RICHMOND, Va. – William & Mary alums Randy and Shelby Hawthorne received the CAA Cares Community Award at the 2023 CAA Cross Country Championships on Oct. 27.
 
The CAA created the Cares Community Award to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact within their community or at one of our member institution's campuses. For over five decades, the Hawthornes have dedicated much of their time, effort and energy to supporting William & Mary, the athletic department and the track & field and cross country programs.
 
Randy and Shelby Hawthorne have been synonymous with William & Mary and the greater Williamsburg community. Randy (W&M class of 1967, J.D. '70, MLT '71) and Shelby (W&M class of 1967, MA Ed. '75) have dedicated much of their time, effort and energy to supporting William & Mary, the athletic department and the track & field and cross country programs. Both have been awarded the W&M Alumni Medallion (Randy in 2008, Shelby in 2018). The award is the highest the W&M Alumni Association can bestow on a graduate of William & Mary for their professional accomplishments, leadership, dedication to the community and commitment to their alma mater.
 
The Hawthornes have been incredibly active in the Williamsburg community and other service-oriented organizations. Shelby, a retired teacher and reading specialist in Williamsburg-James City County Schools, has served on the board of Literacy for Life, an adult literacy program that serves the local community. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Williamsburg Community Foundation and their scholarship committee, ensuring that local high school seniors have financial support to continue their studies in college.
 
After graduation, Randy served our country in the U.S. Army and then began a long career as an accountant and tax attorney. He has championed fundraising efforts for the W&M track and cross country programs, helping to raise millions of dollars throughout the years to fund scholarships in support the program. In spending countless hours working with alumni and stakeholders, he has afforded opportunities for hundreds of young women and men to get a world-class education at William & Mary. Randy has also served many local organizations and charities as a volunteer and board member, and continues to serves as the board treasurer of the Heritage Humane Society.