Record Attendance and Giving Define Alumni Weekend
Alumni returned to campus to celebrate W&L’s annual spring gathering.
Features Archive (103 Stories)
Finding the Why
Phil Marella '81 is the founder of Dana's Angels Research Trust, an organization dedicated to funding research on Niemann-Pick disease type C.
Brian ’96 and Katie ’95 Boland on Building a Well-Being Economy
The Bolands have dedicated their time and energy to building a more equitable economic system.
Interdisciplinary Investment
The new building that serves the Williams School of Commerce, Economics and Politics provides expanded space for state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative gathering areas.
A Grand Reopening
The Tom Wolfe ’51 Reading Room in Special Collections and Archives received several modern upgrades to better serve the research needs of students, faculty and the community.
Beacon of Light
Over 200 people gathered Oct. 18 for the official dedication of the Lindley Center for Student Wellness, which honors the legacy of Dr. Lindley Spaht Dodson ’99.
Gratitude Through Giving
Nick Peacher ’15 and Elizabeth Bucklee Peacher ’13 strive to give back through volunteering and philanthropy to ensure others have access to the formative W&L experience they cherish.
W&L Class Agents Demonstrate School Spirit in Action
For nearly 100 years, W&L has benefited from engaged alumni volunteering to connect with their classmates.
Lindley Center In Action
Washington and Lee’s Lindley Center for Student Wellness welcomes students into a new space designed for a holistic approach to wellness.
W&L Celebrates Return of Five-Star Generals to Campus
The weekend marked a near record-breaking celebration for the classes of 1975 and earlier.
Best Practice
Dr. Charles Frankum ’90 lays claim to being one of the few surgeons in the country who flies himself to appointments at rural hospitals.
Teeing Up for the Next Shot
Washington and Lee University and Lexington Golf and Country Club (LGCC) are collaborating to undertake a complete renovation of the club’s golf course and ancillary facilities, which will support W&L’s top-performing golf teams and revitalize LGCC — Virginia’s second-oldest country club — to benefit the Lexington-Rockbridge community.
W&L Celebrates Record-Setting Reunion Attendance and Giving
Alumni returned to campus to celebrate W&L’s annual spring Alumni Weekend.
American Dream
Tolu Olubunmi ’02 has made her journey to citizenship an opportunity to inspire and serve others.
W&L Welcomes New Trustees Jason W. Aiken ’94 and Courtney Camp Enloe ’97L
Aiken and Enloe were sworn in as trustees on May 9.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Brandon Chalk '00 followed his love for the outdoors all around the world, summiting the highest peaks on each of the seven continents with his wife, Kristine Chalk.
Noteworthy Impact
Burr Datz ’75 has been a pillar of support – and supplier of stories and songs – to the W&L community for five decades.
Preserving the Future
Robert Balentine '79 and his wife, Betty, are recipients of the 2025 Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal from the Garden Club of America for their preservation work at the Southern Highlands Reserve.
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.
The Right Direction
Stephen Welker ’05 honors his past by shaping the future.
Bestowing the Highest Honor
The Washington Award acknowledges those individuals who have exemplified profound philanthropy to Washington and Lee University and greater service to the nation.
Healthy Focus
Cory Allison '94, P'26 hopes to change the way hospitals and doctors approach surgical prep.
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.
W&L Welcomes New Trustee Joelle James Phillips ’95L
Joelle James Phillips ‘95L joined the Washington and Lee University Board of Trustees on Feb. 7, at the board’s winter meeting in Lexington, Virginia.
Bill and Wendy Payne Champion W&L’s Institutional History Museum with $3.5M Gift
Trustee issues challenge for support of the project.
Generations of Generosity
The importance of philanthropy is a value that Billy Webster ’79 instilled in his children from a young age.
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.
W&L Welcomes New Trustees Josephine Covington ’96, P’24 and Jack Huffard ’90, P’28
Josephine S. Covington ’96, P’24 and John C. “Jack” Huffard Jr. ’90, P’28 joined the Washington and Lee University Board of Trustees on Oct. 25, at the board’s fall meeting in Lexington.
Historic Gift Allows Washington and Lee University to Adopt Need-Blind Admissions Policy
Alumnus Bill Miller donates $132 million to expand access and affordability.
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.
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.
Washington and Lee University Announces Leadership Changes in University Advancement
Jocelyn Lewis has been promoted to executive director of university development, and Dennis Cross returns as senior advisor for University Advancement and acting director of Lifelong Learning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘A Constant Friend’
Ahead of Black Alumni Weekend 2022 and the 50th anniversary of the Black Ball, founding members of the Student Association of Black Unity are reviving an emergency student fund in memory of their late mentor and friend Marjorie Poindexter.
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.
A Friendship’s Legacy
William “Skip” Davison ’67 remembers Professor James Keith Shillington.
‘Smiling Faces Everywhere’: Parents and Family Weekend 2021
More than 2,000 parents, family members and friends enjoyed the weekend's many events on campus.
Class of 1996 Makes History During 25th Reunion
While members of the Class of 1996 could not celebrate in person during their reunion, nothing could stop them from coming together to set a new record for 25th reunion giving.
Behind the Lens
Mai Spurlock Sykes ’94 and sister Kim Spurlock make a fierce team when it comes to independent filmmaking.
A Commitment to Service
Second Lieutenant Chris Woodings ’21 received the Captain Jay W. Stull Memorial Award in recognition of his determination and strength of character.
Senior Gift Committee: Rewarding Work with a Long History at W&L
Many members of the Class of 2021 will participate in a long tradition of giving back to W&L.
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.
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.
Meet the Parents Leadership Council Chairs
The MacCowatts share their perspective on their new role with the PLC, philanthropy and 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.
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.
Stepping Up to Help Out
During the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Washington and Lee University community are finding ways to lend a hand with community relief efforts.
How W&L Prepared for Online Success
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Washington and Lee University’s CARPE and Academic Technologies offered expertise and resources to faculty preparing for online courses.
All In
The Kauders family talks about their experience joining the W&L Community.
Introducing The 1749 Circle Co-Chairs
A Q&A about the importance of the Annual Fund.
The Ted DeLaney ’85 Scholarship Endowment
Friends of Professor DeLaney established the scholarship to honor his commitment to teaching and mentoring students.
Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center on Schedule for 2020 Opening
Construction continues on schedule for a fall 2020 opening. The building envelop is nearly finished and the project is approximately 60 percent complete.
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.
‘Finding My Place at W&L’
Senior Laura Calhoun looks back at her W&L experience and celebrates the community she's built here.
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.
