Alumni Spotlight: Steve Halpin ’15L
Steve Halpin is senior counsel in the New York City office of King & Ruiz LLP and a member of the W&L Law Council.
Alumni in Action Archive (1273 Stories)
W&L Alumni and Student Awarded NSF Fellowships
Oriana Gutierrez ’24, Connor Lafo ’26 and Gabrielle Ursin ’25 have received pre-doctoral graduate research fellowships from the National Science Foundation to support their research.
Emma Malinak ’25 to Present Final DeLaney Center Dialogue Discussion of the 2025-26 Academic Year
Malinak will offer personal perspective on covering the Black community in present day Lynchburg, Virginia.
Beyond the Classroom
Lela Casey ’25 took her education around the world with a series of immersive language learning opportunities made possible by W&L’s Office of Fellowships.
To the Moon and Back with Andy Scott ’99
Scott, systems analysis integration lead for the Orion program at Lockheed Martin, shares about his role in the Artemis II mission.
W&L Announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
This year's honorees will be recognized during Alumni Weekend from April 30-May 3.
Washington and Lee University to Host 2026 Entrepreneurship Summit
The two-day program will be held on campus March 20-21.
Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Clark ’21L
Alexandra Clark is an associate in the antitrust and competition practice at Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C.
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.
Path to Professorship
For Troy Larsen ’22, the dream to become a professor began as an undergraduate and became a reality thanks to opportunities made possible by W&L’s Office of Fellowships.
Alan Carrillo ‘18L Recognized as a Best Lawyer Under 40
Carrillo is a partner in the Dallas office of Brown Fox and focuses his practice on commercial litigation.
From the Sidelines to the World Stage
Kaylee Hartung ’07 will cover two of the world’s premier sporting events during a single month.
Alumni Spotlight: Micaela Owens ’19L
Micaela Owens is a partner at Cruser Mitchell in New Jersey and focuses her practice on litigation in a variety of civil law contexts.
Refining an Industry
Eric Herrera ’20 was recently named to the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his work with chemical manufacturing startup MaverickX, which he cofounded with Jesse Evans ’20.
Alumni Spotlight: Tom Boss ’24L
Tom Boss is an associate at Williams and Connolly in Washington, D.C.
Michelle Drumbl Publishes Article in the Temple Law Review
The article examines state legislation and case law from U.S. bankruptcy courts to explore protections for debtors who are entitled to refundable tax credits.
Alumni Spotlight: Arman Nikkhoo ’19L
Arman Nikkhoo is senior counsel in the Houston office of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani.
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.
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.
Gabriella Passidomo Smith ’19L Elected Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission
Passidomo Smith will lead the commission's efforts to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility service for Floridians.
John Folsom ’73, P’03 Receives the Order of the Palmetto
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster bestowed Folsom with the state’s highest civilian honor.
Sarah Powell ‘93L Appointed General Counsel for Planet Fitness
Powell will advise one of the largest and fastest growing fitness center operators.
Alumni Spotlight: David Thompson ’19L
David Thompson is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and currently serves as an instructor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
The Journey to ‘Jeopardy!’
TJ Fisher ’15 held a five-game winning streak in October 2025, securing a spot in the Tournament of Champions.
Alumni Spotlight: MK Mallery ’21L
MK Mallery is currently a managing associate in the Global Finance Group at Sidley Austin in Dallas, where she represents borrowers in a variety of lending and debt transactions.
2025 Ball Award Winners Make an Impact in Students’ Lives
Alina de Zoysa ’25 and Henry Chen ’25 are applying lessons learned at W&L to their work helping K-12 students succeed.
Alumni Spotlight: Matt Bass ‘19L
Matt Bass currently works as Employment and Commercial Counsel at Rent the Runway, an e-commerce platform that allows users to rent, subscribe, or buy designer apparel and accessories.
2025 Five-Star Distinguished Alumni Awards
These alumni exemplify leadership, service and professional excellence and will be honored during Five-Star Festival, Oct. 3–5, 2025.
Thomas Grove ’02 Wins a Pulitzer Prize with Wall Street Journal Team
The Central and Eastern European correspondent’s article was a part of a Wall Street Journal series investigating Elon Musk that won best national reporting.
Bringing Humanity Into The Conversation
Kate LeMasters ’15 cultivated a career of addressing public health inequalities with marginalized societies.
Alumni Spotlight: Hector Quesada ’21L
Hector Quesada is an associate at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Morina ’20L
Lauren Morina serves as director and corporate counsel for Hibbett Retail, a leading athletic fashion retailer.
Jonathan Gould ‘01L Confirmed as New Comptroller of the Currency
Gould was sworn in on July 10 to lead the office he previously served as senior deputy and chief counsel.
Patrick Barthle ‘12L Named Rising Star by Law360
Barthle earned a top spot as one of five cybersecurity and privacy attorneys under 40.
Alumni Spotlight: Morgan Sexton ’21L
Morgan Sexton is Corporate Counsel Director at Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc., the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the United States.
Allie Stankewich ’23 Awarded SIT Alice Rowan Swanson Fellowship
While working for the Fulbright program as a teaching mentor in Uganda, Stankewich partnered with a local organization to build a fish farm social enterprise.
Dan Howell ’13L Named an Emerging Leader by The M&A Advisor
The award recognizes young professionals for success in mergers and acquisitions, turnarounds, and financing.
Remarkable Women
At the 2025 undergraduate Commencement, Barbara Jenkins ’92L, Kate Jenkins Howard ’99 and Kylie Therrien ’25 became the first female triple generation legacy at Washington and Lee University.
Trident FC Performs Well at The Soccer Tournament (TST)
The team representing W&L alumni advanced to the knockout stage of the $1 million winner-take-all event in Cary, North Carolina.
Trident Rising: How the W&L Alumni Network Brought a Professional Soccer Team to Life
Classmates Mikel Parker ’99 and Jason Jarecki ’99 serve as co-owners of Trident FC, a professional soccer team that will compete in a $1 million winner-take-all soccer tournament in June.
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.
Alumni Spotlight: Karen Vallejos Corrales ’20L
Karen Vallejos Corrales is Executive Director of the Dream Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Virginia students whose immigration status presents barriers to higher education.
Angelica Didier Light ‘75L to Deliver Law Commencement Address
Commencement is scheduled for Friday, May 16 beginning at 10 a.m. on the lawn in front of University Chapel.
School of Law Celebrates Distinguished Graduates during Law Alumni Weekend
Charlie Tomm ’68, ‘75L was honored with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Eone Beck ‘95L and Sarah Kathryn Stahling ‘15L were recognized for volunteer work.
Ainsley Daigle ’13 Named to Billboard’s Women in Music 2025 List
The vice president at Firebird Artist Management was honored in the multisector category.
W&L Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
This year's honorees will be recognized during Alumni Weekend from May 1-4.
Alumni Spotlight: Caroline Crosbie ’20L
Caroline Crosbie is an associate in the New York Office of Simpson Thacher.
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.
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.
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.
Alden Wicker ’09 to Serve as the Fishback Visiting Writer at W&L
The author will deliver the Fishback Lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 12, via Zoom.
Alumni Spotlight: Anjelica Hendricks ’15L
Anjelica Hendricks is an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School where she focuses on criminal law.
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.
Alumni Spotlight: Adam Hawks ’23L
Adam Hawks is an associate at Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. in Newport News.
Practice Profile: Jonathan Gould ’01L Is a Partner in the Financial Markets Group at Jones Day
With extensive experience in government and business, Jonathan Gould provides financial regulatory and strategic advice to financial services providers of all types.
Alumni Spotlight: Roy Abernathy ’20L
Roy Abernathy is an associate attorney for Crowell & Moring in the Advertising and Brand Protection and Litigation and Trial practice groups.
Alumni Spotlight: Kate Thompson ’21L
Kate Thompson is a clerk for the Honorable Ronald L. Buch of the United States Tax Court.
Alumni Spotlight: Adrianne Williams ‘17L
Adrianne Williams is an Assistant Corporate Counsel at Amazon and owner of an athletic workout brand called The Fitness Collaboration.
Practice Profile: Elizabeth Summers ‘12L is an Estate Planning Consultant with Wealthspire Advisors
As Senior Vice President and Director of Wealth Strategy, Family Wealth at Wealthspire Advisors, Elizabeth Summers helps families plan for their future and solve the problems that keep them up at night.
Alumni Spotlight: Cole Bollman ’16, ’19L
Cole Bollman is an associate in the Corporate, Finance and Investments practice group at King & Spalding LLP in Atlanta.
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.
Alumni Spotlight: Kimberly Shi ’21L
Kimberly Shi works as an associate in the National Security group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Building a Dream Team: Austin Brown ’13L
As as top NBA sports agent, Brown knows the power of making authentic connections.
Cultivating a Community of Care
Through the Davis Projects for Peace Grant and a Fulbright ETA, Allie Stankewich ’23 is building relationships with the communities she serves in East Africa.
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.
Alumni Spotlight: Michael Brown ’19L
Michael Brown is an Air Force JAG officer serving as Victims’ Counsel at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.
Alumni Spotlight: Morgan Fiander ’16L
Morgan Fiander is a litigation associate at Fried Frank in New York City, where she represents clients in a variety of real estate, financial, and general commercial disputes.
Live from the Paris Olympics
Alex Maragos ’13’s love of journalism started through the profession’s inside access to sports. He brings it full circle in covering the 2024 Paris Olympics for NBC 5 Chicago.
Alumni Spotlight: Matt Kaminer ’18, ’22L
Matt Kaminer is clerking for Judge Julio Fuentes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
W&L’s Tess Deyerle ’24 Selected for Teaching Assistant Program in France
Deyerle will teach English to French public school students before pursuing a career in special education.
W&L Outcomes: Pari Ahmadi ’24
Pari Ahmadi ’24 will be working as a clinical research coordinator at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute before attending medical school.
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.
Alumni Spotlight: Tomi Akinmola ’21L
Tomi Akinmola is a judicial clerk for the Hon. Jamar K. Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2024 Reunion Celebration
Bill Oast ’71, ‘74L was honored with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Calvin Awkward ’06, ‘09L and Kathy McLaughlin ‘19L were recognized for volunteer work.
W&L Alumni and Student Awarded NSF Fellowships
Emma Aldrich ’22, Tanajia Moye-Green ’23 and Jules Seay ’24 have received pre-doctoral graduate research fellowships from the National Science Foundation to support their research.
2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Alumni Award winners
Alumni Spotlight: Thuan Tran ’21L
Thuan Tran is an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for Fairfax County.
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.
Alumni Spotlight: Arthur Vorbrodt ’17L
Arthur Vorbrodt is a senior counsel in the Transactions Practice Group at Foley & Lardner in Dallas.
William Toles ’92, ’95L Named Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers
Toles, a member of the W&L Board of Trustees, was recently named a fellow of one of the premier legal associations in North America.
Alumni Spotlight: Noriya Shahadat ’21L
Noriya Shahadat is an associate in the Environmental and Mass Tort litigation group at McGuireWoods.
Alumni Spotlight: Looking Ahead with Freedi Friedfeld ’83L
Freedi Friedfeld '83L steers ClearVision Optical through COVID and beyond.
Alumni Spotlight: Eugene Butler ’98L is Making a Difference
Last year, Butler became the first Black judge in Virginia’s 24th District.
Love Generally
W&L holds a special place in the hearts of its alumni.
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.
Ryan Snow ‘01L Installed as 136th President of the Virginia Bar Association
W&L alumni Chip Nunley '81 and Mark Peake ‘88L will also serve in leadership roles with the organization.
2024 Five-Star Distinguished Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Five-Star Distinguished Alumni Award winners
Alumni Spotlight: Patrick Bolling ’14L
Patrick Bolling is a principal at Woods Rogers, advising a variety of employers in traditional labor and employment.
Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Griffin ’19L
Lauren Griffin is an associate at Alston & Bird LLP, working in the Intellectual Property Litigation group based in the Charlotte, North Carolina office.
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.
For Ross Draber ’10, people come first
The United Bank senior executive engages with the W&L community through student recruitment and event participation.
2023 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Young Alumni Award winners
W&L Outcomes: Lauren Shelby ’23
Lauren Shelby ’23 will be pursuing her master’s degree at New York University.
W&L Outcomes: Andrew Tartakovsky ’23
Andrew Tartakovsky ’23 received a Fulbright grant to teach English in Azerbaijan.
Alumni Spotlight: Carson Cox ’22L and Trey Smith ’22L
Carson Cox and Trey Smith, both new associates at Troutman Pepper in Richmond, are involved with a pro bono case concerning veteran's benefits.
W&L Outcomes: Charlotte Dross ’23
Charlotte Dross ’23 is working in public relations as a postgraduate intern at Jackson Spalding.
W&L Outcomes: Sadie Charles Calame ’23
Sadie Charles Calame ’23 is working as a construction lead for Teton Habitat for Humanity.
Alumni Spotlight: John Henry ’98L
Following his entrepreneurial passions, John Henry gets comfort from his discomfort.
W&L Outcomes: Harris Hubbard ’23
Harris Hubbard ’23 will attend graduate school at Rutgers University Business School before joining Wells Fargo as an investment banking analyst.
Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Tracy ’13L
Jessica Tracy is General Counsel at video hosting, sharing, and services platform provider Vimeo.
W&L Outcomes: Tahri Phillips ’23
Tahri Phillips ’23 will be pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.
Alumni Spotlight: Stanley Sacks ’44, ’48L
Virginia’s, and perhaps the nation’s, oldest practicing lawyer.
Alumni Spotlight: Negin Farahmand Wood ’12L
Negin Farahmand Wood is Senior Assistant Public Defender at Office of the Public Defender for Fairfax County.
W&L Outcomes: Caroline Wise ’23
Caroline Wise ’23 is working as a backcountry guide for St. Elias Alpine Guides in Alaska.
W&L Outcomes: Allie Stankewich ’23
Allie Stankewich ’23 will spend the summer in Tanzania before pursuing a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Uganda.
Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Redd ’15L
Ryan Redd is an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Lubbock Division of the Northern District of Texas.
W&L Outcomes: Blake Sanchez ’23
Blake Sanchez ’23 is working as a management consultant in the Public Health Segment at Guidehouse in Washington, D.C.
W&L Outcomes: Ellie Penner ’23
Ellie Penner ’23 received a Boren Scholarship to study Hindi in India.
W&L Outcomes: Gabby Emge ’23
Gabby Emge ’23 will be pursuing her J.D. at Harvard Law School.
Catching up with Laura Lemon ’16
W&L’s campus culture — from small classes to the Speaking Tradition — gave Lemon the communication skills and confidence to succeed.
Catching up with Mike Weaver ’20
Weaver’s advice for current students: Take advantage of every opportunity and embrace respectful debate.
Catching up with Sarah Tilbor ’08
For Tilbor, W&L instilled a healthy curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Catching up with Kathryn Young ’19
Young learned the critical skills to excel at her job from the veteran journalists in Reid Hall.
Catching up with Wes Haydon ’09
Haydon credits the W&L community for inspiring him and guiding him toward success.
W&L Honors Distinguished Alumni, Returning Classes at Reunion Weekend
The university welcomed more than 940 alumni and guests from the classes of 1973–2008 back to campus for its annual spring reunion festivities.
Alumni Spotlight: Josh Keruski ‘21L and Ainsley-Brooke Satterwhite ‘22L
Josh Keruski ‘21L and Ainsley-Brooke Satterwhite ‘22L are both stationed at Fort Novosel in Alabama as members of the U.S. Army JAG Corps.
Catching up with Greg Barrow ’87
Barrow’s experience at W&L gave him the confidence to work through any challenge or opportunity.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2023 Reunion Celebration
David “Freedi” Friedfeld ‘83L was honored with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Nan Hannah ‘93L, Tom Mitchell ‘93L, and Kit Thomas ‘18L were recognized for volunteer work.
Growing a Greener Future
For W&L alumni Kevin Green ’07 and Amanda Green ’06, nature and nurture go hand-in-hand.
Catching up with Padget Sutherland ’17
Sutherland's advice for current students: "Don’t take yourself too seriously!"
2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Alumni Award winners
Meet Tucker Kavanagh ’16
Kavanagh encourages current students to "never be afraid to reach out to the W&L network."
Alumni Spotlight: Ben Richie ’22L
Ben Richie works for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the Division of Corporation Finance’s Disclosure Review Program.
Catching up with Rebecca Dunn Piatt ’16
Whether it was inside the classroom or out and about on campus, Rebecca Dunn Piatt '16 looks back on her time at W&L fondly.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Laura Adelman Philipson ’01 and Hayley Huber ’23 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Alumni Spotlight: Junior Ndlovu ’20L and Natey Kinzounza Ndlovu ’20L
Junior and Natey Kinzounza, who met at W&L Law, are both trial attorneys who honed their skills in moot court and summer externships.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Joe Framptom '66 and Nate Unger '24 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
2023 Five-Star Distinguished Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Five-Star Distinguished Alumni Awards winners
Lisa Hedrick ‘08L Named 2022 Mergers and Acquisitions Legal Advisor of the Year
Lisa Hedrick, partner and chair of the M&A and Finance practice group at the firm Hirschler Fleischer, has been recognized for her work in the field.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Caroline Boone Mitchell ’89 and Peyton Tysinger ’23 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Catching up with Kassie Scott ’18
Scott's advice for current students: "There is no one way to do college. Do it your way and make it count."
Leading Lives of Consequence
Gene Perry '75, '78L and Cheick Toure ’23 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
W&L Alumnus Appointed Secretary General of the Financial Stability Board
John W. Schindler will serve a five-year renewable contract with the organization that promotes international financial stability.
Lucy Ortiz ’15 Awarded Luce Scholarship
The scholarship provides young scholars with an immersive experience in Asia through which they can learn to "be comfortable being uncomfortable."
Hon. Robert Payne ’63, ’67L Receives Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award
The Honorable Robert E. Payne, senior United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), has been awarded the prestigious Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award for 2023 by the Virginia State Bar Section on Criminal Law.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Tracey Thornblade Belmont '92 and Posi Oluwakuyide ’24 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Meet Elizabeth Mugo ’19
Mugo says that, above all, W&L taught her to "always be curious."
Leading Lives of Consequence
Hardin Marion and Carter Chandler discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Beautiful Struggle
Janssen Evelyn ’06L uses resilience and intentional joy to find his purpose.
Painting with Words
After a successful career in big law, Michael Cohen ’90L returns to his passions of poetry and painting.
Career Paths: Chris Chino ’21L
As a public defender, Chris Chino enjoys fighting for his clients in the "theatre of trial."
W&L’s Kristina Lozinskaya ’22 Among 2024 Class of Schwarzman Scholars
Lozinskaya, a 2022 graduate, will receive a master’s degree in global affairs from Tsinghua University in China.
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.
W&L Presents Axios Co-Founder Mike Allen ’86
Allen will give a public talk on the W&L campus on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. in Stackhouse Theater.
Career Paths: Namrata Kang ’21L
Nam Kang enjoys solving the puzzles in compliance investigations as a member of the regulatory team at Troutman Pepper.
2022 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Young Alumni Award winners
Warren Buff ‘21L Awarded Equal Justice Works Fellowship
Buff will serve as the Housing Justice Fellow with Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
A Natural Fit
Jim Lawson ’77 has been hiring W&L grads since 1999.
Career Paths: Georgi Pisano Goetz ’20L
Although clerking after law school was not part of her plan, Georgi Pisano Goetz '20L is about to start her third after stops in Baltimore and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Sarah Streeper ’14 Recognized for Commitment to Animal Welfare
During the pandemic, she launched a helpline to support struggling pet owners.
W&L Outcomes: Avery Schiffman ’22
Since graduation, Schiffman has worked as an account executive at Anomaly on the Crown Royal team in SoHo, New York City.
Paul Trible ’71L Honored for Service to Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin has proclaimed July 31, 2022 to be The Honorable Paul S. Trible, Jr. Day in the commonwealth of Virginia.
Career Paths: Casey Floyd ’15L
With his company NOCAP Sports, Casey Floyd '15L helps athletes and agents negotiate and transact NIL deals.
Henry Leventis ’03L Nominated for U.S. Attorney Post
W&L Law alumnus Henry C. Leventis '03L has been tapped by President Joe Biden to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
W&L Outcomes: Andrea Levan ’22
Andrea Levan '22 is a paralegal specialist in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
W&L Outcomes: Cole McPheeters ’22
By his sophomore year at W&L, McPheeters knew he wanted to go into investment banking after graduation. Today, he works as an investment banking analyst in Houlihan Lokey's Industrials group in New York City.
W&L Outcomes: Emma Cleveland ’22
Cleveland is working as a trip leader for an active travel company in Alaska this summer, and she plans to work in Europe this fall.
W&L Outcomes: Elizabeth Grist ’22
Elizabeth Grist '22 will spend next year conducting research in Melbourne, Australia as a Fulbright Scholar. Her project assesses the barriers and stigma associated with receiving medication for opioid use disorder.
W&L Outcomes: Jin Ni ’22
This fall, Jin Ni ’22 will pursue her master’s degree in human rights at University College London in the United Kingdom.
W&L Outcomes: Leah Jackson ’22
Leah Jackson ’22 always knew she wanted to pursue the health field. Thanks to summer internships and dedication, she heads off to Harvard this fall to follow her passion.
W&L Outcomes: Rett Daugbjerg ’22
After a successful summer internship in 2021, W&L's Rett Daugbjerg '22 is now working for JLL's Capital Markets group in Atlanta, Georgia.
W&L Outcomes: Kristen Xu ’22
Kristen Xu ’22 worked diligently during her time at W&L to accomplish her dream of working with a beauty company after graduation. Currently, she is a global marketing coordinator at NARS Cosmetics in New York.
W&L Outcomes: Riwaj Shrestha ’22
Shrestha worked with the Office of Career and Professional Development at W&L to "engineer" the perfect career after graduation.
W&L Outcomes: Rob Rosen ’22
Rosen utilized summer internships to help land his current role as an analyst at SVB Securities.
Pranita Raghavan ’02L Appointed to NEH Operations Post
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced the appointment of Pranita A. Raghavan as NEH’s new Assistant Chair for Planning and Operations.
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.
Running to the Fire
As global head of litigation for 3M, Courtney Enloe ‘97L is never bored. And that’s the way she likes it.
W&L’s Janey Fugate ’15 Awarded National Science Foundation Fellowship
Fugate will use her graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to study the migration patterns of bison in Yellowstone National Park.
2022 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award winners.
