Parents Find Lifelong Connections Through W&L Leadership Council
Richard And Wimberly McPhail P’24 share their journey of giving, leading and forming bonds at Washington and Lee.
University Advancement Archive (154 Stories)
Looking Forward and Giving Back
The Class of 2025’s Senior Gift Committee co-chairs have already sailed past their monetary goal as they look toward Commencement.
Bridging College and Career
As Andrew Barnett ’02 and his wife, Tori, contemplated how they could play a role in the lives of future Washington and Lee University students, they knew they wanted to make a gift that exemplified their values.
From Lectures to Legacies
Washington and Lee University’s faculty are dedicated to helping their students reach their potential.
Spring 2025 Update on Campus Construction Projects
The Williams School and Lindley Center remain on schedule for completion before Fall Term 2025, while several campus improvement projects will begin this summer.
Celebrate and Give Back at W&L Alumni Weekend 2025
Alumni from the classes of 1975-2010 are invited to return to campus May 1-4 for a weekend of celebration and the presentation of the 25th and 50th reunion gifts.
Washington and Lee University to Renovate Special Collections Space
The research and reading room for the Special Collections and Archives will be updated and renamed in honor of Tom Wolfe ’51.
Preserving Excellence
On Oct. 25, 2024, Billy Webster ’79, chair of Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee, addressed alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends during the campaign launch celebration on campus. Below is an excerpt from his remarks.
W&L Celebrates Third Annual Philanthropy Education Week
Washington and Lee University celebrated its third annual Philanthropy Education Week (PEW), March 10-13, highlighting the transformative impact of philanthropic contributions on the student experience.
The Right Direction
Stephen Welker ’05 honors his past by shaping the future.
Healthy Focus
Cory Allison '94, P'26 hopes to change the way hospitals and doctors approach surgical prep.
Charting New Waters
From rehabilitating its finances to reviving endangered species, Keith Sanford ’80 transformed the Tennessee Aquarium’s future.
Heart of the Matter
Dr. Matthew Sackett ’90, P’18 is on the cutting edge of cardiac treatments.
Philanthropy Education Week Kicks Off March 10
The four-day event emphasizes the vital role of philanthropic contributions in enhancing the student experience at W&L.
Bedrock Values
Howard Capito ’68 established the Christopher D. Connors Endowment for Earth and Environmental Geoscience to honor the “living legend” and support student internships in geology and related fields.
Continuing a Legacy of Philanthropy
Hank Ingram '13 recently established the Ingram Family Student Opportunity Endowment to further community-based learning opportunities for W&L students in Rockbridge County.
Living a Legacy
After 38 years in the federal government, Mark Bradley ’78 has made sure to think beyond himself and serve the greater good.
High-wire Act
Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.
Two W&L Staff Members Awarded Paid Professional Leave
The program offers staff a 30-day leave, with full pay, to advance some aspect of their career and work at the university.
Bill and Wendy Payne Champion W&L’s Institutional History Museum with $3.5M Gift
Trustee issues challenge for support of the project.
On Our Honor
Past presidents of Washington and Lee University’s Executive Committee reflect on how it prepared them for a life of values-driven leadership.
Appreciating the Sweetness of Life
As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Olivia Claire Ball ’09 cherishes the humanity and connection she cultivates with her patients.
Steve Abraham ’80, ’83L Named a Washingtonian of the Year for 2024
As founder and president of Wilderness Leadership and Learning, Abraham has impacted hundreds of youths in the D.C. area.
Nathan Urquhart ’01: Investing in the Future
When Nathan Urquhart ’01 visited with some W&L professors on campus, he saw the need for the Williams School facilities expansion firsthand.
Generations of Generosity
The importance of philanthropy is a value that Billy Webster ’79 instilled in his children from a young age.
An Evergreen Gift
In 2018, Kathelen and Dan Amos established the John Kyle Spencer Endowed Directorship for Environmental Studies — the first of its kind for an interdisciplinary program at Washington and Lee University.
