The following story originally appeared as an online exclusive for the W&M Alumni Magazine. – Ed.
In the nation’s 250th year, the Fourth of July celebration in Williamsburg, home to the Alma Mater of the Nation, had to be special. William “Bill” Schermerhorn ’82 was the man for the job.
As event designer for the American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), Schermerhorn was the creative mind behind the “America, Made in Virginia” special broadcast nationwide on PBS. Schermerhorn brought William & Mary voices to the fore, with Ken Burns D.A. ’26 giving inspiring remarks, the Honorable John Charles Thomas HON ’16, LL.D. ’24 reciting an original poem, Jacob A. Miller ’18 announcing and the Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, led by William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Dance Leah Glenn, wrapping up the evening with a debut performance before fireworks lit up the night sky.
It was an iconic example of how Schermerhorn brings people together to create memorable and meaningful experiences for all ages — a craft he has honed over his four decades, all while staying connected with his alma mater.
In recognition of his service to William & Mary and his remarkable career, the W&M Alumni Association Board of Directors has named Schermerhorn this year’s Homecoming grand marshal. He will lead the parade and be honored on the field at the football game during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Oct. 22-25.
“Bill is a natural choice to be Homecoming Grand Marshal this year. As an alumnus, Bill is a steadfast supporter of William & Mary and has always been one of our best ambassadors,” says Matthew L. “Matt” Brandon ’92, CEO of the W&M Alumni Association. “He perfectly represents the university’s spirit of finding joy in this community and giving selflessly to ensure its vibrancy.”
Schermerhorn is no stranger to parades. For 34 years, he directed and coordinated events for the Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group, eventually serving as vice president and creative director. Most notably, Schermerhorn brought the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to life, working with participants like Julie Andrews, Idina Menzel and even Kermit The Frog to create iconic shows. He is also a decorated songwriter, winning two Emmys for songs he wrote for the parade. One of Bill’s proudest moments was being invited to write “And That’s The Way It Is” for legendary newsman Walter Cronkite’s memorial service at Lincoln Center.
After his time with Macy’s, Schermerhorn returned to Williamsburg, spending eight years as creative director at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. He led the organization’s large-scale events, like the Fourth of July Celebration and Grand Illumination in December, from conception to execution. With VA250, he led the way not only for “America: Made in Virginia” but signature events across the state celebrating the nation’s milestone anniversary.
It is also fitting that Schermerhorn is grand marshal during the 100th anniversary of the theatre department at William & Mary. Schermerhorn was the theatre department’s artist-in-residence in 2017 and in 2023 wrote and produced the musical “MADam Lucy, deceased” at W&M, inspired by a Williamsburg ghost story he had first heard as a history major at the university.
Schermerhorn and his husband, Dan Dutcher, are generous supporters of the arts at William & Mary. The pair backed projects in the university’s Arts Quarter, including the renovations to Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall and the expansion of the Muscarelle Museum of Art. Schermerhorn and Dutcher also support the Theatre and Performance Department Fund, giving back to the department that helped Schermerhorn launch his distinguished career.
Schermerhorn served on the W&M Alumni Association board and its Engagement Strategy Committee from 2023 until June 2026. During this time, he contributed to Homecoming planning and the Recognition & Outreach Committees.
“To be grand marshal is an honor that, upon receiving that phone call, left me speechless,” says Schermerhorn. “But what fun it will be! There’s nothing quite like a parade to capture the celebratory spirit and pride of the William & Mary community as both marchers and spectators alike share in this joyful Homecoming tradition. I look forward to the music, to the enthusiastic cheers and to the performance routines, both zany and sublime, now being dreamed up by the participating student organizations. I hope as many W&M alumni and friends as possible come out to support their efforts. Let’s have a parade!”