W&L Graduate Katie Cones ’21 Awarded Fulbright ETA to Bulgaria
The English Teaching Assistantship provides Cones a stipend to teach English to students in Bulgaria and lead cultural exchange activities.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2022 Reunion Celebration
Bobby Hatten '72L was honored with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Jim Seevers '97L and Bo Mahr '17L were recognized for volunteer work.
Made in the U.S.A.
Capt. Connor Smithson ’13 channels his creative energies into his small woodworking shop specializing in custom flags, plaques and furniture pieces.
Bootleggers and Aliens
Phil Brown '85L blends history and science fiction in his inaugural novel "It Gives You Strength."
Katie Volk ’18 Presents Study on Alzheimer’s Disease
Katie Volk ’18 will give a seminar on her doctoral dissertation research on March 16 at 5 p.m. in the Science Addition Room 214.
Black Alumni Celebrate SABU and the 50th Anniversary of the First Black Ball
The on-campus events took place March 3 – 5.
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.
Victor Cardwell ‘87L Elected President of Virginia Bar Association
W&L Law alumnus Victor O. Cardwell ‘87L has been elected to serve as the 134th President of the Virginia Bar Association (VBA). Cardwell’s election marks the first time a Black lawyer has served as VBA President.
Community Foundations
Craig Jones has been an active volunteer in his community, particularly the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools.
Education Elevators
Allison McJunkin ‘04L helps kids take flight through mentoring program.
The Last 10 Minutes of Your Life
Through her coaching business, Shana Horrigan ’91 works with clients of all ages, in the U.S. and across the globe, who feel they are at a turning point in their lives.
W&L’s Goodin Earns Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycee Award
Jamie Goodin ’10 was named Member of the Year.
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.
‘A Sacred Trust’
Paul Schlimm ’87, who retired from the Army as a colonel in 2016, credits W&L with preparing him for command, beginning his 27-year career as an officer.
2021 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Young Alumni Award winners
‘Living Honestly’
Ten years after helping found the LGBTQ Resource Center at W&L, Chris Washnock ’12 has carried its community-building lessons into a career in faith-based advocacy.
WLUR Institution Celebrates a Major Milestone
"The Anti-Headache Machine," a Saturday night radio show hosted by Doug Harwood '74, has turned 50.
Paul Fletcher ’85L Named Executive Director of Virginia Bar Association
Fletcher, who was publisher and editor-in-chief of Virginia Lawyers Weekly for more than 30 years, will lead a volunteer professional association with over 4000 members.
Exploring Appalachia through Data Science
A year after graduating, Tim Pierce ’20 uses data science to map job skills in Appalachian labor markets.
Oren Griffin ’96L Named Dean of Tulsa College of Law
Griffin currently serves as the Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and a professor of law at Mercer University, where he has taught since 2006.
Kathryn Gerbo ’20 Awarded Postgraduate Scholarship to St Andrews
She will earn her master’s in digital health before attending medical school.
W&L Law Alumnus Edward Neufville ’03L on Olympics, Legal Practice
Neufville, an immigration attorney based in Maryland, competed in the 1996 Olympic games representing Liberia.
Brooklyne Oliveira ’21 Awarded Marquand Scholarship to Yale
The award covers full tuition and includes a $10,000 stipend toward living expenses.
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.
W&L Presents Faculty Lectures in Weeklong Series
W&L’s Office of Lifelong Learning presents an inside view of ongoing research from university faculty July 19-23 titled “Beyond the Classroom: Frontiers of Faculty Research.”
Popping Online
Coco Ellis Howe ’16 and Tani Greenspan ’16 created a successful online art gallery in the middle of a pandemic.
Smarter, Faster
In a shifting media landscape, Ted Williams ’07 and Mike Allen ’86 are focused on reigniting local journalism through a new business venture.
W&L’s Julia Foxen ’21 Awarded U.S. Teaching Assistantship in Austria
Foxen’s USTA position with Fulbright Austria starts in October 2021.
Nurturing the NASDAQ
Linda Roberts '71 helped the NASDAQ become a household name during a four-decade career in finance and accounting.
W&L Alumni Awarded Fellowships from the National Science Foundation
John Juneau ’18 and Amanda Wahlers ’18 have received pre-doctoral graduate research fellowships from the National Science Foundation. The five-year fellowships include three years of financial support and a cost of education allowance.
Helping Others and Building Change
Grace Anne Holladay '21 has a conversation with Dr. Kelli Jarrell ’12, who was recently named the national emergency fellow of the year
Legal Eagle
Life has been a series of firsts for Rita Davis ’93, who now serves as counsel to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.
W&L’s Rosalie Bull ’20 Earns Fulbright to Ecuador
In September 2021, Bull will leave for a 10-month stay in Ecuador to develop a co-creative anthology of stories covering resistance and resilience networks in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
W&L’s Ramonah Gibson ’20 Awarded Fulbright
Ramonah Gibson '20 has received a Fulbright United Kingdom (U.K.) Partnership Award to complete her master's degree in creative writing scriptwriting at the University of East Anglia.
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.
Struggle and Triumph
As the new General Counsel for the Carolina Hurricanes, Nigel Wheeler '15L has fulfilled his dream of a legal career in professional sports.
Immersed in IP
After his start as a prosecutor, Dan Collopy ’81L found his way into intellectual property law, and a career in Asia.
A Mile With You
Norman Kim-Senior ’05 has created a COVID Memorial Walk and Run to foster community, support local nonprofits and mark the one-year anniversary of the pandemic.
Book Smart
Bethlehem Dammlash ’06 has set her sights on educational equity for children from low-income families.
Super Sleuth
At Pfizer, Michael Benigno ’00 analyzed COVID-19 clinical data in the quest to develop a vaccine and antiviral therapy.
Adventurer in Law
The latest turn in the winding career path of Christopher Riano ’10L finds him leading a national effort to improve civic education and engagement.
‘Abundantly Thankful’ in Austria
Despite COVID-19, Jared Nickodem '20 was able to make it to Austria, where he is teaching English to students as part of the U.S. Teaching Assistant Program.
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.
‘Giving Everyone an Opportunity’
Hannah Freibert '21 interviews Mike White '10, program associate for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a nonprofit that works to improve health care in America.
From Courtroom to Camera, Advocacy Fuels Brian Buckmire’s Drive for Justice
A public defender with the Legal Aid Society of New York City, Buckmire '14L is also the host of “Law & Crime Daily,” a nationally syndicated program described as ESPN’s ‘SportsCenter’ for courtroom drama.
Spencer Cox ‘01L Sworn In as 18th Governor of Utah
Spencer Cox, a 2001 graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law, was sworn in Jan. 4 as governor of Utah following his victory in the general election held in November. He is the state’s 18th governor.
A Life Concerned with the World
With podcasts that look inward and outward, the Younis brothers amplify their perspective as global citizens.
Serving Veterans
As an executive at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the United Services Organization, Navy veteran Ned Powell ’70 impacted the lives of many service members before retiring.
Personal Experience Leads Tina Beamon ’97L to Success in the Pharmaceutical Industry
As vice president and chief compliance officer for a pharmaceutical company, Tina Beamon uses her legal background to promote the greater good.
Career Paths: Rachel Rossetti ’11L
As Senior Corporate Counsel at UKG Inc., Rachel Rosetti works on a wide variety of data privacy, data protection, and data security matters.
2020 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Young Alumni Award winners
Career Paths: Ernest Hammond ’13L
As senior product counsel at Twilio, Ernest Hammond's work is centered at the intersection of tech, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Waging the Hog Wars
Farmer and conservationist Bill Holliday ’65 spent his career fighting to preserve and protect South Carolina’s environment.
Conversation Starter
Dillon Myers ’14 and Alan Gibson ’70 are helping older adults overcome social isolation with a $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Joy Lee ‘12L Serving as Counsel to the Republican National Convention
Helping plan the 2020 convention has required creativity and flexibility as the COVID-19 pandemic has required big changes to the event.
‘A Real Justice Issue’
Bridget Bartley '21 interviews Shiri Yadlin '12, director of Just Homes, a nonprofit that helps faith communities address homelessness in D.C.
W&L Law Announces 2020 Alumni Awards
John Sicilian ‘85L, Andy Lee ‘90L and Katie Waibler 15L were honored for their accomplishments and contributions to the law school.
Silver Linings
The Class of 1995 is celebrating its milestone reunion with a gift to support CARPE and the Annual Fund.
Slowing the Spread
Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox ‘01L is leading the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser ‘79L Warns of COVID-19 Scams in Op/Ed
Strasser is urging residents of hard-hit Louisiana to be on the lookout for criminal activity.
Eric Chaffin ‘96L Organizes Food Drive for Pittsburgh Community
After hearing about job loss following the Coronavirus outbreak, Eric Chaffin knew he wanted to do something to help.
‘Uncharted Territory’
As city manager of New Rochelle, New York, Chuck Strome ’80 is at the center of New York's pandemic.
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
Public Policy and Health Advocacy
Madeline Morcelle '15L is lobbying congress, drafting bills, analyzing legislation, developing strategies to safeguard health access, and more.
Black FLEX Conference Brings W&L Alumni Back to Mentor Region’s Students
W&L’s first Black Future Leaders Experience (FLEX) conference brought alumni and staff together to mentor students from across central Virginia on how to thrive in white spaces, navigate politics and serve as leaders.
David Falck ’78L to Speak on Success and Ethics
What does it mean to be an ethical lawyer in today's business environment?
The Value of Community
Lainey Johnson '16 values connections with a variety of people from different backgrounds, which is something she learned to prize at W&L.
From Lexington to Capitol Hill
Want to work for the U.S. Congress? Judging by past successes, earning a degree from Washington and Lee University is a pretty good start.
And May It Please the Court
Mario Urizar ‘11L takes an immigration case before the U.S. Supreme Court Dec. 9.
Opportunity Alabama
Alex Flachsbart, ‘15L, traded corporate law for the opportunity to revitalize impoverished areas of Alabama.
Alison Krentel Wheatley-Price ’94
The medical researcher travels, teaches and conducts research to eliminate neglected tropical diseases.
Studying Food Insecurity
At Harvard, Leah Gose '15 has conducted a complex study of organizations that provide food to people in need.
Bits and Blocks
Kevin Batteh, ’95 and ‘98L, navigates new technology to advise blockchain and cryptocurrency clients.
Down to Earth
Megan Hill Gambrill ’05 had long fantasized about a job where she’d get to play in the dirt all day.
A General Abroad
As a diplomat with the U.S. State Department, Roshni Nirody ’00 has traveled the world.
2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award winners
The Mighty Mollusk
Chad Ballard III ’06 cultivates a sustainable crop that also nurtures the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
Porter Hardy ’04L and Smartmouth Brewery Make News with Breakfast Beer
So-called "Lucky Charms" beer release draws hundreds to brewery founded by W&L Law alumnus.
Hon. Jacqueline Talevi ‘83L Named to Inaugural List of Influential Women of Law
Judge Talevi was honored by Virginia Lawyers Weekly for pioneering court-related therapeutic services.
Tolu Olubunmi ’02, One of “15 Women Changing the World,” to Speak at W&L
Olubunmi is an entrepreneur and global advocate for migrants, refugees, and internally displaced people. Her talk, free and open to the public, is entitled “When Lions Write: Innovations in Advocacy.”
Marrying Research and Public Service
Zainab Abiza '19 interviews Morten Wendelbo '12 about his research focusing on economic development, humanitarian aid and food security.
By Land, Sea and Air
Marc Nichols ‘98L oversees legal functions at Saab to assure safety of domestic travelers and the military.
Where’s the Beef?
Stephanie Lind ’92 is on a mission to change the way people think about and eat meat.
The Alchemist
Sean Fowler ’99 makes the taste buds sing with his Southern-inspired cuisine.
Please, to the Table
What’s for dinner? Entrepreneurs Emily Golub ’06 and Mary Drennen ’02 have the answer: online food kits.
Helping the Homebound
R. Alan Winstead ’85 is a driving force for the Meals on Wheels program in his community.
W&L Alumnae Recognized for M&A Work
Three Washington and Lee alumnae and lawyers, two from the law school and one from the college, have been recognized for their work in the legal field of mergers and acquisitions.
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.
Setting Goals, Improving Lives
At the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, Zabriawn Smith ’14 helps others regain a focus on their futures.
‘A Big Optimist’
Lewis Perkins '93, the self-described “liberal arts kid” who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award at his 25th reunion in April, nurtured his creative spirit at W&L. Now he brings that spirit to a nonprofit that encourages sustainability.
Women Watching Wall Street
Alumnae business reporters recently visited W&L to offer advice and invite students to lean in and learn.
Santa’s Helper
Ron Ginder '75 isn't one of Santa's elves; he's a thoughtful alumnus who makes 800 wooden toys each year for Rockbridge-area children.
Bridge Dedicated to W&L Veteran
A bridge in Maryland has been named for Cpl. Chris Coffland ’88, who died in Afghanistan in 2009.
The Art of a Second Shot
Max Adler ’04, editorial director at Golf Digest magazine, used golf and art to facilitate the release of a wrongfully convicted man.
The Art of ‘Survivance’
Joel Bernstein ’57 brings his passion for Native American art to W&L with a groundbreaking new exhibition.
W&L Law Alumnae Honored for Pro Bono Work
Amy Conant Hoang ‘13L and Krystal Swendsboe ‘15L were recognized for their efforts in pro bono work.
A Poetic Conversation on Women’s Health
Sarah Helms '15 shares her documentary on the beauty and hardships of rural Nepal at the 14th National Symposium of Theater and Performance Arts in Academe.
A World of Knowledge
Peter Strasser '79L brings a wealth of government and international experience to his new position as U.S. Attorney.
Two Distinguished Alumni to Receive Awards at Five-Star Festival
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year’s Distinguished Five-Star Alumni Award winners. The recipients will receive their awards during this weekend's Five-Star Festival.
Rebecca Makkai ’99 Produces Another Page-Turner
Her latest novel, "The Great Believers," was a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction and was one of three finalists for the Pulitzer Prize in fiction.
Debbie Tang ’03L Named to Washington Business Journal 40 under 40
Tang is a partner in minority-owned executive search firm Bridge Partners where she works to increase diversity in executive positions and on company boards.
What’s a YAC and How You Can Be One Too
If you are a younger member of our alumni community and wondering how you can get involved with the law school, our Young Alumni Council, or YAC, is the answer.
A Natural Inclination
As a senior ecologist with Trihydro Corp., Jana Heisler White '98 works on environmental protection and remediation.
Charles Grant ’91L Named Board President of Tennessee Legal Aid Society
Grant will serve as board president of Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, the state’s largest nonprofit law firm.
Two Law Alumni Named 2018 Leaders in the Law
Channing Martin '75, '79 and Marie Washington '03L have been named to the 2018 class of Leaders in the Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
Championing Land Conservation
A passion for the outdoors led Taylor Cole '75 to launch a second career as co-founder of Conservation Partners in Lexington.
Into the Storm
Caroline Schmidt '13 volunteered for the Red Cross during 2017's horrific hurricane season.
Three W&L Law Alumni Make Listing of Most Influential Black Lawyers
Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Lawyers of 2018 includes Kevin Clunis '93L, Ashley Taylor '93L and James Williams '98L
From Politics to Park Ranger
Studying the unlikely combination of geology and politics prepared Nova Clarke ’96 for a career as an award-winning environmental educator.
State Bar of Michigan Names Katie Abplanalp Brown ’05, ’11L Outstanding Young Lawyer
The award recognizes a lawyer under the age of 36 who has demonstrated an overwhelming commitment to public service, service to the bar and exceptional leadership.
Gear Up
Gonz Ferrero ’04 and Lenny Enkhbold ’17 blend their shared concern for the environment with a dash of business savvy to promote eco-friendly outdoor wear.
Opting for the Unknown
Bob Chandler ’92 charts his own course as co-owner of omnichannel retailer Tactics.
Designing for the Future
For award-winning San Francisco architect Olle Lundberg ’75, sustainability is no trend — it is intrinsic to his profession.
From the Heart
Mary Celeste Beall ’99 combines traditions of Southern hospitality with locally sourced foods.
What Makes A Great Leader?
As a Presidential Leadership Scholar, Dana Bolden '89 discussed effective leadership styles with Presidents Bush and Clinton.
A Powerful Connection
Gerry Barousse '80 helped found the Bayou District Foundation, which is developing a community that replaced a flooded housing development in New Orleans.
A ‘Dream Act’
Tolu Olubunmi ’02 speaks up for immigrants and refugees.
Helping Kids Bounce Back
Dr. Daniel “Trey” Lee ’98 leads groundbreaking research and clinical trials of immunotherapy treatments to fight pediatric cancers.
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.
Making Space for Women
Ali Greenberg ’13 has opened a flexible workspace and social club in Richmond that emphasizes community for women and gender minorities.
A Leap of Faith
Ollie Cook '60 and wife, Sharon, discover the rewards of adopting a senior dog.
Chip Mahan ’73 Recognized for Business Acumen
Mahan, CEO and chairman of Live Oak Bank, was recently profiled in the Wilmington, North Carolina-area media.
Law Alumni Honored by Anti-Defamation League
Washington and Lee law graduates Chris Wolf ‘80L and Joe Brown ‘68L have been honored for their work by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Authenticity in Leadership
A conversation with W&L trustee Brodie Riordan '03 about leadership, and the importance of diversity on the board and in the student body.
The Defender: Dan Goldman ‘11L to Lead Northern Virginia Capital Defense Office
Goldman is the first W&L alumnus to lead one of Virginia's four regional capital defense offices.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2018 Reunion Celebration
Parker Denaco '68L, Howard Wall '83L, and Matney Rolfe '14L were honored for their contributions to the law school.
Greg Hunt ’97 Honored for Counterterrorism Work
The FBI agent credits his father, the Honor System and his W&L education with shaping his career.
A Voice for the Homeless: Sam Petsonk ’13L in the Spotlight for Advocacy Work
For those who remember W&L Law alumnus Sam Petsonk '13L, they will not be surprised by the recent feature in WV Living detailing his work for the homeless population of Charleston.
‘I Have Been a Very Lucky Man’
John Gulick '63, who served as a Navy SEAL in Vietnam, was on the wrong end of an ambush about one week after his arrival in country.
A Time to Heal
Bruce Rider '66, who served as an Army intelligence officer in Vietnam, was moved to write this essay on the occasion of his 20th reunion.
Alumni Weigh in on Vietnam Anniversary
Alumni who served react to the Fall 2017 alumni magazine article about the war, and share some of their thoughts about that time.
Breaking the Rules in Journalism
In a recent visit to campus, Alisha Laventure ’09, a television news anchor in Dallas, told journalism students about how a national story became personal.
Kenn George ’70 Named Ambassador to Uruguay
George served in the Texas state house from 1999 to 2003.
Off the Beaten Path
From corporate big-law to outdoors gear connoisseurs, Ferrell & Koral Alman (‘12L) demonstrate the versatility of a W&L legal education.
Tapping into the Dot-Com Boom
Bob Chandler ’92 charted his own course as entrepreneur co-owner of omni-channel retailer Tactics
2018 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners Announced
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award winners. The recipients received their awards during Alumni Weekend, April 26 - 29, 2018.
Character Counts
Austin Brown '13L shares the real secret to success as a player-agent with Creative Artists Agency.
Sculpting a Business
Sloan Evans ’99 and Rhett McCraw ’07 credit their liberal arts education with helping them build a strong foundation for their careers.
Strohsacker ’06 Leads Eagles PR Team into Super Bowl LII
Brett Strohsacker ’06, who played soccer and majored in mass communications at W&L, has worked his way to the top of the Philadelphia Eagles PR team.
W&L’s Repertory Dance Company to Perform in NYC
Students and alumni members of the award-winning W&L Repertory Dance Company will perform in NYC the last weekend in Jan.
Hot Soup for a Cool Cause
Through her catering business, Jenny Elmes '91 has supported the Souper Bowl fundraiser for Campus Kitchen at W&L since 2013. This year's event is Jan. 28 in Evans Dining Hall.
Finding Her Niche
Kelly Douma ’16 is on track to complete her doctorate in early modern German history and women’s studies by 2021.
Curiosity Leads to Passion
The Shepherd Poverty Program put Brent Beshore '05 on a different career path than the one he imagined.
Taking Flight
As public information specialist for the airport in Austin, Texas, Kaela Harmon ’05 combines data analysis with creativity for the aviation industry.
A View from the Cockpit
Capt. Clay Shaner ’04 left investment banking to fly the unfriendly skies as a combat pilot.
Made to Order
Ledbury co-owner Paul Trible ’03 designed a hunting shirt that's made to last.
Social Responsibility
Kate Donnelly ’11 is using her education and Shepherd experiences to improve her local community.
She Talks to Animals
For Christine Starer-Smith ’99, a love of animals led to a veterinary career and volunteer service at a remote Dakota reservation.
Outperforming Expectations
Ansel Sanders ’04 seeks innovation in solving public schools’ challenges.
W&L Law’s Stroud Makes Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy
Hernandez Stroud, a visiting assistant professor at Washington and Lee University School of Law and a 2015 law graduate, has landed on Forbes' 2018 list of the top 30 Under 30 in Law & Policy.
Classic Designs
Julie Lawrence '92 mixes old and new materials in her furniture designs.
An Event That Benefits Both Alumni And Students: The 2017 Entrepreneurship Summit
Q&A with Professor Jeff Shay and Matthew Rickert '18 about the 2017 Entrepreneurship Summit.
Bob Trotman ’69: Business As Usual
The sculptor's latest exhibit runs through Dec. 8 at Davidson College’s Van Every/Smith Galleries.
Leadership Informed by Empathy
David Foster ’98 values W&L and the Shepherd Program as a training ground for the country's future leaders
Crystal Doyle ‘09L Promotes Access to Justice with Global Firm DLA Piper
As pro bono counsel, Doyle develops national and international pro bono projects focused on assisting immigrants, promoting women’s rights and combating domestic violence and human trafficking.
Running for Office
If elected, David Thomas ’15 hopes to focus on making local government more responsive to the needs of his community
Ryan Decker ‘09L Helps Empower Entrepreneurs with Airbnb’s Legal Team
Catch up wth Ryan Decker '09L, from post graduate law fellow in Liberia to payments counsel for Airbnb.
Portrait of a Doctor
Dr. George J. Dover '68 was recognized by Johns Hopkins University for his contributions to the field of sickle-cell disease
A Focus on Future Professionals
Alumni Wali and Wendy Bacdayan created scholarships to benefit students in business, nursing and allied health.
Three Distinguished Alumni to receive awards at Young Alumni Weekend
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Young Alumni Award winners. The recipients will each receive their awards during Young Alumni Weekend, September 15 - 17, 2017.