W&L Launches $650 Million Capital Campaign
Washington and Lee University announced on Friday, Oct. 25, the launch of a $650 million comprehensive capital campaign, Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee.
Historic Gift Allows Washington and Lee University to Adopt Need-Blind Admissions Policy
Alumnus Bill Miller donates $132 million to expand access and affordability.
W&L to Publicly Launch its Leading Lives of Consequence Capital Campaign
Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend a free luncheon Oct. 24 on Cannan Green to celebrate the campaign’s kickoff.
Celebrating an Extraordinary Legacy
Pat and Marshall Nuckols’ estate gift supports scholarships and student opportunities.
Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony to Celebrate Endowment Honoring the Farrars
The James D. Farrar Jr. ’74 and Katharine Capito Farrar Endowment supports the Athletics Hall of Fame and will help fund athletics-related student opportunities.
Meet the Parents Leadership Council Chairs
Anne Faircloth and Fred Beaujeu-Dufour share their thoughts as Parents Leadership Council (PLC) chairs.
Catalyst for Change
The Jeffrey G. Lawson ’68 Endowment funds leadership roles in the DeLaney Center.
Agents for Success
The enduring legacy of W&L's Class Agent volunteers.
Trust in W&L
Continued support from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation demonstrates the power of endowed giving.
The Privilege of Service
Clarke family's gift to support Law School financial need
W&L Establishes Lettie Pate Evans Society for Women Donors
The society amplifies women's philanthropic power.
Anonymous Donor’s $2.5M Gift Propels Law School Scholarships
Matching challenge aims to help alleviate student debt.
A Final Act of Generosity
The Brian C. Shearer Scholarship Endowment provides opportunities for future generations.
Legacy of Outdoor Exploration
The Matelich Endowment enhances Outing Club experiences.
Lindley’s Legacy Lives On
Washington and Lee's new student wellness center has inspired generous support.
W&L Annual Fund Soars to $10.4M; Overall Giving Exceeds $66.4M
Generous alumni, parents and friends contributed more than $10 million to W&L’s Annual Fund in the 2023-24 fiscal year, achieving the largest Annual Fund in five years.
W&L Students Learn the Importance of Paying it Forward
The second annual Philanthropy Education Week highlighted the impact donations have on the undergraduate experience.
The Business of Giving Back
Expanding and enhancing the Williams School’s facilities is a priority of the university’s strategic plan, which calls for strengthened interdisciplinary programs like Entrepreneurship as well as increased offerings for non-majors in the Williams School.
Choksi Family Endowment
“I felt from Washington and Lee a spirit of gratitude, like the school was happy you decided to join their community.”
A Fortunate Obligation
Billy Webster ’79 has worn many hats at Washington and Lee throughout the years: student, alumnus, parent, supporter, Trustee and volunteer, to name a few. The stalwart graduate is now taking on, arguably, his most significant role to date — chair of Leading Lives of Consequence, the university’s comprehensive capital campaign.
Honoring a Mentor’s Legacy
Dyson Foundation endows director position at the DeLaney Center.
Giving All Students a Leading Edge
W&L’s Class of 2027 takes part in orientation experiences at no additional cost.
Empathy & Compassion
In May, Mary Hipp ’90 said being a member of the second class of women undergraduates at W&L taught her a lot— although she didn’t realize it at the time.
From Big Law to Foreign Assets
Chrishon McManus ’14L—attorney and competitive swimmer—radiates calm when it counts.
2023 Annual Fund Tops $10 Million
Total giving to all areas reached an impressive $73.9 million, the second highest total in W&L history.
