WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College will present a Bicentennial Medal to alumnus Wole Coaxum at the fall convocation.

 

Coaxum, class of 1992 and founder of Mobility Capital Finance, will be presented the medal Saturday, Sept. 12, during the virtual convocation ceremony.

 

The son of Williams College's first Black president of the Society of Alumni, Coaxum left behind his managing director position at J.P. Morgan after Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, Mo. That event compelled him to think about how he could leverage his Wall Street experience and contacts to address the racial wealth gap. He founded one of the few Black-owned finance technology startups to provide access to financial services in underbanked communities. 

 

This year's convocation ceremonies will be presented virtually, available at 11 a.m. on the Williams convocation website. Featuring many elements of a traditional convocation, the virtual event will include a selection of recorded messages and performances, including a musical performance by violist and senior Rebecca Christainsen, and more. The ceremonies and related events will continue to be available on the website through the month.

 

President  Maud Mandel, Coaxum, and new Williams College Society of Alumni President Kate Boyle Ramsdell, class of 1997, will welcome everyone in the Williams community, especially the class of 2021, at convocation, which formally launches the academic year.

 

Established in 1993 on the occasion of the college's 200th anniversary, Bicentennial Medals honor members of the Williams community for distinguished achievement in any field of endeavor. The convocation ceremony will also include the introduction of the newest members of Phi Beta Kappa and the announcement of the winner of the Grosvenor Cup Award, given to the senior who has best demonstrated concern for the college community.