The William and Mary Alumni Association was founded on July 4, 1842, and is the sixth-oldest alumni organization in the country. All graduates and former students of the College of William and Mary are considered members of the Alumni Association. The Alumni Association is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves William and Mary and its many alumni, students, parents and friends. Governed by a 16-member Board of Directors, the Alumni Association has seven departments: Executive Office, Business and Budget Management, Communications, Business Development, Programs and Special Events, Records and Information Systems and Travel.