Lives of Consequence: Allyship in Action
Alexis Yee-Garcia ’01 leads the way in generating greater diversity, equality and engagement in Big Law firms.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Laura Adelman Philipson ’01 and Hayley Huber ’23 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Philanthropy Education Week at W&L Kicks Off March 6
The campus-wide initiative highlights the relationship between university donations and the undergraduate student experience with a week-long series of events, March 6-9.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Joe Framptom '66 and Nate Unger '24 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Caroline Boone Mitchell ’89 and Peyton Tysinger ’23 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Tracey Thornblade Belmont '92 and Posi Oluwakuyide ’24 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Hardin Marion and Carter Chandler discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Office of University Development Announces Staffing Changes
Missy Witherow moves on while Sydney Cross is promoted to Director of Annual Giving.
Meet a Colleague: Molly Myers
Molly Myers serves as associate director of annual giving.
A New Generation of W&L Friendship
What started as a “Tale of Two Evans” 33 years ago has sparked a new friendship for first years Max Patterson and Spratt Allison.
An Ace Stroke
Endowment Remembering Jack Vardaman ’62 Will Support W&L Golf Teams
Meet a W&L Scholar: Blake Sanchez ’23
Sanchez plans to pursue graduate study in public policy after graduation.
Bill Benson ’92: Rocketman
Bill Benson ’92 worked on NASA’s Space Launch System which will enable astronauts to begin their journey into deep space.
Meet a W&L Scholar: Ryan Schwartz ’25
Schwartz hopes to enter the medical field to continue helping people.
Meet a W&L Scholar: Julia Brinker ’25
Brinker makes her mark on Florence, Italy’s digital history.
Rain or Shine, W&L’s Community Comes Together for Parents and Family Weekend
The annual event brought 1,800 people to campus.
A Conversation with the Parents Leadership Council Chairs
Wimberly and Richard McPhail P’24 share their thoughts on the W&L Experience, community and the Parents Leadership Council
Breaking New Ground
W&L Library and Institutional History staff joined Mellon-funded initiative On These Grounds with several partner universities to catalog events in enslaved people’s lives.
Under the Baobab Tree
How one W&L graduate empowers women farmers in Africa.
W&L Development Officer Tabbed to CASE District III Cabinet
Kenny Melvin was elected by his peers to serve a two-year term.
‘Save the Whales’
A passionate conservationist, Niquole Esters ’04 has crafted complex approaches encompassing multiple countries to improve ocean health and benefit local communities.
Science Advisory Board Funds New Student Opportunities Endowment
The STEM-focused endowment will support internships, research opportunities, academic conference costs and other student experiences.
W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Cynthia Cheatham ’07
James Torbert ’23 interviewed Cynthia Cheatham ’07 to learn more about her dedication to Washington and Lee.
W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Phifer Helms ’74
Kaylin Jury ’24 interviewed Phifer Helms ’74 to learn more about his service and commitment to Washington and Lee.
W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Andrew Tate ’98
Max Weaver ’23 interviewed Andrew Tate ’98 to learn more about his service and commitment to Washington and Lee.
W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Farris Hotchkiss ’58
Will Bou ’24 interviewed longtime volunteer Farris Hotchkiss ’58 to learn more about his service and dedication to Washington and Lee.
W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Bowen Spottswood ’18
Smith O’Leary ’23 interviewed Bowen Spottswood ’18 to learn more about her dedication to Washington and Lee.
W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Moe Cole ’94
Margaret Thompson ’24 interviewed Maurice “Moe” Cole ’94 to learn more about his service and commitment to Washington and Lee.
W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Julia Gsell ’18
Alex Petras ’24 interviewed Julia Gsell ’18 to learn more about her dedication to Washington and Lee.
W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Nelson Bunn ’08
Kailyn Jury ’24 interviewed Nelson Bunn ’08 to learn more about his service and commitment to Washington and Lee.
Students Get Ready to Say Thanks
A group of W&L students plan a week-long series of events dedicated to philanthropy education and sharing gratitude.
Stepping Up to the Plate
Mitchell Salvino ’23 is spearheading a fundraiser with his W&L baseball teammates to benefit the Angel Fund.
Meet a W&L Scholar: Lane Johansen ’22
Johansen plans to head to Eastern Europe after graduation to serve Ukrainian refugees.
