W&L Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
This year's honorees will be recognized during Alumni Weekend from May 1-4.
Alumni News Archive (109 Stories)
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.
W&L Energy Forum Launches with Powerful Conversations in Houston
The newest addition to the university’s affinity-based career events brings alumni and industry leaders together to explore the future of energy.
Inaugural ‘W&L Salutes’ Alumni Event Strengthens Connections, Honors the Military Service of W&L Community Members
The weekend event was commemorated with a ceremonial coin presentation with a coin designed by ROTC Cadet Carey Camp ’25.
Washington and Lee University to Host 2025 Entrepreneurship Summit
The two-day program will be held on campus April 11-12.
W&L Hosts 20th Annual Tom Wolfe Weekend
The weekend’s seminar will feature Jayne Anne Phillips discussing her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Night Watch.”
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.
Tricia Miller ’93 Featured in Insider Athens Magazine
Miller was named one of the most inspiring women in Athens, Georgia.
The Grand Affair
Ahead of the 2025 edition of Fancy Dress, take a visual walk down memory lane with the beloved W&L tradition.
Brooke deRosa ’01’s ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ Enjoys World Premiere at Carnegie Hall
DeRosa composed the music for the opera based on the short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
Honor the Service of W&L Community Members at ‘W&L Salutes’ Alumni Event
Programming on March 15 and 16 will honor W&L alumni, faculty and staff who have served in the armed forces and help them connect with one another and current ROTC students.
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.
Explore Careers in the Arts at ‘Encore’ Alumni Event
Programming on March 15 invites students, alumni and faculty to reconnect and celebrate the evolution of W&L’s arts programs.
Brett Strohsacker ’06 Gives a Bird’s-Eye View of Super Bowl Victory
The vice president of football communications for the Philadelphia Eagles enjoys his team’s second Super Bowl victory.
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.
A True W&L Love Story
Kimberly Booth Rimmer ’91 and Bobby Rimmer ’90 discovered the power and strength of W&L friendships when faced with tragedy.
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.
Simple Interventions
For Dr. Kelli Jarrell ’12, a multidisciplinary approach is foundational to her career in social emergency medicine.
Ambassador Ertharin Cousin to Deliver Keynote at Annual Institute for Honor Symposium
This year’s symposium will take place March 14-15 and address the intersection of corporate responsibility and sustainable development.
Meet Cute
From stolen sandwiches to stolen hearts, these W&L alumni share their stories of how they met their significant other.
Meg Smith ’12 Named a ‘40 Under 40’ by The Roanoker Magazine
The chief operating officer for MKB, Realtors was recognized for her significant impact on the real estate industry and community in Southwest Virginia.
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.
High-wire Act
Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.
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.
Generations of Generosity
The importance of philanthropy is a value that Billy Webster ’79 instilled in his children from a young age.
Inaugural W&L Policy Forum Explores Key Political and Economic Issues
More than 100 participants gathered to discuss cybersecurity, trade policies and the future of U.S. policy.
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.
W&L Welcomes Young Alumni Back to Campus With Record-Breaking Attendance From Newest Graduates
Alumni enjoyed one another's company and a variety of reunion festivities honoring the classes of 2014 and 2019 and celebrating the QuestBridge 10th anniversary and reunion.
W&L Alumni Receive Omicron Delta Kappa Scholarships
Three Washington and Lee University graduates received scholarships from the National Leadership Honor Society to support graduate and professional study.
W&L Announces 2024 Distinguished Young Alumni Award Winners
Alvin G. Thomas ’14 and Anna Thomas ’14 will be recognized during Young Alumni Weekend.
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.
‘W&L After Class’ Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Lisa Alty
In this month’s episode, Alty discusses how a distasteful high school chemistry experience, enrolling in college as a first-generation student and seeing W&L evolve since the early years of coeducation shaped her approach to teaching.
Lindley’s Legacy Lives On
Washington and Lee's new student wellness center has inspired generous support.
W&L Alumna Maria Kisker ’21 Selected for Fulbright to Taiwan
Kisker will pursue a master’s degree in political economy at National Tsing Hua University.
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 After Class’ Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Jenefer Davies
In this month’s episode, professor Davies talks of creating and building W&L’s dance program to be a place where preconceived notions dissipate and the liberal arts education flourishes.
W&L Welcomes 1,000 Back to Campus for Record-breaking Reunion
Alumni and their guests from the classes of 1974-2009 returned to campus to celebrate its annual spring Alumni Weekend.