If the Shoe Fits
As head of brand communications for Adidas, Alegra O’Hare ’94 advises young women to 'break barriers.'
Long Live the Glossies
Jeff Hamill ’81 has built a global career in advertising with popular Hearst magazines.
Robby Aliff ’91, ‘97L Recognized for Giving Back to West Virginia
The West Virginia Bar Foundation has inducted W&L alumnus Robby Aliff as one of its Fellows for exemplary service as an officer of the law.
John D. Klinedinst ’71, ’78L Named Winner of 2017 Most Admired CEO Award
John D. Klinedinst, Founder and CEO of Klinedinst PC, was named winner at 10th Annual Most Admired CEO Awards by the San Diego Business Journal.
Andrew Niblock ’97: Living and Working with ALS
His efforts to inspire and educate his community were featured on ABC's "Good Morning America"
Taking Flight
Kaela Harmon ’05 makes the case for airports to by combining data analysis with creativity
Joelle Phillips ’95L: From Acting to Law, to the Head of AT&T Tennessee
Joelle Phillips '95L, president of AT&T Tennessee, talks about her journey from the stage to law school and beyond to become head of a 6000-person division of the telecom giant.
Licensed to Hack
Cory Walker ’15, who graduated from James Madison University with her master’s in computer science and digital forensics, works in cyber security with the government.
Pulitzer-Winning Team Includes Two W&L Alumni
Michael Hudson '85 (pictured) and Scott Bronstein '93 both worked on the Pulitzer-winning Panama Papers investigation, which relied on the collaboration of some 400 journalists around the world.
Civility and Opinion in a Polarized America
Tyler Grant ’12, a graduate of Washington and Lee University and the University of Virginia School of Law, is a regular editorial contributor to several national publications.
Four Distinguished Alumni will receive awards at Alumni Weekend
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year's Distinguished Alumni Award winners. The recipients will each receive their awards at the Generals Assembly during Alumni Weekend, May 11 - 14, 2017. There is still plenty of time to register for the weekend if you haven't already.
In Her Natural Habitat
As director of Iowa State University's conservation camp, Jennifer Schieltz ’08 follows the lives of elk, deer, moose, bears, wolves and mountain lions.
From Army Ranger to Chick-fil-A Owner
Quincy Springs ’02 didn't think college was in his future — until he spent a summer at W&L.
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.
At Home in LaLa Land
Marquita Robinson ’10 loves the uncertainty of life as a sitcom writer for “New Girl.”
Bren Flanigan, World Ambassador
Bren Flanigan ’16 shares his economic skills and American culture as a Peace Corps volunteer.
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.
‘Matching a Person to a Role’: Jeb Brooks ’05
The CEO of a top sales-training company says everyone is in sales.
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.
Sebghatullah Ebrahimi ‘10L: Compliance Officer with Relief International
Sebghatullah Ebrahimi was one of two Afghan law students who came to W&L Law in 2009 to complete a Masters in U.S. Law degree. Now he is back in the U.S. working for an international humanitarian organization.
The Voice of the Maritime Aquarium
Marketing maven Tina Tison ’95 is inspired by tradition and innovation.
On Capitol Hill: Marc Short ’92 to Join Trump’s Staff
President Donald Trump has picked Marc Short '92 to lead his legislative efforts in Congress.
The Intersection of Art and Science: Lauren Sturdy ’11
Finding answers in the space where science and art intersect.
From Craft to Career
As a student at Washington and Lee, Noelani Love ’05 made jewelry for fun and extra income. Today, she has turned that hobby into a thriving business.
‘A Better World’
Kara Karcher '11 is parlaying her studies in poverty and women's and gender studies into a law career dedicated to helping women and children.
David Chester’s Excellent Adventures
David Chester '78 sets intense physical challenges that take him on epic hikes and rides.
Dedicated to Dickey
Ward Briggs ’67 has memorialized his longtime friend, writer James Dickey, with a large donation of Dickey materials to Washington and Lee Special Collections.
A Dream Job and a Landmark Case
As the Secular Society Women’s Rights Legal Fellow for the ACLU of Virginia, Gail Deady '11L works on issues related to gender equality, reproductive rights and LGBT discrimination.
Perks of the Parks
As superintendent of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Sula Jacobs ’00 enthusiastically promotes the virtues of the National Park Service, which turned 100 years old this year.
New Yorker Website Features Film by Lorena Manríquez ’88
A short film by Manríquez has been featured on the magazine's website.
Nominate Your Fellow Generals
The selection committee of the alumni board is seeking confidential nominations from alumni for this year's Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Reading Music
John Donaldson ’92, who returns to campus next week as executive-in-residence at the Williams School, is helping to map the future of the music industry at Pandora Internet Radio.
Slow Down
After the death of his brother, Pierce Owings '06 and his family have lobbied to limit the speeds of heavy trucks on highways.
W&L Connections at Work
Andrew Elliott ’07 used networking with W&L alumni and professors to pursue a career in real estate management and strategy.
Crisis Responder: David Sugerman ’99
David Sugerman '99 combines medicine with social service, responding to crises around the world and training those on the front lines of disease control. He will give a public talk on his career in public health on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m. in Science A214. .
One Fish, Two Fish
Above or below the water, Sasha Doss '13 studies and connects with fish and their environment.
Crisis Responder
David Sugerman '99 combines medicine with social service, responding to crises around the world and training those on the front lines of disease control.
W&L Campus Kitchen turns 10
Ingrid Easton Wilson '06 started W&L's Campus Kitchen, and university employees and volunteers have kept it thriving for a decade.
Annual Law and Literature Seminar to Explore Shakespeare’s “King Lear”
Now in its 24th year, the seminar on Oct. 14-15 will focus on the Shakespeare classic “King Lear.”
Bebe Goodrich ’07
Bebe Goodrich '07 doesn't own a drip coffee maker, but she has built a fast-growing business cold brewing coffee in the tradition of her native New Orleans.
W&L Law Review's Corporate Law Symposium to Honor Professors Johnson and Millon
The Lara D. Gass Symposium will focus this year on corporate law and governance, honoring the scholarship of two of the law school’s longest-serving faculty members, Lyman Johnson and David Millon.
David Hanson ’00
A double major in English and geology, plus a curiosity about the world around him, led Hanson to a career as a freelance writer, photographer and videographer. He is the author of "Breaking Through Concrete: Building an Urban Farm Revival" and producer of the documentary film "Who Owns the Water."
Sherry A. Fox ’06L Named a Leader in the Law
Sherry Fox, an attorney with ThompsonMcMullan, has been named to the 2016 class of Leaders in the Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
Putting Words into Action: The Rev. John Cleghorn '84
In his 2014 Baccalaureate address at Washington and Lee University, “Community and the Common Good,” the Rev. John M. Cleghorn told the graduates: “This place and the people who give it life have prepared you for life beyond the comforting lap of Lexington. More than that, they have given you a rare advantage and a set of privileges that call on you to live and lead extraordinary lives, lives that reach beyond yourselves.”
Over There: Kiffin Rockwell, W&L’s French Fighter Pilot
One hundred years ago this month, Sept. 23, 1916, a young man named Kiffin Rockwell became the first alumnus of Washington and Lee University to give his life during World War I — not as an American doughboy, as you might expect, but as a founding member of the French air squadron known as the Escadrille Americaine, or the Lafayette Escadrille.
Museum of the American Revolution Honors Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest
On Sept. 15, Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest joined hundreds of friends and neighbors at a ceremony for the official opening of the Museum of the American Revolution’s outdoor plaza and the unveiling of the plaque naming the recently completed museum building in the Lenfest’s honor. The museum officially opens to the public on April 19, 2017.
Paten Hughes: Lights, Camera, Action!
Actress and producer Paten Hughes’ dream role would be to play Hillary Clinton. “I find her incredibly interesting,” she said in an interview with The Tulcan Times. In the meantime, the recent W&L French and theater graduate has another project that launched Sept. 9 — “Heirloom,” the debut of a nine-part rom-com web series on Vimeo.
Jon Philipson ’06 Encourages Dads to Lean Out
When Jon Philipson, a top-billing associate at the Carlton Fields law firm, decided to take paternity leave, his "friends questioned my sanity and told me I was committing career suicide," he said in an essay published on the Motto website (Time Magazine). "One asked: 'How do you go from law review editor in chief to tummy time connoisseur?' "
Marine Corps to CEO: John Warren ’03
Lessons learned from W&L and the Marine Corps helped John Warren ’03 create Lima One Capital to make positive impact on neighborhoods.
Matt Simpson ’12 Represents the U.S. at the 2016 Paralympics
Matt Simpson, a 2012 graduate of Washington and Lee University, posted a photo of himself and the U.S. men’s goalball team decked out in their Team U.S.A. uniforms just before the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which runs Sept. 7 – 18.
Matt Simpson '12: The Road to Rio
When Matt Simpson '12 rang in the new year of 2016, he knew it was going to be one that would change his life. "It's a big year; it's really here," he said. Simpson has been working toward this year since he was 10 years old and joined his first goalball team. In September, he […]
Flood Relief: James McCullum ’15 Lends a Hand
When the floodwaters from the August storms in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, finally receded, James McCullum was one of many volunteers to head to the devastated region. A member of the Maryland-based Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team, he connected with the St. Bernard Project to help gut homes damaged by the flooding.
Food for Thought: Robyn O’Brien ’93 on #epigate
“Food allergies are not a niche,” said Robyn O’Brien, a 1993 graduate of Washington and Lee University and founder of the AllergyKids Foundation. “It is a growing epidemic that is challenging how we think about our food and how it is made. Genetic factors don’t change this quickly, environmental factors do. Are we allergic to food or to what’s been done to it?”
Unleashing the Girl Effect: Stuart Hogue ’96
Stuart Hogue '96 believes in the power of girls to end global poverty.
International Health Care: Nicole Gunawansa ’14
Nicole Gunawansa ’14 is passionate about delivering health care to marginalized patients.
Advocating for Opportunity: Cynthia Cheatham ’07
Cynthia Cheatham '07 finds purpose in a variety of settings as she advocates for underrepresented communities.
Young Alumni at Work: Thomas Day ’15
After majoring in biochemistry, religion and music composition at W&L, Thomas Day took his skills to help people at their most vulnerable point in life. .
A Tale of Two Cities: Kristine Kilanski ’07
Kristine Kilanski ’07 looked at the "invisible" side of Austin through the eyes of another to contribute to a book about inequality in the city.
Returning Home: John X. Miller ’77
John X. Miller '77, managing editor of Winston-Salem Journal, adds his name to the city's list of 'firsts.'
Venture Forth: Mike Wilner ’13
Mike Wilner '13 is on the fast track as a young entrepreneur.
Trail Blazer: Gabrey Means ’92
Experiential marketing puts Gabrey Means '92 and her clients in unexpected places.
Ready for Launch: Elizabeth Robertson ’01
Elizabeth Robertson '01 takes childhood fascination with space to a career creating parts for rocket engines.
Inspired by Creativity: Amber Cooper ’12
Amber Cooper '12 brings her passion for creativity and communications to her marketing career.
Teacher and Entrepreneur: Cliff Holekamp ’96
Through teaching and practice, Cliff Holekamp '96 is reinventing St. Louis with entrepreneurship.
More than Numbers: Amy Bohutinsky ’97
Zillow COO Amy Bohutinsky '97 shares her expertise with students at AdLib 2016.
Producing News: Maggie Voelzke ’15
Maggie Voelzke '15 gets her start in television as a news associate in CNN's Washington, D.C. Bureau.
Alumni at Work: Christine Balistreri ’11
The Long Road to Facebook.
Paying it Forward: Katie Baird ’10
Katie Baird '10 connects with students interested in consulting careers.
Tom Wolfe ’51 on the Gift of Gab
Tom Wolfe poses an interesting question in his newest book, “The Kingdom of Speech”: Why can’t science explain the origins of human language?
W&L Alumna Linda Klein ‘83L Named President of the American Bar Association
Linda Klein, a 1983 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, becomes the seventh W&L Law alumnus to lead the ABA.
Working the National Conventions
W&L was well represented by five alumni and one current undergraduate working at the Republican National Convention, held July 18-21, in Cleveland. One week later, Jake Barr ’16 worked the Democratic National Convention, held July 25 -28 in Philadelphia.
Pull the Plug
The eight-year relationship between Kelly Evans, a 2007 graduate of Washington and Lee University, and Twitter is over. She also dumped Facebook and Instagram.
Jackie Coleman '08 Applies Art History to Event Commerce
If you’re interested in the inner workings of an event commerce company — and especially if you’re interested in a great way to use that liberal arts degree — check out this interview in the Chicago Tribune with Jackie (Neilson) Coleman, a 2008 graduate of Washington and Lee University. She is the senior product manager at Eved, in Chicago.
Jenny Elmes '91 Is Good and Green
Jenny Elmes, a member of Washington and Lee University’s Class of 1991, this month received a nice honor for her Lexington business, full circle catering: Top Green Provider for 2016.
A’rese Emokpae '10 Wins “The Voice Nigeria”
During her student days at Washington and Lee University, A’rese Emokpae danced and acted on many a stage at the Lenfest Center before graduating in 2010. Over the past six years, she’s been pursuing a career in musical theater, and now she’s putting her talents to the test by competing on “The Voice Nigeria” TV show.
Headed to Rio
Lynn Symansky ’05 said she has “essentially been trying out for the Olympics” ever since she began competing during college at the top level of the equestrian sport. 2016 is her year.
Robert M. Dees ’84 Appointed to Fourth Judicial Circuit Court
Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointed Robert M. Dees, a 1984 graduate of Washington and Lee University, to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court.
Erika Hagberg ’97: Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Hagberg says the philosophy at Google, where she is head of food and beverage advertising, is to avoid complacency.
Kelli Carpenter Fleming ’03 Named a Rising Star of Health Care
Kelli Carpenter Fleming, a 2003 graduate of Washington and Lee University, has been named to the Birmingham Business Journal’s Rising Stars of Health Care list for 2016.
Ciao to Prizewinning Author Matthew Neill Null ’06
Matthew Neill Null, a member of Washington and Lee University’s Class of 2006, will soon be practicing his craft — fiction writing — in Rome. Last month he won the Joseph Brodsky Rome Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Erika Hagberg ’97 builds relationships with customers as head of food and beverage advertising for Google.
Building a Brand Overseas
Kate Boe ’13's business is filling a gap in the baby-food business in China.
Utah Lt. Gov. and W&L Law Alumnus Spencer Cox ‘01L Receives National Attention for Orlando Vigil Speech
Spencer Cox, a 2001 graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law and Lt. Governor of the State of Utah, is receiving national attention for a speech he delivered on Monday in Salt Lake City at a vigil for the victims of the Orlando shooting.
Bren Flanigan ’16 to Serve in the Peace Corps
Bren Flanigan, a 2016 graduate of Washington and Lee University, will be putting his B.A. in economics and global politics to work with the United Nations over the summer before he departs for his posting with the Peace Corps, as a community economic development advisor in Benin.
Ryan Welsh '10 Named An Emerging Leader in Transaction Banking
The Bankers’ Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT) has named Ryan Welsh, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2010, an Emerging Leader in Transaction Banking.
Alumni Chapters Keep University Connections Strong
Washington and Lee’s Alumni Association works tirelessly to keep far-flung members of the university community informed and connected once they leave campus. While the association provides significant programs and communications for alumni, parents, students and friends, it is only through its vibrant and extensive chapter program that this community can be fully involved and play […]
A Q&A With Patsy Doerr '90 on Corporate Social Responsibility
Is there a connection between corporate social responsibility and a company’s return on investment? According to Patsy Doerr, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1990, the answer is very much a yes.
William Toles ’92, ‘95L Named Top Lawyer in Dallas
William Toles, a 1992 graduate of the College and a 1995 graduate of the School of Law, was named a “Best Lawyer in Dallas” by D Magazine.
Robert E. Lee Davies Named Senior Judge for Tennessee Supreme Court
Robert E. Lee Davies, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1979, has been named senior judge for the Tennessee Supreme Court. In this position, he will hear cases in which other judges cannot serve because of a conflict, or in courts where there is a vacancy.
School of Law Honors Graduates at 2016 Commencement Ceremony
The Washington and Lee University School of Law celebrated its 161st commencement on Saturday, May 7, awarding 93 juris doctor degrees.
Ruscio Addresses Opening Assembly at Alumni Reunions
Dr. Kenneth P. Ruscio, president of Washington and Lee, gave the keynote talk at the University’s annual Alumni Reunion Weekend Opening Assembly on April 28, in Lee Chapel. He spoke on “A Timeless Trust.”
W&L Celebrates Distinguished Alumni and Sets Reunion Records
Washington and Lee University bestowed its Distinguished Alumni Awards on four graduates during its annual Alumni Weekend, April 28-May 1. The presentations came on April 30, during the annual meeting of the Alumni Association.
Taylor Crothers ’93 Curates Pop-up Exhibition of Dave Mathews Band Photographs
One of the first bands Taylor Crothers covered as a freelance photographer was the Dave Mathews Band, when it was new to the music scene in Charlottesville, Virginia, in the early 1990s.
Gail Deady ’11L Represents Transgender Student in Virginia Restroom Case
Gail Deady, a member of the law class of 2011, played a role in the landmark Title IX ruling issued recently by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2016 Reunion Celebration
Walt Kelley ’77, ‘81L received the Outstanding Law Alumnus award and Neil Millhiser ‘11L received the 2016 Volunteer of the Year award.
W&L Alumni Win National Science Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowships
Four Washington and Lee University alumni have received pre-doctoral graduate research fellowships from the National Science Foundation. In addition, four alumni and one student received honorable mentions.
Michael Missal Confirmed as Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs
On Tues., April 19, the Senate unanimously confirmed Michael Missal, a 1978 graduate of Washington and Lee University, as the next inspector general of the troubled Department of Veterans Affairs.
Joseph S. Keelty '44, Emeritus Trustee and W&L Benefactor, Dies at 93
Joseph S. Keelty, an emeritus trustee and member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1944 who established a scholarship at W&L and donated generously to myriad other priorities at the university, died April 10, 2016, at the age of 93.
Chuck Lane ’63 Reminisces About Working for Lombardi
Fifty years ago, Chuck Lane, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1963, became the public relations director for the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi.
Cvent Founder and CEO Reggie Aggarwal to Deliver W&L Law Commencement Speech
Aggarwal graduated in 1994 and is currently the founder and CEO of Cvent, a publicly traded technology company on the NYSE with more than 2,000 employees worldwide.
Bill McKelway '70 to be Inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Bill McKelway, a 1970 graduate of Washington and Lee University. On April 7, at a festive ceremony in Richmond, the veteran newspaper reporter is being inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame. Bill started working at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 1971, the year after he departed W&L. Upon his retirement last fall […]
Alisha Laventure ’09 Joins Channel 8 in Dallas
Alisha Laventure, a 2009 graduate of Washington and Lee University, will join Dallas’s WFAA/Channel 8 in July as a weekend anchor for the “News 8 Daybreak” morning newscast.
Artistic Director Dave DeChristopher '75
Dave DeChristopher, a 1975 graduate of Washington and Lee University, has been named the new artistic director at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre in Toledo, Ohio.
Ernani DeAraujo ‘08L Receives Emerging Leader Award from Community Health Organization
Ernani DeAraujo, a member of the law class of 2008 and general counsel at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, was named an Emerging Leader by the Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health Policy.
Thomas R. Shepherd, W&L Benefactor and Emeritus Trustee, Dies at 86
Thomas Ringgold Shepherd, an emeritus trustee, alumnus and significant benefactor of Washington and Lee University, died on March 19, 2016. A resident of Stow, Massachusetts, he was 86.
Danielle Breidung ’13 Named Lowcountry Emerging Leader
The Islands Society named Danielle Breidung, a 2013 graduate of Washington and Lee University, as its inaugural Lowcountry Emerging Leader by its constituent society for the Lowcountry — the Sea Islands Society. She received the award based on her focus on empowering local communities in the Lowcountry through collaborations with human services and other organizations in South Carolina.
W&L Law Alumni Bring Down ‘King of Coal’
W&L Law alumni Booth Goodwin ‘96L, U.S. attorney for West Virginia, and Stephen Ruby ‘06L, assistant U.S. attorney, led the prosecution of Don Blankenship.
Joseph Slights ‘88L Appointed Vice Chancellor of Delaware Chancery Court
Delaware's Chancery Court is widely recognized as the nation's preeminent forum for the determination of disputes involving the internal affairs of thousands corporations.
My Old Kentucky Home
During February, PBS aired Kent Masterson Brown’s ninth documentary film, “The Lincolns in Kentucky,” which chronicles the 34 years Abraham Lincoln’s family lived in Kentucky.
Lara’s Law
Two years ago, Lara Gass, a third-year law student at Washington and Lee University, died when her car crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer truck. Her Saturn had a critical safety defect that prevented her driver-side airbag from deploying.
Auto Recall Bill Named in Honor of W&L Law Student Moves Closer to Becoming Law
The bill, named for Lara Gass '14L, would require auto makers in Tennessee to repair any vehicle with an open recall before selling or renting the car.
Gone Fishing
One of Chattanooga’s biggest tourist attractions, the Tennessee Aquarium, has tapped businessman and 1980 Washington and Lee University graduate Keith Sanford as the institution’s fourth president and CEO.
Follow Me
With the 2016 presidential campaign well underway, we’ve found several Washington and Lee University alumni on social media who are either covering the campaign or part of it. If you’re a campaign staff member or a journalist covering a candidate, please let us know, and we’ll add you to the list.
Craig Wood '84L Receives 2016 William J. Brennan Jr. Award
The award recognizes Wood for his 30-year career as a lawyer and for more than two decades of teaching in the National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia School of Law.
W&L Alumni Named to Birmingham’s Top 40 Under 40
The Birmingham Business Journal has named Bill Fox '05 and Bebe Goodrich '07 to its 40 Under 40 list for 2016.
Analyzing Presidential Elections
Scott Thomas, who double majored in history and journalism from Washington and Lee University in 1977, has been analyzing numbers for a long time.
Lisa Hedrick ’08L Named Richmond Bar Association’s Young Lawyer of the Year
Lisa J. Hedrick, a member of the law class of 2008 and a partner in the firm of Hirschler Fleischer, has been named the 2016 Young Lawyer of the Year by the Richmond Bar Association.
Frank Parsons, Longtime W&L Administrator and Wearer of Many Hats, Dies at 87
Frank Arthur Parsons, who worked in multiple areas of the administration at his alma mater, Washington and Lee University, from 1954 to 1999, died Jan. 28, 2016, in his home at Kendal at Lexington. He was 87.
