William & Mary’s Bobby Dwyer Selected as 2025 Randolph Inspiration Award Recipient

RICHMOND — Longtime William & Mary athletics administrator Bobby Dwyer has been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 John H. Randolph Inspiration Award by the CAA.

The award recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. It is named after former William & Mary athletic director John Randolph, who lost a courageous battle with cancer in 1995.

Dwyer was hired by Randolph to lead William & Mary’s athletics fundraising efforts in 1986, and he served as Head of Athletics Advancement for 34 years. Throughout his career, he helped raise more than $250 million to support athletics and he continues to lend his expertise and deep network of contacts to bolster current fundraising initiatives. Dwyer helped start the annual Lord Botetourt Auction, William & Mary’s largest in-person fundraising event, and continues to serve as lead auctioneer for an event that has generated more than $6 million to support Tribe athletics programs. He also works as the color commentator for William & Mary’s home men’s basketball broadcasts.

Following the death of Randolph, his close friend and colleague, in 1995, Dwyer founded the John Randolph/Dr. Mark Ellis Memorial Dinner to benefit Riverside Cancer Care and has chaired its planning committee every year since. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Arc of Greater Williamsburg, which helps enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Perhaps most inspiring is Dwyer’s continued service despite his own battle with Parkinson’s Disease, which he has faced with courage and resilience since stepping down from his full-time role at William & Mary in 2019

Past Randolph Award Recipients