W&L’s Tanajia Moye-Green Among 2024 Class of Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Moye-Green ’23 is the university’s first Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
‘The Big Picture of Life’
As one of the first Spring Term abroad classes offered at W&L, The Play’s the Thing: Shakespeare in Performance continues to impact the cohort of alumni who took that initial trip to England.
W&L Alumnus Benji Hess ’23 Earns U.S. Teaching Assistantship to Austria
Hess will teach English in Austria and prepare for a career as an educator.
Unearthing History
Students, faculty and alumni gathered April 12-13 to recognize the archaeological evolution of W&L’s back campus.
2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Alumni Award winners
W&L Alumna Lane Johansen ’22 Selected for Fulbright to Poland
Johansen has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to teach English to students in Poland.
Phillip Sampson Jr. ’90 and William Toles ’92, ’95L Named Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers
The College is one of the premier legal associations in North America.
W&L Celebrates Return of Five-Star Generals to Campus
Alumni enjoyed one another's company and a variety of weekend festivities.
Honoring a Mentor’s Legacy
Dyson Foundation endows director position at the DeLaney Center.
W&L After Class Podcast Begins its Fifth Season
“W&L After Class,” now entering its fifth season, invites listeners to join conversations with W&L’s expert faculty about their teaching, research and passion projects.
Love Generally
W&L holds a special place in the hearts of its alumni.
Alumni and Students Connect Through Choreography
The W&L Repertory Dance Company’s alumni-student dance performance in New York City’s Center for Performance Research returned after a four-year hiatus.
W&L a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students for Sixth Straight Year
Washington and Lee was ranked third among the baccalaureate institutions recognized by the Fulbright Program.
Life After Fulbright
W&L alumni’s Fulbright experiences expand their worldviews and shape their post-graduate careers.
Wangdali C. “Wali” Bacdayan ’92 Sworn in as Rector of Washington and Lee University
The board elected Bacdayan as the university’s 32nd rector during its October 2023 meeting.
Jack Sharman ’83, P’20 ’22 to Join W&L Board of Trustees
Sharman will be sworn in at the board’s spring meeting.
W&L Welcomes Young Alumni to Campus
Alumni enjoyed one another's company and a variety of reunion festivities honoring the classes of 2013 and 2018.
Wangdali C. “Wali” Bacdayan ’92 Named Next Rector of Washington and Lee
Wangdali C. "Wali" Bacdayan '92, a current trustee of Washington and Lee University, will be the next rector of W&L’s Board of Trustees. The board unanimously elected Bacdayan as the university's 32nd rector during its meeting in Lexington on Oct. 21, 2023. He will assume his duties at the conclusion of the February 2024 meeting, succeeding Michael R. McAlevey '86, who has been rector since 2020.
W&L Welcomes New Trustees Cindy Hauser ’92, Charlie Prioleau ’82 and Michael Spencer ’96L
All three were sworn in as trustees on Oct. 20.
W&L After Class Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Rob Fure
"W&L After Class" invites listeners to join conversations with W&L's expert faculty about their teaching, research and passion projects.
In Memoriam: Farris Hotchkiss ’58, former Vice President of University Relations and Secretary of the University
Hotchkiss worked at his alma mater for 35 years. After retirement, he was an active W&L volunteer and alumni ambassador.
W&L Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Jeff Schatten
"W&L After Class" invites listeners to join a conversation with W&L’s expert faculty on their teaching, research interests and passion projects.
Ehsan ’13 to Give Public Lecture on the Algorithmic Imprint
Washington and Lee’s Philosophy Department will host a talk by Upol Ehsan ’13 on Monday, March 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Northen Auditorium, Leyburn Library.
In Memoriam: Joseph Thompson, Professor of Psychology Emeritus
Thompson taught at W&L for more than 30 years.
In Memoriam: William McHenry ’54, former athletic director
The former W&L Athletic Director, chair of the department of physical education, and member of the W&L Athletics Hall of Fame, died Jan. 4, 2023.
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 Celebrates Return of Alumni to Campus for Reunion Weekend
The weather might have been slightly damp, but spirits were high as alumni enjoyed one another's company.
2022 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award winners.
Reeves Museum Unveils Green-Glazed Stoneware Acquisitions
The two recent acquisitions, a large dish and a small jar, allow the museum to better represent the global reach of Chinese ceramics.
Making Space for Mindfulness
Washington and Lee students can now explore the Headspace app’s mental health and wellness features thanks to the generous support of alumni Greg and Kelly Golub.
Black Alumni Celebrate SABU and the 50th Anniversary of the First Black Ball
The on-campus events took place March 3 – 5.
Beau Dudley to Retire as Executive Director of Alumni Engagement
Dudley will continue working at W&L in a half-time capacity as senior advisor to the vice president for University Advancement handling various alumni affairs-related duties.