Peter J. Furey '73: The Farmer's Advocate
Peter J. Furey '73 joined the New Jersey Farm Bureau (NJFB) in 1982 and as executive director has worked closely with farmers and state officials on bills affecting farmers and agriculture in the Garden State.
Long Live the King
He’s head litigator at his law firm, and was named one of the “Nation’s Top One Percent” by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and one of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the American Trial Lawyers Association. At 35, he was unanimously appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to temporarily fill a vacancy on the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
Rich Murray ’71 Inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
Rich Murray, a 1971 graduate of Washington and Lee University, will be inducted into the 2016 class of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
Save the Press
Philanthropist Gerry Lenfest, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1953 and from its Law School in 1955, has made headlines for saving the struggling Philadelphia Inquirer and its sister publications, the Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com.
Her Story: Denisio Truitt ’05
Appearing in the January 2016 issue of O Magazine as one of five inspirational female Instagrammers is Denisio Truitt, a 2005 graduate of Washington and Lee University.
We Saw A Zoo
Charles Mason, a 1984 graduate of Washington and Lee University, is known as “the Alaska guy who doesn’t take pictures of Alaska.” A photojournalism professor at University of Alaska Fairbanks, he prefers to travel and is particularly known for his wildlife photography.
John Fishwick ’83L Confirmed as U.S. Attorney for Western District
Roanoke attorney John Fishwick, who graduated from Washington and Lee University’s School of Law in 1983, was confirmed as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia by the U.S. Senate, and sworn in on Dec. 21, as reported in the Dec. 21 issue of The Roanoke Times.
Variety Obituary Recounts Estrada's “Second Career”
Jorge E. Estrada ’69, a former trustee of Washington and Lee University and celebrated producer of cinema in Argentina, died Dec. 9 at age 68. Variety, the entertainment industry newspaper, has reviewed Estrada’s international professional accomplishments in an obituary.
A Reminder for Civil Discourse
Bill Brock, a 1953 graduate of Washington and Lee University and chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1977 to 1981, published an op-ed in the Friday, Dec. 11, edition of the Washington Post.
Robert E.R. Huntley, Former President of Washington and Lee University, Dies at 86
Robert Edward Royall Huntley, president of Washington and Lee University from 1968 to 1983, died on Dec. 10, 2015, in Lexington. He was 86.
W&L’s Glasgow Endowment Presents W&L Alumnus Matthew Null Reading from Debut Novel
Washington and Lee University’s Glasgow Endowment will sponsor a public reading by fiction writer Matthew Neill Null on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in Northen Auditorium, Leyburn Library.
Chad Meredith ’04 Named Kentucky Governor’s Deputy Counsel
Chad Meredith ’04, a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Washington and Lee University who went on to earn a law degree as the University of Kentucky’s Bert Combs Scholar, has been named deputy counsel in the office of Kentucky Governor-Elect Matt Bevin ’89.
Jennifer Peszka ’94 Named Arkansas Professor of the Year
Jennifer Peszka, a member of Washington and Lee University’s Class of 1994 and a psychology professor at Hendrix College, has been named the 2015 Arkansas Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
James N. Falk ’77 Named Outstanding Fundraising Executive
James N. Falk, a 1977 graduate of Washington and Lee University, received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award on Nov. 13 from the Greater Dallas Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals.
On Display: Work by Rives Granade ’01
Rives Granade, a 2001 graduate of Washington and Lee University, has an exhibition of his work on display at Ochi Projects in Los Angeles through Dec 19.
W&L Law Prof Christopher Bruner to Deliver Inaugural Bain Family Lecture
On Nov. 19, Christopher Bruner, the William Donald Bain Family Professor of Corporate Law at Washington and Lee University School of Law, will deliver the inaugural chair lecture on "What Makes a Corporation a Corporation?"
W&L Honors Distinguished Young Alumni
Washington and Lee University honored four members of the Class of 2005 with the Distinguished Young Alumni Award during Young Alumni Weekend, Oct. 23–24: Brent Beshore, Emily Wolfing, Kiersten Salander and Thomas Worthy.
W&L Trustee Emeritus Thomas Hal Clarke Sr. Dies at 101
Thomas Hal Clarke Sr., an emeritus member of Washington and Lee University’s Board of Trustees and a 1938 graduate of W&L’s School of Law, died on Sunday, Nov. 1, in Atlanta. He was 101.
Matt Bevin '89 Elected Governor of Kentucky
Matt Bevin ’89 of Louisville, who attended Washington and Lee with an ROTC scholarship, rose to the rank of captain in the U.S. Army and went on to careers in manufacturing, investment management and medical devices, was elected governor of Kentucky Nov. 3.
Mark Lubkowitz ’91 Named Teacher of the Year
Mark Lubkowitz, a 1991 graduate of Washington and Lee University and current professor of biology at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, received the 2015 Joanne Rathgeb Teaching Award. It is the highest honor bestowed on faculty at Saint Michael’s College.
A Legacy of Love: Liza Haynie Heaton '11
About a year ago, W&L posted the heartwarming story “Love for Liza” on its homepage. It generated an enormous number of hits, and for good reason.
At the Mouth of the River
Recent graduate Leah Gose '15 reflects on her time at W&L and the lessons she's taken away from her four years in Lexington.
DC-Based Privacy Think Tank Future of Privacy Forum Partners with W&L Law
New academic partnership will advance privacy scholarship, create business/academic ties, and Incubate tomorrow’s privacy lawyers.
Chris Collins ’54, Champion Rower
Christopher Collins, a 1954 graduate of Washington and Lee University, returned to Boston on Oct. 17 to defend his title in the Grand Veterans age group at the Head of the Charles Regatta rowing festival.
Annual Law and Literature Seminar to Explore McEwan’s “The Children Act”
Washington and Lee University School of Law will host the 2015 Law and Literature Seminar on Nov. 6-7, exploring the new book from award winning author Ian McEwan.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon to Speak at W&L Law
The Hon. Richard J. Leon, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Columbia, will give a talk titled "Battle Hymn of a Federal District Judge."
WLSO Symposium Explores Stereotypes in Law Practice
This month, the Women Law Students Organization at Washington and Lee University School of Law will host the 2nd Annual Lara D. Gass Symposium on Women in the Law.
Visual Artist Jim Creal Wins Award from Artists' Guild of Spartanburg
Jim Creal, a 1975 graduate of Washington and Lee University, won the 2D Excellence Award from the Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg during its 42nd annual juried exhibition.
William A. Jenks, Professor of History Emeritus at W&L, Dies at 97
William Alexander Jenks, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of History Emeritus at Washington and Lee University, died this past Monday, Oct. 12. He was 97. A 1939 graduate of W&L, he taught at his alma mater for 37 years, from 1946 until his retirement in 1983.
Green Space
It’s been almost 50 years since Penney and A.C. Hubbard started transforming their two-acre garden in Baltimore into what is now recognized as one of the finest in Maryland.
The Man Behind the Camera
Year after year, Patrick Hinely, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1973 and has been the school’s photographer since 1980, has been publishing his favorites in the Annual Fund calendar.
Mike Missal ’78 Tapped As New Inspector General of Veterans Affairs
On Friday, Oct. 2, USAToday reported that Michael Missal, a 1978 graduate of Washington and Lee University, has been nominated by President Barack Obama to be the inspector general of the troubled Department of Veterans Affairs.
Fall Harvest
Three years ago, Superstorm Sandy roared across the Eastern seaboard, devastating vast stretches of the shoreline. In particular, the tall grasses that grow along the Atlantic coast were destroyed, removing a vital protective buffer for the region's shoreline.
Well Read
“I always wanted a bookstore,” said Tyrone Fine Books owner Harry Goodheart in an interview with The Tyron (North Carolina) Daily Bulletin.
Daniel Sharfstein to Deliver 2015 Hendricks Law and History Lecture
The title of Sharfstein’s talk is "Thunder in the Mountains: Chief Joseph’s Encounter with the Administrative State after Reconstruction.”
Annual Supreme Court Preview Examines Key Cases on High Court Docket
On Sept. 28, faculty at Washington and Lee University will discuss several of the most compelling cases on the 2015-16 U.S. Supreme Court docket, including the affirmative action case Fisher v. Texas.
Let’s Talk: The Ben and Morey Show
What can you do with an English major from Washington and Lee University? Ben Oddo and Morey Hill, 2012 graduates of W&L, have put their skill with words to use as hosts of a new late-night-talk-show at Centennial Park Black Box Theatre, in Nashville, Tennessee.
W&L Law Student Newspaper Wins Top ABA Award for Third Straight Year
The Law News, the student newspaper at Washington and Lee University School of Law, was honored again this year by American Bar Association with the Law School Newspaper Award.
Gray Borden ’01 Appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge
Gray M. Borden, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2001, will fill the U.S. magistrate judge’s vacancy created in the Middle District of Alabama after the retirement of the Hon. Charles S. Coody. He will serve an eight-year term and can be reappointed.
Merci, Madame Jennifer
For the past two years, Jennifer Latham Shotwell, a 1995 graduate of Washington and Lee University, and her students at Randolph-Macon College, in Ashland, Virginia, have been involved in an unusual literacy project — writing children’s stories in French.
Alex Maragos ’13 Joins WMAQ-Channel 5 News in Chicago
Alex Maragos, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2013 with a degree in journalism and mass communications, has joined the staff at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5, in Chicago.
Alumni in the Picture: The Millennium Gate Museum Features the Late I-Hsiung Ju
The Millennium Gate Museum at Atlantic Station, in Atlanta, Georgia, which is celebrating its seventh anniversary, has an exhibition of the works of the late Chinese artist I-Hsiung Ju, a former professor of art and artist in residence at Washington and Lee University.
W&L Alumna Linda Klein ‘83L Named President-Elect of the American Bar Association
Linda Klein, a 1983 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, was named president-elect of the American Bar Association during its annual meeting. She will become the next ABA president in August 2016.
Jessica Hopper ’08: ABC News Digital Journalist
Presidential hopeful Sen. Ted Cruz will be covered from all angles this campaign cycle by two Washington and Lee University alumnae. He’s got Rachael Slobodien (’06) (blogged about here) leading his communications staff, and Jessica Hopper (W&L ’08) covering his campaign as a digital journalist with ABC News.
Rachael Slobodien Joins Sen. Ted Cruz’s Staff
Rachael Slobodien, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2006 with a degree in politics and religion, has joined the staff of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) as his communications director.
The John Warner (SSN 785): One of a Kind
Last year, we blogged about the christening of an attack submarine named in honor of John W. Warner, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1949. On Saturday, Aug. 1, it will be will be commissioned at Norfolk Naval Station.
W&L Law Announces Campaign and Annual Fund Success
Washington and Lee School of Law concluded a seven-year capital campaign on June 30, exceeding its $35 million goal by over $2.6 million. The school also set a record for its 2014-15 Law Annual Fund.
Kaylee Hartung '07: Sports Beat
The Roanoke Times caught up with Kaylee Hartung to ask her how her liberal arts education at Washington and Lee prepared her for her job as a sports broadcaster.
Laura Puleo '15L Competes for Miss USA Title
Only a little more than a month after graduating from Washington and Lee School of Law, Laura Puleo ’15L will compete as Miss Virginia for the title of Miss USA on Sunday night, July 12.
Heather Mangrum ’92
Heather Mangrum '92 uses her background in journalism and business to make an impact in the nonprofit sector.
An Honor for Filmmaker Lorena Manríquez '88
Lorena Manríquez, the engineer turned filmmaker who is a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1988, recently received quite an honor from the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) for her film “Ulises’ Odyssey”: the 2015 LASA Award of Merit in Film.
Fan on the Run: Dave McLean ’78 and Paul McCartney
Last week, on June 23, several denizens of W&L trekked from Lexington across Afton Mountain to Charlottesville for a memorable concert by Paul McCartney.
Sunday Morning in Charleston
On Sunday, June 21, just days after nine people were killed during Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Charleston, South Carolina, Kate Shellnutt, a 2008 graduate of Washington and Lee University, attended Sunday service with members of the congregation.
Kaylee Hartung ’07: Live From the College World Series
If you've been watching the College World Series on ESPN, you might have spotted Kaylee Hartung, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2007 with a double major in politics and journalism. This week she's in Omaha, Nebraska, reporting on the 2015 Division I baseball championships.
Digitized Archives of the Ring-tum Phi Now Available Online
W&L’s student paper, the Ring-tum Phi, made its first appearance in 1897 and has, with the exception of World War II, been in print ever since.
Kate Shellnutt ’08 Blogs About the Duggar Family
Kate Shellnutt, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2008 and works for Christianity Today (CT), has been a go-to source on the Duggar Family scandal story. She’s been on CNN and quoted in the Washington Post.
W&L Law’s Danforth Weighs in on Sweet Briar Case
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Virginia breathed new life into the fight to keep Sweet Briar College open. W&L law professor Robert Danforth co-authored an amicus brief in the case.
Liz Berry ’09
Liz Berry '09 pursues a career in dermatology with a unique perspective on patient care
W&L Receives Virginia Bar Access to Justice Awards
Washington and Lee University has swept the 2015 summer access to justice awards given by the Virginia State Bar.
Alumni in the News, May 2015
A roundup of law alumni in the news recently, including gubernatorial appointments, a new U.S. attorney, and VA Lawyers Weekly's "Woman of the Year."
Jim Head III ’64 To Receive the Penrose Medal for Work in Planetary Geology
James W. “Jim” Head III, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1964, will receive the Geological Society of America’s Penrose Medal in Baltimore this November. Head is the first planetary geologist to win the GSA’s highest honor.
Final Exams: Yay or Nay?
It’s the last week of classes at Washington and Lee University, which can only mean that finals are right around the corner. So how well does a final exam actually assess student learning? It’s a question The Chronicle of Higher Education recently asked W&L alumnus Henry L. “Roddy” Roediger III ’69, a professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis.
J. Lawrence Connolly Joins W&L Board of Trustees
J. Lawrence Connolly, of Atlanta, the former CEO of Connolly Inc., a recovery audit accounting and consulting firm, joined the Washington and Lee Board of Trustees on May 15, at its spring meeting, in Lexington. He is a member of the W&L Class of 1979.
For Sumnima Udas ’01, Reporting on the Nepalese Earthquakes is Personal
Viewers of CNN know that award-winning reporter Sumnima Udas will cover with care any story on her beat — India. When she’s reporting on the recent earthquakes in Nepal, however, the 2001 graduate of Washington and Lee University brings extra depth, for she is a native of that country.
Prepare to be Dazzled
A year ago, Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1996, received a commission to write a poem inspired by the artist Jacob Lawrence's "Great Migration Series," now on exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) through September. His paintings cover lynchings, voter rights, riots in St. Louis and the incarceration of black men.
A Haven for Readers
Over the years, Jeffrey Lee and his wife, Ann Martin, have amassed more than 32,000 volumes, centering the collection on Western land, history, industry, writers and peoples. Why? Because they wanted to create a haven for readers like the residential library they once visited in Wales.
School of Law Honors Graduates at 2015 Commencement Ceremony
The Washington and Lee University School of Law celebrated its 160th commencement on Saturday, May 9, awarding 174 juris doctor degrees.
Ben Ersing ’12
Ben Ersing '12 Helps Corporations Create Value for Shareholders and Society
Robin Wood Receives Tradition of Excellence Award
Robert "Robin" C. Wood III, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1962, will receive the 2015 Tradition of Excellence Award from the Virginia State Bar's General Practice Section.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2015 Reunion Celebration
Angelica Light '75L received the Outstanding Alumna Award and William Toles '92, '95L received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Call of the Wild
When an article in the Vineyard Gazette announced that the Hon. H. Gregory Williams, a 1977 graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law, was retiring from the Edgartown (Massachusetts) district court, the online responses poured in.
Mark Eastham ’84
A professor's thoughtfulness changed the course of Mark Eastham's life
Mary Childs '08 to Receive a Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award
Mary Childs, a 2008 journalism graduate of Washington and Lee University, will be honored with a Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award (TDIA) on April 24 as part of the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival.
Betsy Brown ’96 and Cory Allison ’94
Paths converge for two alumnae supporting female-led start-up companies through angel investment partnership.
From Finance to Philanthropy
In the business section of The Huffington Post, Epaminondas Farmakis noted of his past jobs in finance, "Having worked in such a high demand environment where everything was geared for profit got me thinking what a waste of time it was; instead, we should be working to give resources to people who need them the most."
John Christopher ’09
A walk in Nepal helped John Christopher '09 find his passion.
Marry Me?
How's this for a proposal? Robert Uhlman, a 2012 graduate of Washington and Lee University, asked his girlfriend, Samantha, to marry him in a production worthy of a Broadway show.
Speak
Kojo Yankson, a broadcast journalist, author and the host of the “Super Morning Show” on Joy 99.7FM of Ghana, was on the Washington and Lee University campus last week as a presenter at the Media Ethics Institute.
Erika Proko Hamilton ’03
Former All-American tennis player applies skills learned on the court to career in cancer research.
Ann Richard Quandt ’01
W&L alumna finds a career that combines her love of finance with her interest in healthcare.
Guy Caldwell '86 Named a Distinguished Professor
Guy Caldwell, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1986, has been named a University Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Alabama.
Floss Daily
Dr. Guy Merritt was raised in Buena Vista, Virginia, served in World War II, graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1944 and has practiced dentistry in Roanoke, in the Grandin Village area, ever since.
Former W&L Trustee Charles Rowe Dies at 89
Charles Spurgeon Rowe '45, '50L, who served on the Washington and Lee University Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1994, died on Friday, March 13, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 89.
W&L Law Professor Christopher Bruner Named to Bain Family Professorship
Christopher Bruner, professor of law at Washington and Lee University School of Law, has been named as the inaugural holder of the William Donald Bain Family Professorship of Corporate Law.
Carol O'Kelley '91 Named CEO of Salesfusion
Washington and Lee alumna Carol Dannelly O'Kelley '91 was recently named chief executive officer of Salesfusion, a cloud-based marketing automation vendor that works in conjunction with customer relationship management software systems such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Sugar and Salesforce.
Washington and Lee School of Law Celebrates 40 years of Women Graduates
Washington and Lee University School of Law, in conjunction with the Women Law Students Organization, is proud to announce the 1st Annual Lara D. Gass Women in the Law Symposium.
Jennifer Agiesta ’00 to Give Talk on Changing Nature of Polling
Jennifer Agiesta, director of polling and election analytics at CNN, will give a talk at Washington and Lee University, on Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. in the Hillel House multipurpose room.
Team Nancy or Team Tonya?
It started when Matt Harkins, a 2009 graduate of Washington and Lee University, and his roommate Viviana Olen watched the ESPN documentary "The Price of Gold" about the 1994 ice-skating scandal involving Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding.
Small Orders Mean Big Business
Replenish—that's a word Chip Tompkins '73 uses on the website of his printing business, We Think In Ink. It refers to an initiative he started a couple of years ago to plant a tree for every one used to fulfill a print job.
Jonathan Wortham ’04
In January 2015, Dr. Jonathan Wortham '04 spent four weeks in Sierra Leone, one of several West African countries hit hard by the largest Ebola epidemic ever recorded. As a medical officer with the Outbreak Investigators Team at the Centers for Disease Control, in Atlanta, he provided epidemiologic assistance and support to the Ministry of Health and other international partners involved in the Ebola response.
John W. Folsom '73 Receives the Tom Richardson Award
Last year, we blogged about John W. Folsom, a trustee emeritus of Washington and Lee University and president and CEO of Colliers International South Carolina, who was honored by the United Way for his humanitarian work. He has received yet another important award—the 2014 Tom Richardson Award, the highest honor that Colliers bestows and a testament to Folsom's character and commitment to helping others.
Mark A. Bradley '78 Receives 2015 George Pendleton Prize
Last Fall we blogged about Mark A. Bradley's visit to the Washington and Lee University campus to talk about his book "A Very Principled Boy: The Life of Duncan Lee, Red Spy and Cold Warrior" (2014).
Young Leaders in Birmingham
Two Washington and Lee University alumni have made the list of Birmingham Business Journal's Top 40 under 40. Mary Drennen, W&L class of 2002, and Tripp Watson, W&L Class of 2007, were identified as leaders and distinguished individuals of the city.
The Hon. Jerrauld C. Jones ’80 Receives Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award
On Friday, Feb. 13, The Hon. Jerrauld C. Jones, a 1980 graduate of the Washington and Lee University School of Law, received the 2015 Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award from the The Virginia State Bar Criminal Law Section. Jerrauld sits on the Circuit Court of the City of Norfolk.
Brant Hellwig Named Next Dean of W&L Law
Washington and Lee University President Kenneth P. Ruscio has announced the appointment of Brant Hellwig, professor of law at Washington and Lee University and an expert in the field of federal taxation, as dean of the W&L School of Law, effective July 1, 2015.
A Distinguished Friend of Oxford University
"Honored, flattered and absolutely floored" is how Ralph Smith, a 1973 graduate of Washington and Lee University, described his reaction to being named a Distinguished Friend of Oxford University (DFO). The awards ceremony will take place in June.
Playing the Blues
Blues guitarist and historian Scott Ainslie, a 1974 graduate of Washington and Lee University, has released a new album, "The Last Shot Got Him," featuring songs by Robert Johnson, Fats Waller, Irving Berlin and even Disney.
A Beautiful App
Who has time to call around to get an appointment to the spa or salon? Not Kathleen Baird Jennings, a 2002 graduate of Washington and Lee University, who took matters into her own hands and created an app (similar to OpenTable or Kayak.com) so customers could make reservations on their smartphone.
G. William Whitehurst ’50 Named Norfolk’s First Citizen in Civic Affairs
Former U.S. Rep. G. William Whitehurst, a 1950 graduate of Washington and Lee University, will receive the 2014 Distinguished Service Medal as Norfolk's First Citizen in Civic Affairs. The award will be presented March 7 at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club.
Sarah Feinberg ’99 Named Acting Federal Railroad Administrator
Sarah Feinberg, who graduated in 1999 from Washington and Lee University with a degree in politics, has been named acting head of the Federal Railroad Administration, which regulates freight and passenger service on the national network.
Paying it Forward
Kendré Barnes, a 2013 graduate of Washington and Lee University, is living and teaching English in David, Panama, as a Fulbright Teaching Assistant at La Universidad Autonoma de Chiriqui.
An Urban Legend
While all eyes were focused on the Super Bowl this past weekend, James Urban ’96, the Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers coach, was involved with a more modest sporting event.
