A Year of Extraordinary Momentum
By Billy Webster ’79, P’20, P’22, Chair, Leading Lives of Consequence Campaign
As we welcome 2026, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude and pride on all that we have achieved together since publicly launching the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign just over a year ago. What a remarkable journey this has been, and what remarkable momentum continues to carry us forward.
The past 15 months have been defined by milestones that will shape Washington and Lee University for generations. Bill Miller’s historic $132 million commitment to establish need-blind admissions represents a transformational leap toward ensuring that W&L can continue attracting the most promising students, regardless of financial circumstances. His extraordinary generosity encapsulates the spirit of this campaign: bold, forward-thinking and grounded in our unifying goal to create opportunities for exceptional students.
We also celebrated the establishment of the Lettie Pate Evans Society, honoring one of W&L’s most influential benefactors. Today, the society includes 263 members, each demonstrating the powerful role women play in advancing philanthropy at W&L. Collectively, they have given $100 million since the beginning of the campaign — a testament to the leadership, vision and generosity of our alumnae, parents and friends.
Our volunteers continue to be the heart of our success. Thanks to the tireless efforts of class agents, reunion leaders, parents and dedicated partners across the university, the W&L Fund reached a record $10.9 million in fiscal year 2025. As the campaign’s second-largest initiative, the W&L Fund has raised nearly $70 million since 2020, strengthening every facet of the university.
This momentum extends across campus. We received an anonymous $30 million gift to construct Founders Hall, the future home of Admissions, Financial Aid and the Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity. W&L School of Law surpassed its initial campaign goal of $40 million, reaching an impressive $51 million to date. And during the fall, we opened three inspiring new spaces: the Lindley Center for Student Wellness, the new Williams School building and the Tom Wolfe ’51 Reading Room in Special Collections and Archives.
The enthusiasm we have witnessed across the country feels just as energizing. Over the past year, we visited 21 alumni chapters, where more than 1,700 alumni, families and friends joined us to celebrate W&L’s bright future. This winter and spring, we look forward to bringing the campaign to nine more cities, continuing to share exciting updates with our community.
As we enter this next phase, I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support that has brought us to this moment. Together, we are ensuring that Washington and Lee University continues to educate young women and men who truly lead lives of consequence. Here’s to the year ahead and to all we will accomplish together.
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