Friends for a Lifetime
Sam Hollis ’51 and Jimmy Gallivan ’51 met at W&L, sparking a friendship spanning 75 years.
Community Foundations
Craig Jones has been an active volunteer in his community, particularly the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools.
Making the Call to Give Back
John Adekola ’24 sees his role with Phonathon as a chance to make a difference at W&L.
Meet a W&L Scholar: AJ Mabaka ’22
AJ Mabaka '22 plans to attend a graduate program in marine science and conservation policy.
SABU: Advocating with One Voice
In 1971, Black students founded the Student Association for Black Unity, launching a 50-year tradition of advocacy on campus.
A Credit to W&L
Young alumnus Alden Schade shares why he gives back to W&L.
Double Time at W&L
Young alumna and current law student Cat Spencer '20, '23L shares her perspective on W&L and giving back.
Giving in a Whole New Way
Kevin Batteh '95, '98L is W&L's first Bitcoin donor.
Supporting W&L From Across the Globe
From serving on his 10th reunion committee to establishing a scholarship, Yuan Liu '11 proves that W&L ties span continents.
A Lifetime of Giving Back
Dick Stuart '37 celebrated his 88-year relationship with W&L by making his leadership gift to the Annual Fund.
Building Bridges
When Bette Lathrop named Washington and Lee as one of the beneficiaries of her charitable remainder trust, bridges were on her mind, and one in particular.
Gifting the W&L Experience
Jay Thomas '03 was able to attend W&L with the help of a scholarship, and now he and his wife are paying it forward.
From W&L to Facebook
Jamaal Jones '16 shares how his W&L education has shaped his life.
W&L Names Susan Wood Cunningham Executive Director of University Development
Susan Wood Cunningham, director of leadership giving at Washington and Lee, has been selected as the university’s executive director of university development, effective December 1, 2020.
CARPE Renamed Harte Center for Teaching and Learning
The Board of Trustees approved renaming CARPE in memory of Houston H. Harte '50.
W&L’s Hillel House Marks 10 Years as a Space Celebrating Jewish Life
A decade after the building's dedication, W&L Hillel shines brighter than ever.
An Extraordinary Gift Honors Community of Trust
Junie Bishop '41 created a fixed-term charitable trust 20 years ago that will make a significant difference at W&L in 2020.
Always a General
For Su and Rob Minor '71, planned giving is not about the past; it’s about building a better future.
The Essence of W&L
Helen and Bob Cairns '57 created two gift annuities to express their love and appreciation for W&L.
Classmates Lead Fundraising Effort to Remember Kathy Boozer Boone ’95
In honor of what would have been her 25th reunion, Boone's family and friends celebrated her legacy through gifts that will have a tangible impact on W&L.
Black Alumni Endow George Floyd Fund to Support Office of Inclusion and Engagement
A group of dedicated alumni took action to leverage meaningful changes on campus to increase inclusion and diversity.
Internship Honors Dickovick’s Profound Legacy at W&L
A group of his former students and colleagues established the James Tyler Dickovick Internship in International Affairs, Global Political Economy and the Public Interest Endowment in his memory.
Tom Jennings Named Next Vice President for University Advancement at Washington and Lee
Jennings will start on August 10 and will succeed Dennis Cross, who is stepping down at the end of the calendar year after serving 16 years as W&L’s V.P. of university advancement.
Gunn International Scholarship Expands Worlds
Recipients of the John M. Gunn International Scholarship met with its namesake in February and shared how the program has made a difference in their lives.
All In
The Kauders family talks about their experience joining the W&L Community.
Fueling the Power of a W&L Education
Leadership donors Anne and Tom MacCowatt P'18, '22 share why they continue to invest in W&L and why they chose to support CARPE.
Dennis Cross to Step Down as Vice President for University Advancement
Dennis W. Cross, vice president for university advancement at Washington and Lee University, has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2020.