Future Generals
It's never too early to start talking to kids about college, and Sarah Catherine Welch, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2011, introduced her students at St. Peter Claver School in Decatur, Georgia, to her alma mater via a virtual tour on Smartboard.
Picture Perfect
While Tony Walker '64 visited campus this past fall for his 50th reunion, he stopped by the University's art collection in the Kamen Gallery in the Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts. The Western theme struck a chord with him, and he decided to give W&L a contemporary painting of a Western landscape by Vermont-based artist David Brewster.
Roger Mudd '50 Accepts Philanthropy Award from the Council of Independent Colleges
Roger H. Mudd, a 1950 graduate of Washington and Lee University and an award-winning journalist, received the Award for Individual Philanthropy from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) at its annual awards banquet Jan. 6 in San Diego, California. Watch the video and transcript of his acceptance speech.
George Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Alumnus and Honorary Degree Recipient, Dies at 97
George Evans Goodwin Jr., a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and public relations executive who received an honorary doctor of letters from W&L in 1997, died on Jan. 21 at his home in Atlanta.
Ringing in the New Year
Chris Volk, a 1979 graduate of Washington and Lee, rang in the new year—literally. He visited the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 2 to ring the opening bell of 2015 and to celebrate the recent listing of his company, STORE Capital Corp., on the exchange.
Citizen of the Year
Over the years, Marie Washington, Washington and Lee School of Law Class of 2003, has made her mark on her hometown of Warrenton, Virginia. Her efforts as an attorney, advocate for mental health services, animal lover and volunteer to numerous non-profits secured her the honor of Citizen of the Year as bestowed by the Fauquier Times.
n00b Eyes
Christian Martine, a 2014 graduate of Washington and Lee University, landed his first job out of college at Facebook.
Q&A with Actor Kevin McClatchy '85
The Columbus Monthly magazine interviews veteran actor Kevin McClatchy, Washington and Lee University Class of 1985, on playing Prospero, portraying characters outside his comfort zone and working with his theater students. You can read the December 2014 interview online.
Christina Lowry ’14
U.S. Army Chemical Corps, Fort Drum, NY
Roy L. Steinheimer Jr., Former W&L Law School Dean, Dies at 98
Roy Lee Steinheimer Jr., the dean of the Washington and Lee University School of Law from 1968 to 1983, and the Robert E.R. Huntley Professor of Law Emeritus at W&L, died on Thursday, Jan. 8, in Lexington. He was 98. "Roy Steinheimer's deanship was a pivotal one for Washington and Lee's Law School," said W&L […]
Play Ball
Tom Gage, a 1970 graduate of Washington and Lee University, received the 2015 J.G. Taylor Spink Award, which makes him the first W&L alum to be inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame, in Cooperstown, NY.
Jim Mercy ’76
At the CDC, Jim Mercy '76 seeks remedies to address a serious problem.
Darby Shuler ’14
Peace of mind. That's what Darby Shuler '14 wants to provide amputees in El Salvador.
Alumna Awarded Stipend for Research on the Struggles of Teenage Girls
The Rev. Emily Peck McClain, a 2002 graduate of Washington and Lee, is finishing up her Ph.D. in Christian education and New Testament at Duke Divinity School, and she's getting some financial support—the American Association of University Women awarded her with a one-year stipend to help her complete her doctoral dissertation.
Gerry Lenfest '53, '55L: 2014 USRowing Man of the Year.
He's not known as a rowing enthusiast, but H. F. "Gerry" Lenfest, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1953 and from its Law School in 1957, felt strongly enough about Temple University's plan to drop its crew program that he donated $3 million to help save it.
Celebrating a Legal Elite
Congratulations are in order for attorney Amos Workman, a 1974 graduate of Washington and Lee, who was honored with the prestigious Tommy Thomason Award by the Greenville (South Carolina) County Bar Association.
Rob Ashford '82 Flies with Peter Pan Tonight
Rob Ashford, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1982, is the stage director and choreographer of tonight's live telecast of "Peter Pan" on NBC.
Moneyball
More money for sports teams means better facilities and better athletes, and David Johnston, a 1991 graduate of Washington and Lee University, is in the business of helping schools maximize their revenues from their athletic programs.
Top Honors for Louise Phipps Senft '88L
Louise Phipps Senft, founder of Louise Phipps Senft & Associates/Baltimore Mediation, received a Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award for the Mid-Atlantic Region. This is the second Top 100 MBE Award for Louise, who was also honored in 2009.
Author John Grisham Turns to W&L Law Alumna for Help with Recent Novel
When famous author John Grisham set about writing his most recent blockbuster, it wasn't long until his research led him to Mary Cromer '06L and the Appalachian Citizen's Law Center.
Keith Sanford '80: Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year
Congratulations to Keith Sanford, a 1980 graduate of Washington and Lee University, who was named Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by the Southeast Tennessee Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
A Thumbs-up From Oprah
A Washington and Lee University alumnus is thrilled to see his company's products appear in Oprah Winfrey's popular and influential 2014 holiday gift guide, published in O Magazine.
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Strawbridge Wins Award for Best Doctoral Dissertation
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Strawbridge, Washington and Lee Class of 2001, received the inaugural Society for Biblical Literature DeGruyter Prize for Biblical Studies and Reception History.
Robert Grey ‘76L to receive ABA Spirit of Excellence Award
Washington and Lee alumnus and trustee emeritus Robert J. Grey will be honored next year with the Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Bar Association's Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession.
Power of the Pen
"He died at a particularly momentous event in a very momentous battle, the largest land engagement of the war, and he died in one of the most critical, if not the most critical spot on the field," said Kent Masterson Brown, a Civil War historian, in an interview with the New York Times.
W&L Law Alumnus Paul Kirgis ‘94L Named Dean at Montana Law
Paul F. Kirgis, a professor at St. John's University School of Law and a 1994 graduate of the Washington and Lee University School of Law, has been selected to lead the University of Montana School of Law as dean.
Catie Fulton Spivey Named Deputy District Director for Texas Representative
Rep. Kevin Brady (r.-Texas) has named Catie Fulton Spivey, Washington and Lee University Class of 2007, as the new deputy district director for the 8th District of Texas.
Judge of the Year Award: The Hon. Pamela J. White '77L
The Hon. Pamela J. White received the Robert M. Bell Judge of the Year Award from the Maryland Access to Justice Commission in recognition of her efforts to "improve the ability of all Marylanders to access the courts or to get legal help in civil legal matters so they can benefit from the rights, protections, services and opportunities that the law provides."
On the Ballot
Mid-term elections are upon us, and a story on the OregonLive website features Caitlin Mitchel-Markley, a 2005 graduate of the Washington and Lee University School of Law, who is running on the Libertarian ticket for the Oregon legislature.
How to Succeed in Business
John Case, the CEO of Realty Income and a 1986 graduate of Washington and Lee, recently shared some of his investing secrets in a San Diego Union-Tribune profile, "A REIT for Steady Income in Good, Bad Times."
Hon. Robert Payne '63, '67L and W&L Law Dean Named Leaders in the Law
The Hon. Robert E Payne '63, '67L, Senior Judge from the Eastern District of Virginia, and Washington and Lee School of Law Dean Nora Demleitner were honored as "Leaders in the Law" on Oct. 23 by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
James W. Jennings Jr. '65, '72L Receives 2014 Excellence in Civil Litigation Award
During this year's annual meeting of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, James W. Jennings Jr., a principal at Woods Rogers in Roanoke, Virginia, received the 2014 Excellence in Civil Litigation Award.
A Toast to Max Shapira '65
Max Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc. since 1996, has been named industry executive of the year by Market Watch, a drinks industry publication.
W&L Photographer Hinely Unveils Two Exhibitions in Germany
Patrick Hinely, University photographer at Washington and Lee University, has two exhibitions of his work opening in Germany this month that flow from his extracurricular passion—photographing jazz musicians.
Taking the High Road
The downtown connector that joins Interstates 75 and 85 at midtown Atlanta and runs south to Hartsfield International Airport has been officially named after one of the city's most influential citizens, Rodney Mims Cook, Washington and Lee Class of 1946.
Jim Head '64 Wins Prestigious Geoscience Award
Last fall, James "Jim" W. Head III '64, the Louis and Elizabeth Scherck Distinguished Professor of the Geological Sciences at Brown University, received the Norman L. Bowen Award for his outstanding contributions to volcanology, geochemistry or petrology from the American Geophysical Union.
Tar Heel Traveler Publishes Second Book
Scott Mason '84, also known to his WRAL viewers in Raleigh, N.C., as the Tar Heel Traveler, has published his second book: "Tar Heel Traveler Eats: Food Journeys across North Carolina" (Globe Pequot Press).
W&L Graduate Directs Play at Lime Kiln
"Spring Awakening," a play produced by (540) Productions, is directed by Washington and Lee University graduate Jenna Worsham '10. The play opened on Sept. 10 at Lime Kiln Theater and will run until Sept. 20.
Submarine Named for Sen. John Warner '49 Christened
It's hard to think of a more fitting tribute to a former secretary of the Navy than having a submarine named for you. That's just what happened this past weekend, on Sept. 6, when former Sen. John W. Warner, Washington and Lee Class of 1949, attended the christening of the John Warner (SSN 785) in Newport News, Virginia.
W&L Alum Joins Alabama Media Group as Columnist
Cameron Smith '04 has been hired as a regular columnist by The Alabama Media Group, a digitally focused news and information company that aggregates news from The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times, Mobile's Press-Register and The Mississippi Press with its own original content.
Alumni, Parents Set Giving Records in 2013-14
Thanks to more alumni and parents giving than ever before, Washington and Lee concluded another successful fundraising year on June 30. The Annual Fund raised $9.32 million, a new record.
Ketchup Goes Gourmet
Matt Wallace '06 and wife Kori Wallace were featured in a recent Washington Post article about their new business making and selling 'Chups, fruit ketchups that they hope will one day be able to compete with Heinz.
From the Magazine: Cybersecurity, Privacy and the Law
Big Data, big questions. Faculty and alumni weigh in on cybersecurity and privacy in the feature story from the summer issue of the W&L Law Alumni magazine.
Big Moves for Two W&L Law Alumnae
Two Washington and Lee University School of Law graduates were featured in the national legal press for major career moves.
W&L Students and Alumni to Perform Aerial Dances in New York City June 12
On June 12, in New York City, student members of Washington and Lee University's Repertory Dance Company will join W&L dance alumni to perform two aerial dances at the Ailey Citigroup Theatre, a state-of-the-art performance space. The show is at 7:30 p.m., and a reception will follow.
Todd Smith '83 Remembered in Reid Hall
Among the many celebrations that marked the third week of May for the graduating seniors, one remembered an alumnus: the late Todd Smith '83.
School of Law Honors Graduates at 2014 Commencement Ceremony
The Washington and Lee University School of Law celebrated its 159th commencement on Saturday, May 10, awarding 126 juris doctor degrees, one master of laws degree, and an honorary degree in memory of Lara Gass.
W&L Celebrates Distinguished Alumni and Record-Setting Reunion Gifts
Washington and Lee University bestowed its Distinguished Alumni Awards on four graduates—an endocrinologist, a lawyer, a financier and a military judge—during its annual Alumni Weekend, May 1–3. The presentations came on May 3, during the annual meeting of the Alumni Association.
W&L Law Honors Outstanding Alumnus and Volunteer of the Year
On April 12 during Alumni Weekend 2014, Washington and Lee School of Law announced the recipients of the Outstanding Alumus/a Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award.
W&L Law Alumnus Christopher Wolf, Pioneer in Internet Law, to Deliver Commencement Address
Christopher Wolf '80L, National Civil Rights Chair of the Anti-Defamation League and recipient of the law school's 2010 Outstanding Alumnus Award, will deliver this year's commencement address during the 2014 graduation exercises at Washington and Lee University School of Law.
Webb '13 Wins Carnegie Endowment
Isaac Webb '13 has been named a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellow for next year, in the Russia/Eurasia program.
W&L Community Honors “A Promise for Kelsey” in D.C. Half Marathon
Washington and Lee students, alumni and parents gathered in Washington on March 15 to celebrate the memory of Kelsey Durkin '14, who died in a car accident on Dec. 3, 2013.
W&L Hosts Third Annual AdLib Conference
Washington and Lee welcomed alumni from the advertising, marketing, public relations, marketing research and social media industries for the third AdLib Conference on March 6 and 7. The goal of the annual conference is to introduce students from all majors to creative careers that they may not have considered, and to teach them how their W&L education prepares them for life after graduation.
Alum Presents New Take on Southern Cuisine
Food writer and consultant Brys Stephens '95 has just published his first cookbook, "The New Southern Table," with Fair Winds Press. It's his take on Southern cuisine, centering on traditional ingredients with an international twist.
Lenfest Honored by Dickinson College
Gerry Lenfest '53, '55L will receive an honorary doctor of philanthropy degree from Dickinson College at its commencement May 18 in Carlisle, Pa.
John Folsom '73 Honored for Humanitarian Work
When it comes to community service, John Folsom '73, a trustee emeritus of W&L and the president-CEO of the commercial real estate firm Colliers International, said, "We all do a better job if we are totally committed to the causes we support."
Emeritus Trustee Ray V. Hartwell III ’69, ’75L Dies at 66
Ray V. Hartwell III '69, '75L, of Anniston, Ala., who served on the Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2009, died on Feb. 7. He was a retired attorney and partner with the law firm of Hunton & Williams, in Washington.
Reporting from Ukraine for Russia!
Alumnus Isaac Webb '13, a Fulbright scholar in Kyiv, Ukraine, has been reporting regularly on the extensive anti-government demonstrations there for the online magazine, Russia! The demonstrations started in November and recently turned violent. He notes that both sides appear prepared to continue the standoff without negotiations.
Another Reason to Appreciate George Washington
As we celebrate Presidents Day this year, alumna Megan Davis '99 reminds us that W&L's namesake, George Washington, was not only the country's first president and an early benefactor of Washington and Lee, but also is credited as one of the nation's first engineers.
New Meaning for a Snow Day
When Roger Day heard about grade school students being stranded in their school buildings overnight during last week's snowstorm that crippled parts of Georgia and Alabama, he decided to help—by singing to the kids.
Brack '62 Takes Readers Behind the Cameras in New Book
While the career of Dennis Brack, a member of Washington and Lee University's Class of 1962, shows you can make a photojournalist out of a history major, his new book, "Presidential Picture Stories: Behind the Cameras at the White House," proves you can't take the history major out of this photojournalist.
Putney '50, '57L Retires from Virginia General Assembly
Delegate Lacey Putney was the subject of a front-page profile in the Roanoke Times on Sunday, Dec. 15. The occasion was the conclusion of his distinguished 53-year career in the Virginia General Assembly, a post he has held longer than anyone.
Alumni Offer Expertise in December Southern Living
Readers of the December issue of Southern Living magazine are enjoying the expertise of two W&L alumni: event designer Calder Britt Clark and cookbook author Alex Hitz.
A Pledge Fulfilled
Washington and Lee alumnus Mike Hughes, of the Class of 1970, died last Sunday (Dec. 15). During the last year of his life, he kept a fascinating blog, which not only featured an autobiographical obituary but also led to a classic W&L story.
John Dean's Documentary Now Showing on CNN
Reading our blog last May about John Dean and "An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story" may have whetted your appetite to see the documentary, which tells the story of an innocent man convicted of the murder of his wife. Now's your chance.
Tom Wolfe Cleans House
Writer Tom Wolfe will have a lot more room in his home library, now that 1951 graduate of Washington and Lee is moving 190 boxes of his papers to the New York Public Library.
Tailgates? There’s an App for That
Sharp-eyed readers of the New York Times may have recognized some familiar W&L names in a Nov. 8 story about websites and apps that help people plan tailgate parties. Caroline Hundley, mother of Hal Hundley, a football player and a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 2014, is a satisfied customer of one of the websites—ourtailgate.com—which is the brainchild of Harry St. John, a member of the W&L Class of 2009.
Alumni Juggle Tech Companies
Two W&L alumni and their burgeoning business are the subject of a nice profile in the Nov. 25 edition of the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat. Stephanie Leffler and husband Ryan Noble, both Class of 2000, co-founded Juggle.com, which serves as an umbrella for companies CrowdSource, RIOmedia and ClickableNames.com.
W&L Law Alum Honored by Judicial Peers
Judge Jack L. Lintner, a 1969 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, received the 2013 Trial Attorneys of New Jersey Professional Lawyer of the Year Award from the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law, in October.
W&L Alum Brands a New Book
After 20 years of building and directing some of the world's largest brands, Washington and Lee alumnus Tim Halloran, "The Brand Guy," is sharing some of his secrets in a new book, "Romancing the Brand," which will be published in January by Jossey Bass/Wiley.
Honorary Doctor of Divinity for Rev. Stephen R. Davenport III '64
The Rev. Stephen R. Davenport III, a 1964 graduate of Washington and Lee, was honored with a Doctor of Divinity degree from Berkeley Divinity School of Yale University last month.
Clearing a Path for Ethics in the 21st Century
Roger Mudd, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1950, writes about ethics and the new Roger Mudd Center for ethics in an op-ed in The Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Washington and Lee Honors Two Distinguished Young Alumni
Jane Ledlie Batcheller and Paul S. Trible III received Distinguished Young Alumni Awards from their alma mater during Young Alumni Weekend.
Another W&L Hall of Famer
Another day, another Washington and Lee alum in a hall of fame. In Thursday's blog, we wrote about the induction of John Bassett III, of the Class of 1959, into the American Furniture Hall of Fame. Today it's Richard Duchossois' turn.
Bassett Honored by Furniture Hall of Fame
Washington and Lee alumnus John Bassett III, of the Class of 1959, has been inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame.
Adweek Features W&L Alum Andrew Keller
That's Washington and Lee alumnus Andrew Keller staring out from this week's cover of Adweek magazine, and the tagline for the story is "CP+B (And K)."
A Gathering of Entrepreneurs at Washington and Lee
More than 200 students and 60 alumni convened in the second annual Entrepreneurship Summit sponsored by the J. Lawrence Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship.
More Honors for Reggie Aggarwal '94L
The honors and awards just keep coming for Reggie Aggarwal, a 1994 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law and the founder and CEO of Cvent, a cloud-based event-management platform headquartered in McLean, Va. Reggie was honored as CEO of the Year by the Washington Business Journal, which selected him from a list of […]
Meagan Miller '96 in Metropolitan Opera Debut
Meagan Miller, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1996, will make her Metropolitan Opera debut on Nov. 16 in the role of The Empress in Richard Strauss' "Die Frau ohne Schatten." The New York Times billed Meagan's pending performance as an "under the radar treat" and noted that "the rising American soprano" takes […]
Unexpected Gift for Bruce Rider '66
After years of having his letters to the editor printed in the New York Times, a Washington and Lee alumnus receives singular recognition.
New Book by W&L Alum Explores Impact of Whitey Bulger on One Family
Bob Halloran, a 1985 graduate of Washington and Lee, has just published his latest book, which tells the story of one of Boston mobster Whitey Bulger's victims.
W&L Alumna Shines in Bucks County
Carolyn Maro Angelaccio, of W&L's Class of 2000, has been named one of "Forty Under 40" in Bucks County, Pa.
W&L Law Alum Named Utah's Lieutenant Governor
Utah native Spencer Cox, a 2001 alumnus of the Washington and Lee School of Law, has been selected by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert to serve as the state's new lieutenant governor.
W&L Alumna Named CNN Correspondent in New Delhi
Sumnima Udas, a 2001 graduate of Washington and Lee, has been with CNN in various roles since her graduation.
Charming Lex Vegas
Better Homes and Gardens singles out Lexington as a charming college town.
W&L Alum Pursues Family's Special-Education Mission
Kentucky's Stewart Home School has in the family of Washington and Lee alumnus Dr. John P. Stewart II '48 for 120 years.
Geology Alum In the News
Bill Barnhart, a member of the Class of 2008, was the go-to expert for media covering the island formed by an earthquake in Pakistan.
Richardson to Give His Inaugural Redenbaugh Professorship Lecture
Lecture focusing on journalism education on Sept. 24 in Northen Auditorium.
Inslee's Sketches Go to Campus
A Washington and Lee alumna's sketches find a place on a W&L first-year student's dorm room wall.
At Home on the Range
Washington and Lee alumna Becca Bolton '12 has been conducting research on bison grazing in Yellowstone National Park.
W&L Honors Three with Distinguished Alumni Awards
Three former Washington and Lee faculty members, all alumni of the University, were recognized during the Five Star Festival.
It's the Real Thing: Alum Pens Coca-Cola Thriller
Murder, blackmail, vengeance, sex and intrigue. Got your attention? They are elements of a new novel by Washington and Lee alumnus Jim Gabler, of the Classes of 1953 and 1955 Law.
Commemorating 9/11
"A Prayer for Peace" was composed by Terry Vosbein, W&L professor of music, in response to 9/11.
W&L Alumnus Honored by ODK
Joe Landry, a 2013 graduate of Washington and Lee, was one of 20 winners of the Omicron Delta Kappa's 2013 Foundation Scholarships.
Back to the Beltway for W&L Alumna
Sarah Feinberg '99 leaves Facebook to become chief of staff at Department of Transportation
W&L Mini-Reunion in Afghanistan
Two members of the Class of 1987 — Cols. Dave Shugart and Paul Schlimm — were together again at Camp Eggers, Kabul, and were joined there by Rep. Joe Wilson '69.
W&L Law Alumna Featured in Roanoke Times
The mental health therapeutic docket introduced by Judge Jacqueline Talevi '83L provides sentencing alternatives for individuals with serious mental illnesses.
W&L Athletic Hall of Fame to Induct Five on Sept. 6
The Hall of Fame Ceremony will be available live on the Generals' website.
Alston Parker Watt To Address Opening Convocation (Watch Live)
Alston Parker Watt will address W&L's 2013 Fall Convocation at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5. She has titled her convocation address "Make It Count."
Alumna's Website Helps Sandy Hook Families
Back in 2007, when a close friend of Washington and Lee alumna Adina Erdman Bailey became ill, family, friends and neighbors immediately offered meals for the family. That is not a new scenario, of course; nor is the issue of how to coordinate all that goodwill so that three lasagnas don't arrive on the same […]
Joining the W&L Brewers
Justin Baccary of Washington and Lee's Class of 2005 prepares to open a new brewery in Denver.
Former W&L Coaches Meet in MLL Semifinals
Cerino coaches Charlotte Hounds; Stagnitta leads Denver Outlaws.
Prolific Writer Sarah Gilbert '95 Founds New Magazine
Stealing Time is a quarterly literary magazine for parents that is based in Portland, Ore.
