Snapshots of 2025
Our staff photographers share some of their favorite photos from the year.
Featured News, Views and More from Around W&L
Where Tradition Meets Entrepreneurship: The University Store’s Student and Alumni Connection
The University Store has become an unexpected incubator, offering a platform to launch and grow entrepreneurial ventures.
A Few of Our Favorite Things
W&L's communications team of writers, editors and designers look back on some of our top stories from 2025.
Midnight Breakfast: A Tradition Worth Staying Up For
Since 1992, the W&L community has come together to provide students with sustenance and camaraderie during finals week.
Enjoy a Festive 2025 Holiday Season
The W&L community celebrates the 2025 holiday season with a wide variety of campus and local events.
Seen and Heard
View all SOC »“We are deeply committed to providing students with the tools and habits to be the agents of their own well-being. We believe that this skill will not only serve students well while at W&L, but for the rest of their lives.”~ Alex Miller, vice president for student affairs
In Case You Missed It
1. Immigrant Rights Clinic Client Wins Citizenship after 15-Year Struggle
The clinic first assisted the client, a woman from Central America, with an asylum claim.2. Two W&L Students Awarded Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.3. In Memoriam: Leanne Shank, Former General Counsel
Shank worked for Washington and Lee University for 22 years.4. Jenna Lorence ‘17L Appointed Solicitor General of Alaska
Lorence is the first person to hold the newly created position meant to strengthen the state's appellate advocacy.5. Catherine Smith Honored with SALT Human Rights Award
The award from the Society of American Law Teachers recognizes the contributions of individuals or groups who are tireless advocates for human rights, equality, and justice.People & News
Drew Hess Named Associate Provost for Academic Development and Operations at W&L
Washington and Lee University has named Drew Hess associate provost for academic development and operations. Hess, the Ehrick Kilner Haight Sr. Term Professor of Business Administration, has served as W&L’s interim associate provost since July 2025.
W&L Ethics Bowl Team Qualifies for National Competition
The team secured its bid with a runner-up showing at the APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl regional competition in Baltimore.
Nathaniel Goldberg Publishes New Book
The professor of philosophy’s book, “Philosophy of the History of Philosophy,” was published in November.
Matt Eaker named to College Sports Communicators’ 30 Under 30 List
The assistant director of athletics communications was recognized as a rising professional in the sports communications field.
JT Torres Authors New Book
Titled “Teaching, Learning, and Caring in Higher Education,” the book illustrates how to cultivate relationships to create an interdependent classroom.
In Memoriam: Leanne Shank, Former General Counsel
Shank worked for Washington and Lee University for 22 years.
Mike Dager Named ODAC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
The Generals’ 12th-year mentor received the award for the sixth time in his career.
Brandon Spalding Named ODAC and NCAA South Region Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
The Generals’ 13th-year mentor was recognized for leading W&L to one of its best seasons in program history.
Nathaniel Graves Receives Award from the National Association for Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals
The W&L assistant dean for first-year experience was cited for his work at Denison University.
Emily L. King Featured on Connecticut Public Radio’s ‘The Colin McEnroe Show’
The visiting assistant professor of writing and English appeared on the weekday radio program to discuss her expertise on the interplay of honor and vengeance in literature.
Joey Barretta Published in American Political Thought
The visiting assistant professor of politics authored a paper titled “Frederick Douglass's Five-Decade Fight Against Colonization.”
Brian Alexander Publishes New Book
The associate professor of politics brings Thomas Jefferson’s definitive word on the rules for Congress to print.
Faces of W&L
Meet a Colleague: Grace Miller
Grace Miller serves as assistant director of fraternity and sorority life.
Meet a Colleague: Paul Youngman
Paul Youngman serves as Dean of the College and professor of German.
Meet a Colleague: Billy Chase
Billy Chase is the senior graphic designer in the Office of Communication and Public Affairs.
Meet Ella Moser ’26
A Spring Term Abroad class in Spain connected Moser with a piece of home.
Meet a Colleague: Brea Moore
Brea Moore is an AmeriCorps VISTA working with the Office of Community-Based Learning.
Meet a Colleague: Laura Ulmer
Laura Ulmer serves as associate dean of student engagement.
Meet a Colleague: Jacque Bruce
Jacque Bruce is an administrative assistant for the German Department.
Meet Gabriela Gino ’26L
Gabriela Gino volunteers at The Community Table, learning how meals foster connection, understanding, and community resilience.