Fostering an Inclusive Community
Jim Early ’59 and his husband Garland Tillery established the James R. Early ’59 Endowment for LGBTQ Programming to help W&L's LGBTQ students engage fully with the wider university community.
Giving Back, Looking Forward
With a Nod to the Future, Preston C. Manning '52 Gives Back to Honor a Long and Rewarding Life Shaped Immeasurably by W&L.
Give Day 2019: Thank You!
W&L's March 14 Give Day began at midnight and ended 24 hours later with more than 2,500 donors choosing to support Washington and Lee University. From coast to coast, first-years to Five-Stars, the W&L community stepped up in a big way on Give Day to put students on a path to success.
The Class of 2041: Why I Give
Reid Calhoun ‘17 shares how his vision for the future inspires his annual giving.
An Unassuming Man
Late professor emeritus Harry Pemberton is the first W&L faculty member to be recognized as an Honored Benefactor.
Donors Fund Named Athletics Positions
Three donors have recognized the role coaches play in educating and mentoring W&L students, both in the competitive arena and in the classroom.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
When Tyler Lenczuk ’08 married Danielle Galanti in July 2014, they were given a gift like no other — a named scholarship fund to benefit future Washington and Lee students with financial need.
Duchossois Center: Pictures of Progress
As construction continues on W&L's new, state-of-the-art Richard L. Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center, we offer a virtual tour—no hard hat required!
Rediscovery and Restoration of a 279-Year-Old Treasure
The Benjamin Borden Grant, the original grant for the land on which W&L now sits, turns 279 this month. It has been conserved and is stored in W&L's Special Collections.
Class of ’94 Inspired to Name Office of Inclusion and Engagement
The 25th reunion committee chose to name the office, with a fundraising goal of $1 million, to help all W&L students thrive.
Parents and Family Weekend 2018 Creates Shared Experiences
W&L welcomed more than 800 families to campus for Parents and Family Weekend 2018.
Recent Gift Illustrates Poet’s ‘Twin Obsessions’
Friends and classmates of Jeanne de Saussure Smith ’08 have dedicated an E. E. Cummings painting to W&L in her memory.
Phonathon Builds Connections at W&L
Watch the short video about our Phonathon team to find out who’s on the other end of the line here at W&L.
“Doc Rock” Rocks On
Ed Spencer ’53, who has made plans to support a scholarship fund at W&L, is still a cornerstone of the university 17 years after his retirement.
A Gift of Gratitude
The Professor Sidney M.B. Coulling ’46 Scholarship Endowment.
A Literal Treasure Chest
Charles Philip Blackledge ’38 gifted an important and fascinating collection of Roman coins to Washington and Lee Special Collections.
Friends of the Library
Washington and Lee has received a $2.5 million gift from Hal F. and Barbra Buckner Higginbotham to endow the university librarian position.
Family Gift Establishes Endowed Director for Environmental Studies
Kathelen and Daniel Amos made the gift in memory of her son, John Kyle Spencer, a 2013 graduate of W&L. Professor Robert Humston (pictured) will be the new director.
Celebrating a Milestone
When he arrived on campus in 1954, it would have been hard for Farris Hotchkiss ’58 to imagine celebrating his upcoming 60th reunion.
W&L Indoor Athletics and Recreation Center Named in Honor of Richard L. Duchossois
W&L will name its new indoor athletics and recreation facility for Duchossois '44 in recognition of his leadership support of the project.
Harold Stowe ’68 Recognizes His 50th Reunion with a Family Scholarship
His generous gift will help deserving young scholars, who might come from less fortunate circumstances, be able to attend W&L.
2017 Five-Star Festival Celebrates Class Achievements
Washington and Lee University celebrated the classes of 1962 and 1957 during the Five-Star Festival November 2 – 4, 2017. In honor of its 55th reunion, the Class of 1962 met recipients of The Class of 1962 Faculty Fellows Fund, an endowment that the class established in 1987 during its 25th reunion.
Classes Gearing Up for Alumni Weekend 2018
As we near the end of 2017, Washington and Lee reunion classes are preparing not only for a festive and memorable Alumni Weekend, but also for making a significant impact on current students.