Cooking Up a Career in New Orleans
Washington and Lee alumnus Patrick Brennan '10 joins the family business with the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group.
Exhibition Features Photography of Kate Cordsen '86
"Ravine" is on display at the Connecticut gallery through September.
W&L Alumnus on HBO's “Hard Knocks”
James Urban '96, a Cincinnati Bengals assistant coach, gets some airtime on HBO's "Hard Knocks."
Successful IPO for Company Founded by Reggie Aggarwal '94L
Cvent, a cloud-based, event-management platform raised $117.6 million in initial public offering.
W&L Alum Qualifies for U.S. Amateur Golf
Golf Digest staff writer Max Adler '04 qualifies for the prestigious tournament.
From Generation Lex to Blundergrads
Advertiser and comic strip artist Phil Flickinger is launching a Kickstarter project to publish a collection of his favorite "Blundergrads" strips as a book, "Higher Learning from Mistakes.
Singing About Mud
A new DVD by Roger Day '85 helps kids learn about the environment.
W&L Law Alumna Named President of AT&T Tennessee
Joelle Phillips '95L is elevated to the top spot after 12 years with the company.
Matt Simpson '12 Helps U.S. Goalball Team to Silver Medal
Washington and Lee alumnus continues to excel in sport for blind and visually impaired athletes.
W&L Alumnus Nominated as Ambassador to Lesotho
Washington and Lee alumnus Matthew T. Harrington, of the Class of 1988, was nominated by President Obama this month to become Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Lesotho. The nomination went to the U.S. Senate on Aug. 1. Matt, a history major at W&L, was a Peace […]
W&L Alum Named Jefferson Fellow
Robert Foster '07 will attend Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
W&L Law Alumna Views Hearing Loss as an Opportunity
Melissa Pignatelli-O'Brien '99L uses her own experience as springboard to advocate for others.
Ashford '82 Wins Raves for “Macbeth”
Washington and Lee alumnus Rob Ashford directs Kenneth Branagh in MacBeth.
Things Go Better with W&L Alumni
Four Washington and Lee alumni convene an alumni chapter at the Atlanta headquarters of The Coca-Cola Company.
76 Months, 2,184 Miles
Hayne Hipp, a 1962 Washington and Lee graduate, fulfills his vow to hike the Appalachian Trail.
W&L Alum Wins Legal Fellowship
Washington and Lee alumnus Rich Cleary, a second-year student at Columbia Law School, has won a summer fellowship from the New York Bar Foundation.
W&L's Selig Moving Monarchs Forward
Washington and Lee alumnus Wood Selig '83 is guiding Old Dominion athletics to new heights.
Alum Rings NASDAQ Opening Bell
Bill Wreaks, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1985, opened the NASDAQ OMX market on June 25.
Tom Wolfe '51 Talks to Costco
Washington and Lee alumnus Tom Wolfe talks of baseball, newspapering and speaking Spanish.
W&L Alum Named President of Louisiana Insurance Brokers
R. Parke Ellis, Class of 1981, is the new president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana.
W&L Alumna Makes Top Arkansas Business List
Mary Elizabeth Whipple Eldridge, a 2000 graduate of Washington and Lee, is profiled in Arkansas Business newspaper as one of the year’s "Arkansas Business 40 Under 40" for her leadership of the nonprofit Ross Foundation.
W&L Alum Assumes Roanoke Judgeship
David Carson, a 1988 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, took the bench in Roanoke this week as a judge on the 23rd District Court.
W&L Alumna Christine Luby Wins USTA Fellowship
Washington and Lee University 2013 graduate Christine Luby, from Gresham, Oregon, has been awarded a U.S. Teaching Assistantship (USTA) fellowship in Austria for the 2013-2014 academic year.
Gettysburg Live!
The keynote speeches in the Washington and Lee Alumni Colleges on the Civil War will be streamed live.
Unique West Virginian — and W&L Alum
Washington and Lee alumnus Perry Mann, '49, '62L, is the author of a book of essays, "Mann and Nature."
Another W&L Alum Named to Bankruptcy Court
Washington and Lee continues to dominate the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia. Roanoke lawyer Paul Black, of the Class of 1982, has been appointed a U.S. bankruptcy court judge by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
From the Classroom to the Operating Theater
In May, Maggie Holland graduated as valedictorian of Washington and Lee's Class of 2013. Only a few weeks later she was scrubbing in on a hysterectomy operation in Antigua, Guatemala. She almost fainted.
W&L Alumna on CBS Big Brother
When the new season of the reality game show Big Brother premieres on CBS tomorrow night, one of the 16 residents of the house will be a Washington and Lee alumna.
W&L's Wayde Marsh Named ODK National Leader of the Year
Wayde Marsh, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in May, has been named the national leader of the year by Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.
W&L Law Alum Reviving Cornbread
So here's an intriguing question: "How does a Midwestern jazz pianist turned lawyer then cornbread baker find himself selling the Southern staple at Brooklyn's most competitive flea market?"
W&L Alumna Founds NYC Green Blog
Earlier this month, a website that focuses on sustainability in New York City made its debut, with Washington and Lee alumna Alden Wicker as its founder and blogger-in-chief.
W&L Alumnus Robert Balentine Honored by Metro Atlanta Chamber
Congratulations to Washington and Lee alumnus Robert Balentine, who has received the Metro Atlanta Chamber's 2013 Business Person of the Year — Lifetime Achievement Award.
New Soap Role for W&L Alum
After many years of taking his cues from executive producers of soap operas, Washington and Lee alumnus Grant Kunkowski will get to play one on a soap opera when he joins the cast of "Tainted Dreams." It begins filming in late July.
Sociology Professor Wins Prize Linked to Her Shepherd Program Internship
Shannon Elizabeth Bell, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Kentucky, recently won the 2013 Robert Boguslaw Award for Technology and Humanism from the Environment and Technology Section of the American Sociological Association.
W&L Law Alum Wins National Award for Writing
Chris Brady, a 2008 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, was honored, along with a colleague at the Denver firm Husch Blackwell L.L.P., with a Distinguished Legal Writing Award from the 2013 Burton Awards for Legal Achievements.
Globe-Trotting Journalist Agnieszka Flak '03
Agnieszka Flak '03 is carving out an adventurous career in journalism, as an energy and commodities correspondent with Reuters. She's about to leave her most recent posting, in Johannesburg, South Africa, with fond and vivid memories of this excellent 2011 adventure: a 5,600-mile round trip from Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam—on a Vespa scooter.
W&L Alumnus Ordained as Deacon
Scott Sina was in the news last month for a couple of rather different reasons.
Zamoiski Honored by Cable TV Pioneers
Washington and Lee alumnus John Zamoiski, of the Class of 1974, was honored last weekend at the 47th annual Cable TV Pioneer banquet, in Washington, D.C.
Triple Crown Anniversary: Secretariat and a W&L Alumnus
As you watch the Belmont Stakes tomorrow, be sure to toast the 40th anniversary of Secretariat's winning of the Triple Crown—he sped to that honor on June 9, 1973.
Getting Real with W&L Alumna's Diet Book
Summer's here, and you may be looking for a way to take off a few pounds —and keep them off. A new book by Lindsay Harris Hill, a 1997 graduate of Washington and Lee, could help.
W&L Alum Honored for PGA Leadership
Charles Robson, a 1972 graduate of Washington and Lee, will be honored by the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association later this month when he receives the organization's Distinguished Service Award.
Makkai ’99 on Visiting Bookstores as an Author
When last we wrote about Rebecca Makkai, a member of the Washington and Lee Class of 1999, we noted her spot on NPR's "This American Life" and her first novel, "The Borrower." Now she's published a delightful blog over at Ploughshares, a literary magazine from Boston's Emerson College.
W&L Bestows Honorary Degree Upon Law Alumna Pamela White
Washington and Lee awarded an honorary doctor of law degree to the Honorable Pamela J. White, a 1977 graduate of the University's School of Law and an associate judge of the Baltimore City Circuit Court for the 8th Judicial Circuit.
W&L Law Grad's Work with Children's Organizations Highlighted
Kerry Wilson, a 1981 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, is the subject of this week's Monday Profile in The Ledger of Winter Haven, Fla.
W&L Honors Three Alumni, Returning Classes at Reunion Weekend
Washington and Lee University presented Distinguished Alumni Awards Saturday to three of its graduates and received major gifts from returning classes during the Generals Assembly, the annual meeting of the Alumni Association in Lee Chapel.
W&L Alumna Keckler Twirls into a New Job
Got a hankering for the Atomic Chili Cheese Dog, a specialty of the Twirly Top, in Gardners, Pa.? Never fear, it will remain on the menu under the new owner—Sarah Keckler, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 2010. Sarah, who grew up on a farm two miles away from her new business, had […]
Georgia Tech Psychology Professor Addresses Aging at W&L
Anderson Smith, Regents Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Georgia Institute of Technology, will lecture on memory and aging on Tuesday, May 7, at 5 p.m. at Washington and Lee.
W&L Alumnus Wins National Award for Columns
The Society of Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi (SPJ) awarded Steve Matrazzo, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1984, its award for "General Column Writing" for newspapers with daily circulations of less than 100,000 and non-daily newspapers.
“My Bright Abyss” by W&L Alumnus Christian Wiman '88
"My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer," the new book by Washington and Lee alumnus Christian Wiman, of the Class of 1988, was released earlier this month and has been garnering lots of attention in the press.
W&L Law Alums Joe Brown ‘68L and Jim Ferguson ‘88L Receive Awards at 2013 Law Alumni Weekend
On April 20 during Law Alumni Weekend 2013, Washington and Lee School of Law announced the recipients of the Outstanding Alum Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Goodspeed '92 Talks Naval Aviation History
Washington and Lee alumnus Hill Goodspeed '92 was featured in an interview on WALA-TV (FOX10TV) for Pensacola, Fla., and Mobile, Ala., earlier this month.
W&L Alum Paul Harrison '93 Takes Over Clayton State Men's Basketball
Washington and Lee alumnus Paul Harrison has been named head men's basketball coach at Clayton State University in Georgia.
Two W&L Alumni Win NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
Two Washington and Lee alumni — Cailin Slattery and Robert Wilson — have received National Science Foundation Research Fellowships.
W&L Alums Reunite for Exhibit in Kamen Gallery
Washington and Lee’s Lenfest Center for the Arts is currently featuring work in the Kamen Gallery by W&L graduates Michael Kopald and Patrick Hinely, both of the Class of 1973. The exhibit, entitled “Recent Work by Two Guys Who Came Back and Stayed,” will continue through June 1.
Morgan '88 Meets the Needs with Nonprofit
Washington and Lee alumnus Jim Morgan '88 has established a ministry to help mobilize people to acts of service.
W&L Alum Recounts His Life in Ballooning
Washington and Lee alumnus Kingswood Sprott '56, '58L, has published an e-book about his experiences as a hot air balloonist.
2,620 Miles and Counting
When Washington and Lee alumnus Billy Webster '79 runs in the Paris Marathon on Saturday (Apr. 7, 2013), it will mark his 100th marathon.
Lacey Putney '50, '57L Announces Retirement from Virginia House of Delegates
Washington and Lee alumnus Lacey Putney '50, 57L, Virginia's longest-serving legislator, will not seek reelection after 52 years.
Michael Hanson '03 Honored by Photo Magazine
Washington and Lee alumnus Michael Hanson is recognized as one of the world's top emerging photographers.
Two Local Alums Reunite for Art
Even if you are not attending Alumni Weekend on May 2–4, you’ll want to see an exhibit by two members of the Class of 1973, both of whom live in Lexington and will be celebrating their 40th reunion. “Recent Work by Two Guys Who Came Back and Stayed” comprises paintings by Michael Kopald and photographs […]
Keel Laid for U.S.S. John Warner
In a ceremony at the Newport News Shipyard last Saturday (March 16), the keel was laid on the USS John Warner (SSN 785), a Virginia-class fast attack submarine named for Washington and Lee alumnus John Warner '49.
“Piggy” Off Broadway
A musical by creator/writer/lyricist Washington and Lee alumnus Richard Rosser '84, "Piggy Nation The Musical," opens at the Jerry Orbach Theater in New York this month.
Alumnus Digs an Archaeological Debate
Washington and Lee alumnus Ted Goebel '86 is exploring the first Americans.
Honor Among Cruciverbalists
Washington and Lee alumnus Neville Fogarty '10 finishes 69th in national crossword tournament — and would have finished higher had it not been for the Honor System.
Distinguished Historian Addresses Phi Beta Kappa Convocation
Elizabeth R. Varon, the Langbourne M. Williams Professor of American History at the University of Virginia, will address the Phi Beta Kappa//Society of the Cincinnati Convocation at Washington and Lee on Thursday, March 14, at 11:45 a.m. in Lee Chapel.
Master LEGO Builder: Nick Tatar '96
Washington and Lee alumnus Nick Tartar has`taken the LEGO building bricks to new levels.
W&L Alum's Play Staged in New York
A "ghost opera with dance" by Washington and Lee alumnus Dave DeChristopher, of the Class of 1975, has been playing in New York during February. "Circle of Haunts" is based on themes from Henry James' "Turn of the Screw" and features appearances of such famous supernatural figures as the ghost of Hamlet's father and the witches of Macbeth. Billed as […]
W&L at the White House
Washington and Lee alumnus Brian Higgins can hardly imagine a better assignment than the part-time gig he’s got as a White House Social Aide.
A Son's Memoir of a Famous Father
As the son of one of America's most famous preachers, John S. Peale, of Washington and Lee's Class of 1958, saw a side of his father, the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, that few others ever glimpsed. John has written about his experiences in a new memoir, "Just How Far From the Apple Tree?: A Son […]
W&L Law Grad Receives Papal Honors
Monsignor Timothy E. Keeney, pastor of St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg and a 1990 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, was recently honored by Pope Benedict XVI who conferred the pontifical honor of Chaplain to His Holiness on him.
Harwood '74, Belt '72 Named to Va. Communications Hall of Fame
Washington and Lee alumni Don Belt '72 and Doug Harwood '74 will be inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame in Richmond on April 11.
Alum Publishes Book about WWII Resistance Fighter
Washington and Lee alumnus Jan Drabek's new book chronicles the life of World War II resistance fighter Vladimir Krajina.
W&L Honors Donors at Dedication of Re-created Benefactors' Wall
Washington and Lee’s re-created Honored Benefactors’ Wall, in the foyer of Washington Hall, was christened last Friday, Feb. 8, during a brief ceremony during the Board of Trustees meeting. The Honored Benefactors’ Wall was established in 1983, with 15 names to start. It contains the names of individuals, corporations and foundations whose gifts to W&L […]
Alumni Offer Expertise in National Op-eds
Two Washington and Lee alumni published op-eds in national newspapers last week. On Feb. 5, Jack Goldsmith, of W&L's Class of 1984, wrote about the United States' need for a "new legal and political foundation" for secret wars in a Washington Post column titled "U.S. needs a rulebook for secret warfare." In Jack's view, "What the […]
One Alum's Round-the-World Adventure
Washington and Lee alumnus Jeb Brooks, a 2005 graduate of Washington and Lee, went Round the World in 34 days — and captured the experiences in a new e-book.
Photographer Neil Johnson '76 Publishes E-Book
Photographer Neil Johnson uses the iPad's retina display to show his photos and tell his story.
Nova Clarke '96 Takes Refuge in New Ranger Post
Nova Clarke, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1996, is a refuge ranger at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, La.
W&L Alumna Helps Refugee Children as UN Worker
Verónica Vaca-Moreno '07 is in charge of external relations and works with donors and fund-raising at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’s program unit in Quito, Ecuador.
Fred Ramsay '58: Priest and Professor Turned Author
A new mystery by Washington and Lee alumnus Fred Ramsey '58 will be published next week by Poisned Pen Press.
Hullie's Photography
Photography of Washington and Lee alumnus Hullihen (Hullie) Moore featured in Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star piece.
Carson Chambers '00 Wins Regional Emmy
Carson Chambers, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 2000, won an Emmy for her work with WFTS-TV, the ABC affiliate in her hometown of Tampa.
Salem Scholarship Honors Jill Bailey Chenet '03
The family of Jill Bailey Chenet, the 2003 Washington and Lee alumna who drowned off the Outer Banks of North Carolina in July, has established a scholarship with the Salem Education Foundation in her memory. Jill graduated from Salem (Va.) High School and taught hearing-impaired students at The River School in Washington, D.C. According to the criteria, which Jill's brother, […]
Ashford '82 Climbs a Hot Tin Roof
Washington and Lee alumnus Rob Ashford directs Broadway's new production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."
W&L Basketball Star Jay Handlan '52 Dies
John Bernard "Jay" Handlan '52, one of the most prolific scorer's in the history of Washington and Lee basketball, died on January 10 in Ormond Beach, Fla. He was 84.
N.C. Judge Will Honor King at W&L Law School
As part of its Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance on Jan. 21, the Washington and Lee School of Law will feature a guest lecture by North Carolina District Court Judge Louis A. Trosch Jr., who has received considerable attention for his methods of avoiding implicit bias in his courtroom. It will be a homecoming […]
No. 1 Contrarians
When the Wall Street Journal named Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity the No. 1 fund in its 2012 Winners' Circle performance ranking of U.S. diversified stock portfolios, it featured the fund managers in the story: two Washington and Lee alumni. Bill Miller, of the Class of 1972, is the fund manager, and Samantha McLemore, of the Class of 2002, is […]
A Forbes Thought Leader: David Petersen '92
Washington and Lee alumnus David Peterson '92 featured in Forbes' Thought Leaders column.
Success Down Under for a “Good Bloke,” Zac White '10
Zac White, a 2010 graduate of Washington and Lee, has been making his mark on the basketball courts in Australia.
A W&L Alum Is Hell on Wheels
Washington and Lee alumnus Mark Richard is an executive producer on the AMC network series, "Hell on Wheels."
Houston Economic Group Honors Fred Griffin '60
Congratulations to Washington and Lee alumnus Fred B. Griffin, of the Class of 1960, for winning the 2013 Quasar Award from The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP).
Electoral College Thriller
Washington and Lee law alumnus Brent Wolfingbarger publishes political thriller set in his native West Virginia.
Evans '07 on the Forbes List
Forbes Magazine has tabbed Washington and Lee alumna Kelly Evans, of the Class of 2007, one its annual list of 30 Under 30: Media — "the next wave of power players in the news and information..."
Former Virginia State Senator Hopkins Dies; WWII Grad of W&L
The passing on Dec. 11 of William B. Hopkins Sr. has produced a substantial profile and an admiring editorial in the Roanoke Times. He was a member of the Washington and Lee Classes of 1942 and 1944 Law. As a respected and successful member of Virginia’s General Assembly from 1960 to 1980, Bill enriched both […]
National Industry Award for Hap Stein '74
Washington and Lee alumnus Hap Stein, of the Class of 1974, chairman and CEO of Regency Centers Corp. received a 2012 leadership award from the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts.
Florida Firm Boasts Four W&L Grads
Four Washington and Lee alumni across three decades combine their talents in a Florida company.
Judge Waugh Crigler '70 Announces Retirement
The Hon. B. Waugh Crigler, a 1970 graduate of Washington and Lee who has enjoyed a long career as a judge, has announced his retirement from the bench.
Moyers '81 Writes New Book About Addiction and Recovery
William Cope Moyers, a 1981 Washington and Lee graduate, has a new book, "Now What: An Insider's Guide to Addiction and Recover," designed to help addicts and their families,
W&L Law Alum Yousri Omar '07L BADC Young Lawyer of the Year
Yousri H. Omar '07L has been selected as the Bar Association of the District of Columbia (BADC) Young Lawyers Section 2012 Young Lawyer of the Year.
Walter Bennett '65 Wins Praise for Civil Rights Novel
"Leaving Tuscaloosa," a new novel by Washington and Lee alumnus Walter Bennett '65, examines the racial tensions of the American South where he grew up.
W&L Law Alum Bob Goodlatte '77L to Chair House Judiciary Committee
U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte '77L has been elected chairman of the House Judiciary Committee when Congress convenes in January.
Allison Ballard, Young Gun
Washington and Lee alumna Allison Ballard, of the Class of 1996, has been honored by West Virginia Executive Magazine as one of the Mountain State's "Young Guns."
Doug Scovanner '77 Earns Career Achievement Award
Doug Scovanner, a 1977 graduate of Washington and Lee, was honored by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal when he received the Career Achievement Award in the magazine's fifth annual CFO of the Year Awards.
W&L Alumnus Named Head of Peddie School
Peter Quinn, a 1978 graduate of Washington and Lee, has been named the next headmaster of Peddie School in Hightstown, N.Y.
W&L Alumna Releases New Album
Singer/songwriter Julie Slonecki, a 2011 graduate of Washington and Lee, has released a new album, "Truth/Ideals."
Mini Reunion at NYC Media Event
Washington and Lee journalism majors Alex Scaggs '09 and Michael Morells '10 joined about two dozen other national journalists who quizzed college presidents, including W&L's Kenneth P. Ruscio '76, during an event sponsored by Arizona State Wednesday night.,
W&L Alumna Named AP's Director of Polling
Washington and Lee alumna Jennifer Agiesta, of the Class of 2000, is the new director of polling for Associated Press.
W&L Alumnus Named President of the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation
Dr. Hughes Melton, a 1989 graduate of Washington and Lee, is the new president of the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation.
W&L Law Alum Parker Denaco ‘68L Wins ABA Labor and Employment Award
Washington and Lee University law school alumnus Parker Denaco ‘68L received the American Bar Association’s Arvid Anderson Public Sector Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year award for 2012.
A Proclamation for W&L Alumnus Bruce Rider
Bruce Rider gets around in a variety of media. A member of the Class of 1966, he was the subject of this blog three years ago about the new Kindle on which Bruce, who’s legally blind, listened to the many published letters to the editors that he sends to the New York Times and other outlets. […]
From Couch Potato to Rising Star: Grant Gish '04
Washington and Lee alumnus Grant Gish, the executive director of 20th Century Fox TV Animation, has been named one of Next Gen 2012: Hollywood’s Fastest-Rising Stars, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
W&L Alums Win Award at Arkansas Law School
Two members of Washington and Lee's Class of 2010 — Jon Brown and Donavon Sawyer — won the 2012 William H. Sutton Barristers' Union Trial Competition at the University of Arkansas School of Law earlier this fall.
W&L Law Alums Win Elections in Virginia, Indiana
Several W&L law alumni were running for congressional office or up for reelection this year.