W&L Celebrates Three Distinguished Alumni at the 2022 Five-Star Festival
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year’s Distinguished Five-Star Alumni Award winners, Preston C. Manning Jr., '52, Henry Coke Morgan Jr., '57,'60L, Charles E. Commander '62.
Samantha McLemore ’02 and Lee Hollis ’86 to Join W&L Board of Trustees
McLemore and Hollis will be sworn in at the board’s spring meeting.
‘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.
Welcome Home, Alumni!
W&L grads who came back for Young Alumni Weekend caught up with friends, visited favorite spots on campus, and reminisced about their time in Lexington.
‘Committed to This Cause’
Against a national backdrop of mental health concerns, Washington and Lee's University Counseling Center recently rolled out new programs to increase the ways in which students can reach out for help.
Brooklyne Oliveira ’21 Awarded Marquand Scholarship to Yale
The award covers full tuition and includes a $10,000 stipend toward living expenses.
Lorig Explains Science of Smell in Latest Podcast Episode
The new episode of "W&L After Class: The Lifelong Learning Podcast" features Tyler Lorig, professor emeritus of cognitive and behavioral science, who has spent his career studying the olfactory system.
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.
New W&L Podcast Episode Features Lenfest Director Rob Mish
In the latest episode of the Lifelong Learning podcast, Mish talks about his passion for theater, how musicals can be reinvented to account for changing times, and his experiences connecting students and alumni.
In Memoriam: Roger H. Mudd ’50
The award-winning journalist covered some of the most important stories of the 20th century.
W&L Celebrated Four Distinguished Alumni at the 2021 Five-Star Festival
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year’s Distinguished Five-Star Alumni Award winners, Bob Feagin '60, Holt Merchant '61, Blaine Brownell '65, and Dave Redmond '66, '69L.
W&L Graduate Returns to Teach Dance Master Class
Elliot Reza Emadian ’17 will teach a virtual master class in screendance, a form that merges cinematography and choreography.
In Memoriam: Jack Vardaman ’62
He served on the board of trustees from 2005-2014.
In Memoriam: W. Hayne Hipp ’62
Hipp served as a trustee from 1985-1995.
J. Hagood Ellison Jr. ’72, Trustee Emeritus, Dies at 70
Ellison served on the board from 2004 to 2011.
Jared Nickodem ’20 Awarded U.S. Teaching Assistantship in Austria
Nickodem’s USTA position with Fulbright Austria starts in September 2020.
Hannah Denham ’20 Wins National Journalism Award
The recent graduate of Washington and Lee University won a combined scholarship of $8,500 for her second-place win and article of the year award in the 60th Annual Hearst National Writing Championship.
Snapshot of a Pandemic
Chris Johnson ’00 uses his camera to document the COVID-19 crisis.
Alumna Shares Coronavirus Story
Kaylee Hartung '07, a graduate of the W&L journalism program, contracted the virus that causes COVID-19 while covering the outbreak in Washington State
W&L Welcomes New Trustee John Robinson
Robinson ’94 joined the W&L Board of Trustees on Feb. 14.
W&L’s Rossella Gabriele Among 2020 Class of Rhodes Scholars
Gabriele, a 2019 graduate, is the university’s 17th Rhodes Scholar.
W&L Honors Veterans at Annual Event
Veterans gathered in front of Lee Chapel on Veterans Day to share details of their service and join in a prayer for all service members.
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.
W&L Updates Climate Action Plan
Washington and Lee University has already exceeded carbon-reduction goals for 2013 and 2020. The latest updates keep the university on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Thank You!
The numbers say it all. During the 2018-19 fiscal year W&L received $31,541,754 in new gifts and pledges towards a total of $50,143,773 in philanthropic cash.
W&L Recognized for Excellence in Educational Fundraising
Washington and Lee has received a 2019 CASE Educational Fundraising Award for Overall Performance from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.
Student Experience Fund Exceeds Goal
Black Alumni Contribute Over $13,000.
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.
Student Experience Fund
A Special 2019 Giving Opportunity for Washington and Lee Black Alumni
President Dudley’s Response to the Report of the Commission on Institutional History and Community
Today, President Dudley shared his response to the Commission on Institutional History and Community's report.
A Message from President Dudley Regarding the Report of the Commission on Institutional History and Community
In August 2017, I appointed the Commission on Institutional History and Community and charged it with examining how the ways that we teach, discuss and represent our history shape our community.
A Message Regarding the Commission on Institutional History and Community
President Dudley sent a message to the W&L community regarding his appointment of a Commission on Institutional History and Community.
