Williams Swimmer a 'Face in the Crowd'

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Williams College senior captain and standout swimmer Sarah Thompson has been named to Sports Illustrated magazine's "Faces in the Crowd" in the March 16 issue (page 32).
 
Thompson was named to "Faces in the Crowd" for leading Williams to a second consecutive record-breaking team score and championship at the 2015 NCESCAC Championships and winning her second consecutive Swimmer of the Meet Award. In her four years in the Purple Valley Thompson won nine NESCAC freestyle championship races, including all four of the 200-yard races.
 
At the 2015 NESCAC Championships Thompson repeated as the individual champion in the 200, 500 and 1,650-yard freestyle events. This year she set the NESCAC meet record in the 1,650 freestyle (16:53.55). 
 
Additionally, she swam the anchor leg of the winning 400-yard freestyle and medley relays that set meet and pool records, and was a member of the winning 200 and 800-yard freestyle relays.
 
At her last NESCAC Championships Thompson was also recognized as the Four-Year High Point Swimmer.
 
She closed out her NESCAC career as a four-time champion in the 200-yard freestyle, a three-time champion in the 1,650-yard freestyle and two-time champion in the 500-yard freestyle.
 
Thompson's Eph swimming career will end at the 2015 NCAA Championships being held in Shenandoah, Texas, March 18-21. Thompson is a three-time NCAA champion having won the 200 and 1,650 free races at the 2013 championships and last year she took home the 500 free title.
 
Thompson is the 39th Eph to appear in "Faces in the Crowd" since August of 1989. To date 32 Eph athletes have been recognized by Sports Illustrated, as have seven coaches.
 
Women's swimming and diving leads all Eph teams with five athletes and two coaches being recognized by being named to Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd" section.
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Williams College Receives Anonymous $25M Gift to Support Projects

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College has received a $25 million gift commitment in support of three major initiatives currently underway on campus: constructing a new museum building, developing a comprehensive plan for athletics and wellbeing facilities, and endowing the All-Grant financial aid program. 
 
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, say the gift reflects their desire to not only support Williams but also President Maud S. Mandel's strategic vision and plan for the college. 
 
"This remarkably generous commitment sustains our momentum for WCMA, will be a catalyst for financial aid, and is foundational for athletics and wellness. It will allow us to build upon areas of excellence that have long defined the college," Mandel said. "I could not be more appreciative of this extraordinary investment in Williams."
 
Of the donors' total gift, $10 million will help fund the first freestanding, purpose-built home for the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA), a primary teaching resource for the college across all disciplines and home to more than 15,000 works. 
 
Each year, roughly 30 academic departments teach with WCMA's collection in as many as 130 different courses. 
 
The new building, designed by the internationally recognized firm SO-IL and slated to open in 2027, will provide dedicated areas for teaching and learning, greater access to the collection and space for everything from formal programs to impromptu gatherings. The college plans to fund at least $100 million of the total project cost with gifts.
 
Another $10 million will support planning for and early investments in a comprehensive approach to renewing the college's athletics and wellbeing facilities. 
 
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