W&L Alumna's Personal Reflections on Sandy's Destruction
One of the iconic images of Hurricane Sandy's destructive force on the Jersey Shore is the photograph of a twisted, crumpled roller coaster in the Atlantic Ocean. That is the Casino Pier roller coaster in Seaside Heights, N.J. For one Washington and Lee alumna, the image is very personal, indeed. Victoria Taylor's family owns two […]
Saddle Up for Secretariat Stories from a Chenery
Horse-racing fans know the name Chenery–as in Penny Chenery (Tweedy), the woman who shepherded the career of the legendary racehorse Secretariat and is the subject of the recent movie. Washington and Lee cognoscenti know another Chenery–Penny's father, Christopher Chenery, who graduated from W&L in 1909 and served as a trustee from 1950 to 1970. He founded The […]
W&L's Michael Hanson '03 Goes Outside
Washington and Lee alumnus Michael Hanson is profiled in Outside magazine for his photography.
Christian Wiman's Remarkable Essay in The American Scholar
"Mortify Our Wolves," Washington and Lee alumnus Christian Wiman's essay in The American Scholar, is subtitled "The struggle back to life and faith in the face of pain and the certainty of death."
W&L Honors McJunkin '70, '74L at Opening of Global Service House
Washington and Lee University dedicated its Campus Kitchen in memory of Thomas A. McJunkin, a W&L alumnus and former member of W&L’s Board of Trustees.
Karen Haver '91 Talks Up the Arts
Karen Haver is the executive director of the Berks Art Council in Reading, Pa.; a member of the Washington and Lee Class of 1991; and the subject of a detailed profile in the Reading Eagle. She’s making a pitch for the council’s Greater Reading Film Festival, which begins today, Oct. 25, but Karen, who holds […]
World Series Edition
A Sports Illustrated feature on a Maryland High School baseball team's triumph in the midst of tragedy involves a former Washington and Lee player, David Warrenfeltz, of the Class of 1984, whose son coached the Williamsport High School team.
Novelist Tom Robbins Remembers W&L
Novelist Tom Robbins, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1954, remembers the University in a feature story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Hayne Hipp to be Honored in South Carolina
Washington and Lee alumnus W. Hayne Hipp, of the Class of 1962, will receive the Leader of Distinction Award from Leadership South Carolina next month.
Lynn Tavenner '89L Co-Heads Bankruptcy Law Firm
The Richmond Times Dispatch recently featured the work of Lynn Tavenner, a 1989 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, and her firm, Tavenner & Beran, PLC, which specializes in bankruptcy related cases.
There She Goes, Miss Roanoke Valley . . .
Ashna Sharan, a 2012 graduate of Washington and Lee, was named Miss Roanoke Valley on Oct. 13 and will compete in the Miss Virginia pageant next June.
Birney '78 Goes Solar in Style
Washington and Lee alumnus Lex Birney '78 demonstrated his theatrical sidewhen he flipped the ceremonial switch on a new solar array that is helping power Queenstown Harbor Golf Course on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Georgia Newspaper Features Don Childress '70
Washington and Lee alumnus J. Donald Childress, of the Class of 1970, and his company, Childress Klein Properties, are the subject of a feature story that appeared in the Marietta (Ga.) Daily Journal on Oct. 14. Don is the senior managing partner and co-founder of Childress Klein, which has offices in both Atlanta and Charlotte. […]
Evans, McLoughlin Taylor Win Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee alumnae Stacy McLoughlin Taylor, of the Class of 2002 and Kelly Evans, of the Class of 2007, were honored on Friday, Oct. 5, with the 2012 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards.
W&L Alum Heads U.S. Professional Tennis Association
John Embree, a 1975 Washington and Lee graduate and a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, has been named the new CEO/Executive Director of the United States Professional Tennis Association Board of Directors.
Tom Wolfe Documentary Set for PBS
A documentary about the Washington and Lee alumnus Tom Wolfe '51 and his new book, "Back to Blood," will begin airing on Public Broadcasting Service stations this month.
W&L Alumnus Chris Wolf ‘80L Elected to American Law Institute
Christopher Wolf, of the Law Class of 1980, has been elected to the American Law Institute, the most prestigious law reform body in the U.S.
Hollister Hovey '00 Expands Her Design Reach
Washington and Lee alumna Hollister Hovey, of the Class of 2000, has joined with her sister to create a new line of wallpaper for Anthropologie.
Buck Wiley '88 Talks Career Paths with Bloomberg Businessweek
Possessing a B.A., a J.D. and an M.B.A. makes for an interesting journey, from Lexington and Athens, Ga., to Brussels and Moscow. That’s the path taken by Washington and Lee graduate Buck Wiley, of the Class of 1988, and it has led him to a career in investment and to an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek’s “How I Got Here” […]
Beshore's Forbes Blog
Washington and Lee alumnus Brent Beshore '05 has a new Forbes blog all about entrepreneurship.
W&L Alum Vogt Heads Baltimore FBI Bureau
Stephen E. Vogt, a member of the Washington and Lee Class of 1986, is the new head of the FBI's Baltimore field office.
Paris-Style Southern Cooking
Washington and Lee alumnus Alex HItz, of the Class of 1991, publishes a new cook, "My Beverly Hills Kitchen."
W&L's Galapagos Experts
Washington and Lee alumnus Scott Henderson and emeritus biology professor Cleve Hickman talk with WVTF radio about the Galapagos Islands.
Travel/Documentary Photographer Hanson to Lecture at W&L
Michael Hanson, a travel and documentary photographer, will give a talk at Washington and Lee University on Wednesday, Oct. 3, in the Stackhouse Theater at 6 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Mike Allen '86, One of the Powers That Be
Mike Allen, a 1986 graduate of Washington and Lee, has been named No. 19 on Vanity Fair's list of "Powers that Be."
W&L Alum Heads Alabama Chamber
Kirk Mancer, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1984, has recently been named president and CEO of the Greater Shelby County (Ala.) Chamber of Commerce. Formerly president of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Kirk started with the Shelby County chamber in July. The organization encompasses 16 different municipalities plus parts of Birmingham. Although […]
W&L Alumna Honored by Pi Beta Phi
Shiri Yadlin, who graduated from Washington and Lee this past June, has received Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women’s prestigious Amy Burnham Onken Award. The award honors a Pi Phi in her senior year of college who has best lived the organization’s qualities of excellent scholarship and outstanding campus participation and community service during her […]
W&L Alum Joins SNL Writing Team
When "Saturday Night Live" opens its 38th season this weekend, some of the jokes you'll hear will have been written by a Washington and Lee alumnus. Josh Patten, of the Class of 2003, has joined the show's stable of writers. A politics major at W&L, Josh may call upon some of that background, since he'll be […]
Alums Brewing Up Business
Two more Washington and Lee alumni have entered the craft-beer market with Honky Tonk Brewing Co. in Nashville and Smartmouth Brewing Co. in Norfolk.
Legendary Virginia Lawyer William Poff, 1955 Law Grad, Dies at 79
William B. Poff, of the Washington and Lee Law Class of 1955, died on Sept. 5, in Roanoke. He had worked at the Roanoke law firm of Woods Rogers for 53 years. When the firm signed him in 1959, it actually “preferred to hire lawyers who attended the University of Virginia,” according to the front-page […]
Oldest Practicing Lawyer in New Mexico Dies at 97
Two years ago this month, we published a blog item about Lynell Skarda, a 1941 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law who was then, at 95, the oldest practicing lawyer in New Mexico. We received word this week that Lynell died at his home in Clovis, N.M., on Sunday night, about a […]
Gerry Lenfest, Hall of Famer
H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest — Washington and Lee alumnus, benefactor and former trustee — received another major honor recently, when The Cable Center inducted him into the 2012 Cable Hall of Fame. A committee of industry peers and leaders chooses honorees based on their outstanding dedication to and impact on the cable industry. Among the other 2012 […]
Silver Linings for Phil Timp '79
Phil Timp, of Washington and Lee's Class of 1979, battles Lou Gehrig's disease with Team Timp.
A Shakey Award for W&L Alum Overholtzer
Washington and Lee alumnus Adam Overholtzer, of the Class of 2004, has won a major award for a video he produced to promote an intelligent textbook on which he has been working.
MoonPie Makeover
Washington and Lee alumnus Sam Campbell '81 is at the helm of the family business producing the iconic MoonPie.
W&L Law Alum Honored as Champion of Justice
Former Missouri Supreme Court Judge Ray Price, a 1978 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, stepped down from the Missouri Supreme Court this month after 20 years, including two terms as chief justice.
Sounding a Warning
Washington and Lee alumnus and trustee emeritus Tom C. Frost is sounding a warning about the banking industry.
Eminent Domain and the Housing Crisis
Washington and Lee alumnus and Rhodes Scholar John Vlahoplus '83 creates plan for addressing mortgage crisis.
A Sweet Partnership to Combat Diabetes
A new partnership between a Georgia specialty-syrup company and the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University is supporting diabetes education in high-risk communities. It’s the result of another partnership, that of Harry Jones III, a member of W&L’s Class of 1978, who owns the company, Blackberry Patch, and his sister, Randy Jones, who […]
A New “Biggest Case” for Sports Lawyer Gene Marsh '81L
Washington and Lee law alumnus Gene Marsh '81L represented Penn State in its negotiations with the NCAA this summer.
Stephen Brooks '84 Debuts Painting Show in N.C.
Stephen Brooks, of the Class of 1984, transformed his initial interest in biology at Washington and Lee into art degrees and careers as a furniture designer and a painter. He’ll be displaying the fruit of the latter talent in an exhibition, “Light in the Forest,” opening today (Friday, Aug. 10), at Art and Artifacts in Blowing Rock, […]
A Talented–and Well Shod–Quartet
"Look @wlunews, 4 classes working together in NYC!" That tweet, from Washington and Lee alumna Coye Nokes, of the Class of 1997, tipped us off to an event last week that featured four W&L women — two alumnae and two current students. Coye has her own eponymous brand of women's shoes. This summer Anna Marie Haynie, […]
Generals on the Fringe
Washington and Lee dancers are participating in the famed Edinburgh Festival Fringe this month.
Summer Sendoffs for the Class of 2016
It's that time of year. The 479 members of Washington and Lee's Class of 2016 are preparing to head to Lexington at the end of the month. Before they do, W&L alumni around the country are making their own preparations: to see the incoming first-year students off in style with the annual Summer Sendoff parties. In […]
Another Honor for John Klinedinst '71, '78L
Washington and Lee alumnus and trustee emeritus John Klinedinst, founder and CEO of San Diego-based Klinedinst P.C., is the top attorney for 2012 in corporate litigation according to San Diego's Daily Transcript. The award came from a vote of John's fellow attorneys. The Transcript received nearly 800 nominations from 14 pre-selected categories. The nominees were narrowed down to […]
Puzzling Alum: Neville Fogarty '10
Fans of Neville Fogarty's crossword puzzles from his days with the Ring-tum Phi need not wait until he publishes his next puzzle in the New York Times to match wits with the 2010 Washington and Lee alumnus. Neville has just opened his own site, where he publishes a new puzzle each Friday. The first of […]
Marketing Renegade John Zamoiski
When John Zamoiski, of the Class of 1974, spoke at Washington and Lee's first AdLib Conference (Liberal Arts in Advertising) in March, he dubbed himself a marketing renegade. Visitors to Comic-Con 2012 in San Diego earlier this month got a little taste of what John meant. His company, Bottlerocket Marketing Group, of New York City, was […]
Cats and Dogs and Domestic Relations
Maybe you thought that odd business combinations like a shoe store doubling as a law practice a la "Harry's Law" happened only on television. Think again. In Culpeper, Va., Washington and Lee law alumna Monica "M.J." Chernin, of the Class of 1988, practices family law and operates a pet store, Reigning Cats and Dogs. Unlike […]
Steve Nardo '82 Named CFO of the Year
Steve Nardo, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1982, has been named the CFO of the Year for small businesses by Washington Business Journal. Winners are recognized for their finanical savvy, leadership and contributions to their communities. Steve is the CFO of PartnerMD L.L.C., a Richmond-based concierge medical practice. He oversees and directs all significant […]
Dennis Brack '62 Donates Photographic Archive to Brisco Center
Award-winning photojournalist Dennis Brack, a 1962 graduate of Washington and Lee, has donated his photographic archive to the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. His work becomes one of the largest amount of collections from contemporary photojournalists at the Briscoe Center. More than 100 photos from Dennis's archive are […]
Laura Perry '97 Keeping the Faith
Laura Perry reached a major milestone earlier this month when she drove herself to work. A 1997 graduate of Washington and Lee, where she majored in journalism, Laura hadn't made that trip on her own in the eight and a half years since she suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a 2003 car accident. […]
A Day in the Life of Christopher Wolf '80L
MSNBC has called Washington and Lee law alumnus Christopher Wolf, of the Class of 1980, "a pioneer in Internet law" based on his early involvement in legal cases involving technology agreements, copyright, domain names, jurisdiction and, perhaps most of all, privacy. A partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Hogan Lovells, Chris leads the firm's […]
W&L Law Grad Retires as Dean of Bowen School of Law
John M. DiPippa, a 1978 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, has stepped down as dean of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and has received dean emeritus status. DiPippa, a member of the UALR law faculty since 1983, served as associate dean from 1990 to […]
For Ben Swan '78, Summer Camp is All in the Family
For many grown-ups, the notion of summer camp evokes the chocolate goop of s’mores, the heavenly scent of pine trees, the cozy glow of a campfire. For Ben Swan, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1978, summer camp means all that and more, because it’s the family business: Pine Island Camp, a 110-year-old […]
Graham Brothers Show Off Piano Talents on PBS
Brothers David and Phillip Graham, both Washington and Lee alumni, have been performing concerts on dual pianos for the past seven years or so. On Friday night, July 13, at 9 p.m., PBS viewers in central Virginia will get a chance to watch the duo on a new program, "Studio Sessions with Rising Masters," on WCVE […]
Paten Hughes '08 Preps for a Movie Role
Some people spend their summers at the pool. In the case of Paten Hughes, a member of the Washington and Lee Class of 2008, she’s spending it in the pool as she trains for the role of an aspiring Olympic swimmer in an upcoming movie, “Coach of the Year.” As Paten describes it in “Paten, […]
Jeff Boal '84 Crafts PSAs
If you've seen one of the "Tips from Former Smokers," a stop-smoking campaign from the Centers for Disease Control, or if you've watched Alvin Grimes, the passionate air collector who pushes air quality for the American Lung Association, then Washington and Lee alumnus Jeff Boal's company, PlowShare Group, has found you. A 1984 graduate of […]
Forrest Moses '56 and “Sylvan Waters” in Santa Fe
If your July travels find you in Santa Fe, N.M., you’ll want to take in “Sylvan Waters,” a new exhibition of paintings and monotypes by Forrest Moses '56.
Jack the Jackalope and Emily Ecton '92
Washington and Lee alumna Emily Ecton's fourth book for middle schoolers is called "Project Jackalope."
Jay Turner '95 Publishes First Book
James Morton Turner, a 1995 graduate of Washington, has published his first book, "The Promise of Wilderness: American Environmental Politics since 1964."
LinkedIn's Most Connected Woman
To say that Stacy Donovan Zapar is plugged into the world of social media is to understate the matter considerably. After working as a recruiter for a number of Fortune 500 tech companies, Stacy, a 1995 graduate of Washington and Lee, has her own firm that specializes in social media recruiting. So she clearly has a […]
Saluting Rich Murray '71
Friday (June 22) marks the end of a storied career at the University of Virginia, where Washington and Lee alumnus Rich Murray, of the Class of 1971, retires after 29 years promoting Cavalier athletic programs, and especially its basketball teams. A journalism major at W&L, Rich was news director of WAYB radio in Waynesboro, Va., […]
Travels with Moron?
Ben Long, of Washington and Lee's Class of 2007, writes about his travel as a Watson Fellow on a National Geographic blog.
The Last Great Ape
David McDannald, a 1994 alumnus of Washington and Lee, is the co-author of a fascinating new book, "The Last Great Ape: A Journey Through Africa and a Fight for the Heart of the Continent."
Sanborn '01 Wins VMI Teaching Award
Howard Sanborn, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 2001, has been recognized for outstanding teaching at Virginia Military Institute, which awarded him the Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award. Howard is an assistant professor of international studies and political science at VMI. He holds his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of […]
A New Yorker Shout-Out to Terry Brooks '69 Law
Washington and Lee law alumnus Terry Brooks and his fantasy novels were the subject of a New Yorker essay recently.
New Home for Cy Twombly in NYC
The late artist Cy Twombly, of the Class of 1953, left Washington and Lee after only one year because Marion Junkin, who had founded the Department of Art at W&L, made it clear there wasn't much he could teach Cy because the young man possessed such an advanced talent. So Cy left Lexington for New York and the […]
A WSJ “House of the Day”
The Atlanta home of Washington and Lee alumnus and trustee Robert Balentine, of the Class of 1979, and his wife, Betty, was featured last week as the Wall Street Journal's "House of the Day." The online version of the Journal features a dozen photographs of the 10,500-square-foot stone house — a replica of a classic […]
Georgia Museum Exhibits Work of Bob Trotman '69
Summer travelers in the vicinity of Augusta, Ga., should enter the Morris Museum of Art into their GPS. In addition to exhibitions of English watercolors and paintings of the American frontier, the museum is currently featuring work by a member of the Washington and Lee Class of 1969: “Office: Sculpture by Bob Trotman.” As the Augusta (Ga.) […]
Another Major Award for Roddy Roediger '69
Henry L. (Roddy) Roediger III, of Washington and Lee's Class of 1969, was honored with another major award when the Association for Psychological Science named him the winner of its 2012 William James Fellow Award during the APS annual convention in May.
Courtney Santo '98 Feels “Crazy Lucky” About New Novel
Courtney Miller Santo, a member of the Washington and Lee Class of 1998, is the subject of a fascinating profile in the Memphis (Tenn.) Commercial Appeal. The reason for the story? Her first novel, “The Roots of the Olive Tree,” is coming out this August, from William Morrow. Courtney, who teaches fiction and literature at […]
Sad Day in Belltown USA
Last December we blogged about the Bevin Bros. Manufacturing Co., owned by Washington and Lee University alumnus Matt Bevin. The company, which makes 200 varieties of bells, and Matt had been featured on a National Public Radio story. Matt, of the Class of 1989, was back on NPR again this week. But this was no holiday […]
W&L Alum Honored by Choate Rosemary Hall
Dr. Daniel J. Carruci, of the Class of 1980, was honored this month with an Alumni Award from Choate Rosemary Hall from which he graduated in 1976.
'Tis the (Commencement) Season
It has been a busy commencement season for Washington and Lee alumni. At least two spoke at commencement exercises, while the University also was well represented in the graduating class of one of the nation's premier law schools. In Monterey, Calif., Grace Ewura-Esi Andrews, of the Class of 2009, told her fellow graduates at the Monterey Institute […]
A Winning Partnership for Bitsy Young '89
They started out facing each other across the net for one special mother-daughter tennis match on Mother's Day each year. Eventually, they switched from being opponents to being partners, and now Washington and Lee alumna Bitsy Hopper Young, of the Class of 1989, and her daughter, Faris, are ranked as the top mother-daughter doubles team in […]
Jeremy Adams '98 Wins Teaching Award
Jeremy Adams, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1998, has been named Kern County (Calif.) Teacher of the Year.
Kate Shellnutt Talks Religion Reporting, Blogging
Kate Shellnutt, a 2008 graduate of Washington and Lee University, has parlayed her majors in religion and print journalism into a post at the Houston Chronicle newspaper, where she produces the “Houston Belief” religion blog and reports on religion. Her work is the subject of a wide-ranging interview about newspapers, religion reporting and social media […]
W&L Law Grad Receives Florida's Highest Award for the Legal Profession
Henry M. Coxe III, a 1972 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, will be honored with the Florida Bar Foundation’s 2012 Medal of Honor Award, the legal profession’s highest award in the state. Coxe is receiving the award for his lifelong commitment to duty and service to the public and for improving the administration […]
Hinely Photo Finalist in International Competition
A photograph by Washington and Lee University photographer Patrick Hinely, of the Class of 1973, is one of five finalists for 2012 Photo of the Year in the Jazz Journalists Association Awards. Patrick was one of 45 photographers who submitted a single image for the opening round of the annual contest. (See all the entries […]
W&L Honors Three Alumni, Receives $8.5-Million Reunion Gift
Washington and Lee University honored three graduates with Distinguished Alumni Awards and celebrated the largest reunion gift in school history on Saturday, May 12, during the annual meeting of the W&L Alumni Association Saturday during Alumni Weekend.
W&L Provost Welcomes Alumni with a Look at George Washington
Washington and Lee University's interim provost, Robert A. Strong, used George Washington's Farewell Address from 1796 as a way to thank alumni returning for W&L's Alumni Weekend for their continued support of their alma mater. Strong provided the keynote address for the Opening Assembly of the annual Alumni Weekend, which features an array of reunion […]
Georgia Historical Society Honors Bo DuBose '62
Washington and Lee alumnus Beverly M. “Bo” DuBose III has won the 2012 John Macpherson Berrien Award from the Georgia Historical Society. The society gives the Berrien award for a lifetime of achievement in and service to Georgia history. It recognizes people for their vision and generosity in support of history organizations and promoting the mission of the Georgia Historical Society […]
Al Broaddus '61 Honored by Richmond Public Schools
Last Friday, May 4, the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation hosted “The Pride of RPS: Living Legacies,” which celebrated distinguished alumni of the city’s public schools. One of the honorees at this inaugural event was a Washington and Lee alumnus: Al Broaddus, the former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Before the Richmond […]
Honoring Retiring W&L Trustee Jorge Estrada '69
Jorge Estrada, of the Class of 1969, retired from Washington and Lee's Board of Trustees following the board's meeting on the campus this weekend, but his 47-year relationship with the University is hardly ending. Three of Jorge's five children are already W&L alumni — Annie '04, Carol '05 and Juan '06. Estefi is a member […]
Kentucky Derby, Secretariat and Traveller
With the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby tomorrow, thoughts turn to the great Secretariat, who won the Derby (and the Triple Crown) in 1973. Washington and Lee proudly claims a connection, for Christopher Chenery, a member of the W&L Class of 1909, started The Meadow farm in Doswell, Va., in the 1930s. There he […]
W&L's Brodie Gregory on “Virginia Insight”
What does it mean to be "in the zone"? How do you get there? Brodie Gregory, visiting professor of psychology at Washington and Lee University, discussed peak performance and how to achieve it during an appearance on NPR affiliate WMRA’s “Virginia Insight” show, on Monday, April 30. Gregory, a 2003 graduate of Washington and Lee, […]
Bill Johnston '61 on Career and Retirement
When the Bradenton, Fla., Herald decided to run profiles of retired executives of U.S. companies who now live in the Bradenton and Sarasota area, the paper chose Washington and Lee alumnus Bill Johnston, of the Class of 1961, as the first subject. The result is a Q&A with Bill on his tenure from 1996 to 2001 […]
Art in Science on Display at W&L's Kamen Gallery
Images highlighting the work of Washington and Lee University alumni who are scientists form an unusual art exhibit in the University’s Kamen Gallery, opening April 30 and continuing through May 17.