From Lab to Rescue Squad
Ethiopia Getachew '19 always had an interest in science, but working in the biochemistry lab and volunteering with local EMTs helped her future plans take shape.
Alex S. Jones ’68 Funds New Journalism Internship
The gift supports the education — both theoretical and practical — of budding journalists.
Dr. Stuart Flanagan ’58 Uses his IRA Charitable Rollover to Fund a Family Scholarship
The scholarship honors his "father and mother who made a real sacrifice so that I might be able to go to W&L."
Thank You!
Annual Fund Sets New Record in 2016-17
Loud and Proud
Receiving a thunderous standing ovation after performing in the Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall in New York was “truly one of those great life events” for the University Singers, according to Director Shane Lynch.
W&L’s New Natatorium is Making a Splash
Washington and Lee University’s new natatorium is open!
Donors’ Vision for Global Learning Comes to Life
The Ruscio Center for Global Learning has brought to life the vision of the many donors and advocates who wanted to see global learning elevated at W&L.
Generating Retirement Income through the Charitable Remainder Unitrust
The environment at W&L was transformative in the sense that everything you did was governed by the Honor System. You were your own disciplinarian. I had never experienced anything like this, and it made an impact that stayed with me throughout my business and personal life. I attribute my success in business to this.
PLC Spring Weekend More Popular Than Ever
One sign that the 2017 PLC Spring Weekend was a smash hit: parents concluded the weekend asking “How soon can we book our hotel rooms for next year?”
The Big Gift
“What makes the 25th and 50th reunion gifts special is the opportunity for the classes to decide what their collective legacy is going to be to W&L,” says Jessica Cohen, W&L’s 25th reunion gift officer, who has overseen the 25th reunion gift campaign since 2006.
The Art of Philanthropy
Every once in a while someone comes along who reminds us that philanthropy is both profoundly creative and simpler than we think. For Eileen Small ’15, being a philanthropist is as simple as taking the ideas you have for how things could be better and doing something about them.
Roy Matthews ’54 Used His IRA to Help History Professors at W&L
Roy Matthews's shaky start at W&L did not hint at his future career as a successful university professor. During a recent telephone conversation from his home in Washington, D.C. he described his journey from struggling during his first term at W&L to being a history scholar and author. He also talked about his decision to support the W&L History Department, where his journey began, through his IRA.
A Life of Kindness
When Lou Hodges died in February, the W&L community mourned for an educator and proponent of social justice whose impact on the campus still looms large. But now the community can celebrate because Lou's name is permanently memorialized at the school he served for 43 years.
Win-Win Giving with the IRA Charitable Rollover
Dr. Robert (Bob) L. Holt '67 adeptly leveraged the IRA Charitable Rollover provision to establish an endowment on the occasion of his Class of 1967 50th Reunion that also honors two admired W&L mentors, the late Chemistry Professor Keith Shillington and History Professor and friend Ted DeLaney.
Is a Charitable Gift Annuity Right for You?
Ben Cummings '67, '70L is honoring his 50th reunion with a generous gift benefiting the Class of 1967 Scholarship.
Connect, Involve, Support
Dennis Cross, vice president for university advancement, noted that fundraising is just one aspect of the division's mission to connect, involve, and gain the support of W&L's alumni, parents, and friends.
Annual Fund Sets New Record in 2015-16
In the year following the wildly successful conclusion of Honor Our Past, Build Our Future: The Campaign for Washington and Lee, alumni and parents once again gave more to the Annual Fund than ever before.
A New Scholarship
James N. (Jim) Paradies '51 has established a new scholarship endowment for W&L students with financial need.
Parents and Family Weekend Recap 2016
Over 150 PLC families attended Parents and Family Weekend on September 30 - October 2, 2016.
2016 PLC Spring Weekend Recap
The special PLC events during the weekend provided a deeper level of connection with the administration and fellow families.
