Reveley. “They are very much engaged in the life of the university, and we truly appreciate their commitment to their alma mater. This should be a splendid weekend with alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends on hand from all corners of the William & Mary world.”
The McGlothlins have been active supporters of the William & Mary community. In 2011, they established the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Leadership Forum at W&M’s Mason School of Business. Named in honor of Jim McGlothlin, the Forum is an annual event cohosted by the business and law schools. It brings distinguished leaders in business and law to campus each year for a series of meetings, forums and discussions with students, faculty and staff. Jim McGlothlin, who served on the Board of Visitors from 1984 to 1993, has also participated in the executive-in-residence program at the business school. In 2000, William & Mary awarded him an honorary doctor of laws degree.
Jim and Fran are active philanthropists in education and arts-related causes. They are involved with numerous organizations and institutions, including the William & Mary Law School, Mason School of Business, Mountain Mission School, First Tee and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
The College’s annual Homecoming parade begins in front of William & Mary Hall, Friday, Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m. Thousands of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are expected to line the streets to view the floats and other entries. It will be streamed live online at www.wmalumni.com.