A W&L Family and a Military Deployment
Jenny Williams and David Foster are both members of the Washington and Lee Class of 1998. Jenny teaches English and writing in a high school near Philadelphia. Dave, a former lawyer and former Army officer, is the president of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, an organization that’s revitalizing Camden, N.J. They met at W&L, married in 2002 […]
Memphis Alumni in the News
Two Washington and Lee alumni in Memphis made the business news in that city recently. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that Tom Baker, of the W&L School of Law Class of 1971, was lured out of retirement to become executive vice president for business development and strategy with the Memphis office of CB Richard Ellis (CBRE), which […]
Kerry Egan '95 on PBS This Week
Washington and Lee alumna Kerry Egan, of the Class of 1995, will be featured on this week's edition of the PBS series Religion and Ethics Newsweekly.
Newspaper Honors Emma Thomas Dean '03
Emma Thomas Dean, a 2003 graduate of Washington and Lee, has been named one of the “20 Under 40″ honorees by The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C.
W&L Journalism Professors, Alumni Examine Community Newspapers
Washington and Lee journalism faculty joined their colleagues at the University of Missouri to collaborate on a one-day conference in Roanoke in April that focused on the future of community newspapers. Underwritten in part by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, which has provided funding for several programs in the department of journalism and communications at […]
Career Change
A recent story in the Cumberland (Md.) Times-News features Theresa Brion, a 1985 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, who recently became vicar at not one, but two, Episcopal churches in Western Maryland — St. George’s Episcopal Church in Mount Savage and Holy Cross-St. Philip’s in Cumberland. She is also bishops’ deputy for Western Maryland for […]
Introducing General Perspectives
Why did you choose Washington and Lee? What is your favorite memory? What is your current job? How did W&L help you get there? Those are some of the questions that alumni answer in General Perspectives, a video series that highlights a variety of professions, and the roads that W&L alumni took to get there. […]
W&L Law Alumna Chief Judge of Copyright Royalty Board
Suzanne M. Barnett, a 1981 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, has been appointed a new chief royalty judge for the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) by the Librarian of Congress. Suzanne is currently a superior court judge of King County in Seattle, Wash. She joins two other chief judges on the panel, […]
Christian Wiman '88 Wins Guggenheim Fellowship
Christian Wiman, a 1988 graduate of Washington and Lee and editor of Poetry magazine, is one of 180 scholars, artists, and scientists from the United States and Canada to win a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship.
Honeymooning on the River of No Return
As honeymoons go, Washington and Lee alumna Bjornen duPont Babock's was, well, you can be the judge. On Wednesday, April 18, the PBS series "Nature" will air "River of No Return," which documents Bjornen's year-long honeymoon trip with her husband, Isaac, as they travel through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Isaac had […]
From Banker to Filmmaker
Growing up in Houston, Damian Horan, of Washington and Lee's Class of 2003, thought he wanted to be a filmmaker. Once he got to college, he majored in business administration and chose a safer path by becoming a banker. Then, according to a feature story in the Houston Chronicle, he had a health scare and […]
Snagajob Founder Snags Another Award
Shawn Boyer, the founder and CEO of Snagajob, is adding another honor to his résumé today (Tuesday, April 10), when the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business names him its Executive of the Year. Shawn, who graduated from W&L’s School of Law in 1997, will also give a talk, “Leading a Purposeful Life,” at […]
Alum Releases Book about Supreme Court Law Clerks
Timing is everything, and the release of Todd Peppers' new book about Supreme Court justices and their clerks comes at a time when the court is very much in the headlines. Peppers, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1990, is a visiting professor of law at W&L and the Henry H. and Trudye H. […]
Two New Alumni Books Generating Political Buzz
New books by two Washington and Lee alumni — Jack Goldsmith of the Class of 1984 and Mike Allen of the Class of 1986 — are generating considerable buzz in the media these days, helped out by their authors' national television appearances on networks ranging from CNN to Comedy Central. Last night, Jack Goldsmith, the Henry L. Shattuck Professor […]
Recent Alumnus Wins California Legal Honors
Congratulations to Christopher L. Martin, a 2009 graduate of Washington and Lee, on two recent awards he's received while attending law school at the University of California at Berkeley. Last fall, he won the fourth annual Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) Award for Excellence in Legal Research and Writing at Berkeley Law. CEB, a joint committee […]
Ph.D. Student Writes Novels for Varied Audiences
By day, Sybil Nelson, of Washington and Lee's Class of 2001, is a Ph.D. student in biostatistics at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston. She's got another identity, too: as the creator of Priscilla the Great, "an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts" and the heroine of her novels for middle schoolers. If that weren't enough, she's also […]
Alumnus Focuses on Civil War Horses
Washington and Lee law alumnus Kent Masterson Brown, of the Law Class of 1974, wrote, hosted and narrated a film about horses in the Civil War that aired this month on HRTV, The Horse Network. "Unsung Hero: The Horse in the Civil War" discusses how the horses were procured and trained for field use, how they […]
South Carolina's No. 1 Financial Advisor
In Barron's magazine's annual list of America's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors on a state-by-state basis, Washington and Lee alumnus and trustee Hagood Ellison, of the Class of 1972, ranks as South Carolina's top advisor. This is the third consecutive year that Hagood has been on the Barron's list, and he's No. 1 in the state […]
Bob Fishburn '55, 1934-2012
In the feature stories, editorials, blog entries and obituaries that have been written about the passing of Washington and Lee alumnus Bob Fishburn, of the Class of 1955, the adjectives used most consistently have been "passionate," "gentle" and "generous." Bob died on Saturday, March 24, of complications from lung cancer. He was 77. After graduating […]
Fish Stories
Robert Humston was a member of the Virginia Military Institute faculty from 2004 to 2008 before he crossed the street to join W&L's faculty as assistant professor of biology. Ever since, he's thought there ought to be more and better interaction between W&L and VMI. To that end, Robert (pronounced row-BEAR) collaborated with Col. Lee […]
Economics and The Hunger Games
Alexandra Scaggs, a 2009 graduate of Washington and Lee, got some Internet airtime this week to discuss the potential economic impact of the much-ballyhooed movie, The Hunger Games, which opens today. Alexandra joined Dow Jones Newswire as a reporter in January. Her work can often be found on the Wall Street Journal's Marketbeat blog, where […]
Alumna's Documentary, “Ulises' Odyssey,” To Be Screened at W&L
Ulises’ Odyssey, a documentary written, directed and produced by Washington and Lee alumna Lorena Manriquez, will be screened on Monday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Stackhouse Theater, in Elrod Commons.
Former W&L Trustee Wins Community Service Award
Washington and Lee alumnus William B. Hill Jr. was one of the winners of the 13th Annual Justice Robert Benham Community Service Awards in Atlanta on Feb. 28.
Beshore Earns New Recognition for Disaster Relief
Brett Beshore '05 is ranked among top 10 entrepreneurs under 30 by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invitation-only nonprofit.
Pioneer Activist for AIDS Awareness, Prevention to Speak at W&L
Dr. Mervyn Silverman, secretary of The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and a 1960 Washington and Lee graduate, will address AIDS prevention, awareness at his alma mater on March 19.
Alum Speaks of Firsthand Legal Experience in Afghanistan
For a first-person account of legal operations in Afghanistan, read this fascinating interview in the March 11 Roanoke Times with Charles Carter Lee. The Roanoke, Va., attorney, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 2001, just returned home after a stint in Afghanistan with the Virginia National Guard as an operational law attorney, rule […]
The Colonnade as Cake
Every now and then, the alumni magazine receives a photograph of wedding cakes designed to look like Washington and Lee’s historic Colonnade. Now readers of the online edition of Brides magazine can enjoy the view as well, in a March 6 blog item about the March 2011 wedding of Corbin Blackford, Class of 2007, and Kristin Hendee. […]
James Baldwin Theatrical Event at W&L
A group of theatrical folk from New York, including three alumni of Washington and Lee University, are on campus this week working on the James Baldwin Project. Their efforts will culminate on Friday, March 9, with a work of theater based on Baldwin’s writings and on what the participants describe as “conversations we feel are […]
Cooking Up a New Restaurant with an Old Name
Restaurateur Richard Moncure, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1979, isn’t one to let a natural disaster keep him down. In 2003, he lost his popular Happy Clam restaurant in Colonial Beach, Va., to Hurricane Isabel. Now he’s prepping a new restaurant in Fredericksburg, Va., dubbing it the Happy Clam at Barefoot Green’s. As […]
Lawyer of the Year Lauds the Jury System
Thomas Wiseman, an attorney with Wiseman Ashworth Law Group, in Nashville, Tenn., has just been named the 2011-12 Lawyer of the Year in the area of medical malpractice defense by Best Lawyers. The 1979 graduate of Washington and Lee University has taken the occasion to muse on his practice and the jury system. “Every case […]
Alumnus to be Nominated to Ambassador's Post
President Barack Obama will be nominating Edward (Ned) Alford, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1977, to be ambassador to the Republic of the Gambia. Ned has a long and distinguished career in the foreign service, a rank of minister counselor and, since 2009, the post of consul general at the U.S. Consulate […]
Advice on a Legal Career
Christopher Lamberson, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1995, describes his “roundabout” route to his career as a transactional attorney—and as a new member of the management committee of his Memphis law firm, Glankler Brown P.L.L.C.—in a March 1 interview with the Memphis Daily News. Christopher first explored business and finance during high […]
From the Airwaves to the Airport
Listeners of radio stations WGCV-AM and WFMV-FM in Columbia, S.C., have heard host Kaela Harmon engage them in discussions of politics, community news and current events. Now the citizens of Columbia will be hearing from the member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 2005 in her new role: as the public relations and government affairs manager for […]
The Butterfly Effect
Balentine L.L.C., the investment advisory firm headed by Robert Balentine, a member of the Class of 1979 and a member of the Washington and Lee Board of Trustees, recently broke the $1 billion barrier of assets under management. And while Robert clearly knows the investment business, he also knows a thing or two about biology and […]
Remembering an Alumnus and World War I
World War I is having a moment in popular culture these days, what with the movie “War Horse” and the PBS series “Downton Abbey.” Another example comes from the Knoxville (Tenn.) News-Sentinel, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and on Feb. 26 published a look at Tennessee veterans of WWI, one of them a Washington and Lee alumnus: Kiffin Yates Rockwell, […]
Law Alumna to Hold Circuit Court Judgeship in Virginia
Congratulations to Louise DiMatteo, a 1989 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, who has gotten the nod for a circuit court judgeship from her local delegation to the Virginia General Assembly. As icing on the cake, she also received the highest possible recommendation for the post from the Arlington Bar Association Judicial […]
Sawdust in the Veins
A Roanoke Times feature focuses on W&L alumni John D. Bassett III and son Wyatt Bassett of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture.
From Magazines to Museums
The McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Ala., has just named Washington and Lee alumnus Tom Angelillo, of the Class of 1974, as its new president and CEO. The center, a cornerstone of Birmingham's downtown revitalization, is housed in what was previously Loveman's department store. As its new leader, Tom will oversee the opening of the Birmingham […]
W&L Alum To Lead America's First Team
Maj. Gen. Anthony R. Ierardi, a 1982 graduate of Washington and Lee, has just been chosen as the commanding general of America's First Team — the 1st Cavalry Division based at Fort Hood, Texas. Established in 1921, the 1st Cavalry is among the most famous and most decorated of all the Army's combat units. Tony, […]
Alumna's Tuneful Journey from Teacher to Troubadour
For Washington and Lee alumna Jenny Keel, of the Class of 1989, the transition from teacher of high-school French to bluegrass bass player has apparently been a smooth one — at least based on the press that she and the band, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, are getting nowadays. Just this week Jenny is featured in […]
Kerry Egan '95: Observations of a Hospice Chaplain
An essay about death and dying by Washington and Lee alumna Kerry Egan, of the Class of 1995, touched a nerve on CNN.com over the weekend. Kerry, a religion major who received her master's of divinity from Harvard, is a hospice chaplain in Massachusetts. She spends her time talking with people who are dying. In her piece, […]
The Spotter
A recent edition of the Greenville, S.C., News reported on the cool gig that Washington and Lee alumna Angie Littlejohn, of the Law Class of 2009, enjoys on fall weekends. Angie's day job is as Furman University's legal adviser. On the weekends (and some weeknights) she can be found in Atlantic Coast Conference football press boxes, where […]
W&L Law Alum Wins MLK Award
Andy Lark, a 1982 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, won a 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service’s Keeper of the Dream Award, in Summit, N.J., on Jan. 17. The awards are given annually to Summit residents who honor the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. Andy was one of four honorees. He has a solo practice […]
Magic W&L Moment
Two of Washington and Lee's most distinguished alumni shared a special moment on Wednesday, Jan. 18, when the Virginia House of Delegates honored its longest-serving member. Lacey Putney, of W&L's Classes of 1950 and 1957 Law, this month began his 51st legislative session as an independent delegate, from Bedford, Va. To recognize Lacey's service, his former […]
W&L Alumna Appointed Bankruptcy Judge
Rebecca Connelly, a 1988 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, has been appointed a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge for the Western District of Virginia. Appointed by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after being recommended by a merit selection panel, Rebecca is the first woman to serve as a bankruptcy judge in the district, […]
Randy Rouse '39, Legendary Virginia Horseman
Randy Rouse, of the Washington and Lee Class of 1939, is the subject of a nice profile in the Jan. 16–23, 2012, issue of the Chronicle of the Horse. Titled “Randolph Rouse Has Ridden into Virginia History,” the piece, by Meghan Blackburn, describes him as a “sporting legend” for his career as an amateur steeplechase […]
Kelly Evans '07 to Quiz Republican Candidates
Kelly Evans, the 2007 Washington and Lee alumna and Wall Street Journal columnist, will be one of the panelists tonight (Monday, Jan. 16), when the five remaining Republican presidential candidates take the stage in Myrtle Beach, S.C., for their latest nationally televised debate. Co-sponsored by the Wall Street Journal and Fox News, it will be […]
Assessing Colbert's Candidacy
Fans of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" know that Thursday was a big night on that satirical news show. Host Stephen Colbert announced that he is forming an exploratory committee for a possible candidacy for president of the "United States of America of South Carolina." Moments after he made that announcement, Mike Allen, the Washington […]
Petersburg's Physician
Washington and Lee alumnus Dr. Burke Steele, of the Class of 1955, loves to talk about history — especially the history of Petersburg, Va., where he has lived for 73 years, and worked in the same office, on South Market Street, for nearly 50 years. While he majored in history at W&L and had planned on […]
W&L Law Grad a Recess Appointee
Washington and Lee law alumnus Terence F. Flynn was in the news this week, when President Barack Obama named him to a recess appointment on the National Labor Relations Board. The controversial announcement from the White House came almost one year to the day that Terry, a 1990 graduate of the School of Law, had been nominated to […]
Two New Books by W&L Alum Jim Gabler
Jim Gabler, a Washington and Lee alumnus of the Classes of 1953 and 1955L, has recently published two new e-books, and they could hardly be more different — a guidebook to wine and a novel about the first American pope. Be Your Own Wine Expert promises readers that in less than three minutes, they will learn to […]
Person of the Year
Washington and Lee alumnus Howard S. Kaylor, Classes of '50, '52L, has been named Hagerstown, Md.'s 2011 Person of the Year by the Hagerstown newspaper, the Herald-Mail. In the story announcing the honor on New Year's Eve, Howard was praised for his support of the local community — through both generous donations and service to […]
Greer Johnson '05 Featured in C-Ville
Greer Johnson, a 2005 Washington and Lee alumna, is one of the eight men and women featured by Charlottesville's news and arts publication, C-ville Weekly, because they are "making waves in their fields." As a way of looking to 2012, C-ville's editors decided to focus on young leaders and to give their readers "a look at the […]
Quite a Career
A blog entry on the Roanoke Times' "So Salem" site today features the career of Washington and Lee law school alumna Llewellyn Hedgbeth of the Class of 1980. And quite a career it's been, too. A Salem native, Llew was a drama major at Hollins and then earned both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in […]
Art & Science of Investing
In an interview for the website JustLuxe earlier this month, Washington and Lee alumnus and trustee Robert Balentine, of the Class of 1979, repeats a motto that his father used: "If you listen to your clients, they will tell you how to run your business." That, Robert tells the interviewers for JustLuxe, remains a guiding […]
W&L Alum Named CEO of the Year
Washington and Lee alumnus and trustee emeritus John Klinedinst, CEO and shareholder of Klinedinst P.C., has been named Most Admired CEO by the San Diego Business Journal. John, a member of the undergrad Class of 1971 and the law school Class of 1978, won the award in the Journal's private company/medium category. This marked the […]
Unconventional Taste
A New York Times piece this week extols the "unconventional taste" of Washington and Lee alumna Hollister Hovey, of the Class of 2000, and her business partner and sister, Porter Hovey, who have recently established Hovey Design. As the story in the Home & Garden section of the Times notes, Hollister and Porter had been considering […]
Welcome Home to a Veteran
Throughout the country this month, emotional homecomings are occurring every day as members of the United States military return from Iraq. Although it did not involve Iraq, one homecoming this week caught our eye. A story in the Statesville, N.C., Record & Landmark is about the celebration in that town when an Army officer, Maj. […]
Introducing Chris Moose
For more than 29 years The Legend of Chris Moose was stuck away in one of Allen Northcutt's drawer. Allen, a 1963 graduate of Washington and Lee, had conceived of his character on Christmas Eve in 1982. Although he'd never written a book before, he was looking for a way to supplement his income and […]
WILL is Harris' Hero
WILL, the Wilderness Leadership and Learning Program headed by Washington and Lee alumnus Steve Abraham, was recognized this week on WJLA-TV in Washington as one of Harris' Heroes, a special segment from anchor Leon Harris. WILL helps D.C. teens grow and learn in order to help them become leaders and achieve their goals. Or, more simply, […]
W&L Alums Throw Hats in AG Rings
At the same time that Washington and Lee alumnus Dave Freed, of the Class of 1992, has announced his candidacy for attorney general of Pennsylvania, another W&L alumnus, Mark Obenshain, a 1987 graduate of the School of Law, is considering a run for the same office in Virginia. Dave, who has spent 14 of his […]
Lynchburg Alum Continues Community Service
His hometown newspaper, the Lynchburg News and Advance, featured Washington and Lee alumnus Robin Wood a few weeks back, when he announced he was leaving the board of the YMCA there. A 1962 graduate of W&L, Robin is an attorney with Edmunds & Williams and has worked with numerous local organizations, ranging from United Way to Legal […]
W&L Alum Named Richmond Retailer of the Year
Washington and Lee alumnus Donnie Caffery can thank Rockbridge County's high ragweed count for a major award he received last week. Donnie, a member of the Class of 1976, won Richmond's Retail Merchants Association Retailer of the Year Award for the success of his two natural-food stores, Good Foods Grocery. In a story about the honor in the […]
Eyewitness to the Clemson-S. Carolina Pigskin Rivalry
Brent Breedin, of the Washington and Lee Class of 1947, enjoyed a long career in newspapers, sports information, and the corporate and political world. The South Carolina native now lives in Columbia, S.C., and recently gave an interview to the Columbia newspaper, The State, about the legendary rivalry between the football teams of Clemson University […]
From Words to Windows: Elizabeth O'Byrne ’00
For more than two centuries, students, professors and staff have watched the comings and goings of their colleagues from the windows of the Colonnade. With the historic structures now under renovation, one of those students is helping preserve those windows. Liz O'Byrne '00 and her two-year-old company, O'Byrne Contracting Inc., restored the windows of Payne […]
A Thanksgiving Memory from Stacy Morrison '90
As you’re flipping through the November issue of “Martha Stewart Living” magazine, reading the advice about wine, pie, turkey and leftovers, don’t miss the last page. There you will find an essay, “Home Is Where the Art Is,” by Washington and Lee alumna Stacy Morrison, of the Class of 1990. Stacy is the former editor […]
Wedding Planner to the Stars
When Eva Amurri, daughter of actor Susan Sarandon, married Kyle Martino in Charleston, S.C., earlier this month, their black-tie reception was the work of Washington and Lee alumna Calder Britt Clark, of the Class of 1999. Calder's company, Calder Clark Designs, was cited in the People magazine article about the Amurri-Martino wedding. It's the latest publicity that […]
Schweitzer Award to W&L Law Alum
Raj Prasad, a 1999 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, is in Washington, D.C., today to receive the Albert Schweitzer Award from the Animal Welfare Institute in recognition of his work in the Wayne County, Mich., Prosecutor's Office. Raj and his colleague, Amy Slameka, are being hailed as pioneers in "aggressively pursuing animal […]
A Sharp-Dressed Man
There is, Will Sharp insists, a method to his madness. In an article in Washingtonian Magazine, the 2003 graduate of Washington and Lee admitted that his clothing company, DURKL (it was his first word as a baby), has come a long way since he was designing shirts in his mother's basement. From those modest beginnings, […]
Schroeder Speaks to Unemployment on PBS
Viewers of "PBS Newshour" might have seen a familiar face last Friday, when Washington and Lee alumna Ingrid Schroeder, of the Class of 1991, provided expert commentary on the United States' high jobless rate. As director of the Pew Fiscal Analysis Initiative for the Pew Charitable Trusts, Ingrid led the Pew study "A Year or More: […]
Turkey's Lawyers in the U.S.
A recent article in "Modern DC Business" highlights the work of two members of Washington and Lee's Law School Class of 1991 and their Washington-based firm, which represents the interests of the Republic of Turkey in the United States. David Saltzman and Gunay Evinch are co-principals in Saltzman and Evinch P.C., which they founded in […]
Rentschler Leads Social-Media Use
A company in Mason, Ohio, that deals with machine tools may not seem the likeliest candidate for a social-marketing initiative, but Washington and Lee alumnus Mark Rentschler, of the Class of 1982, has made Makino a leader in adopting the new technologies for an old-school industry. Earlier this year, BtoB Magazine, which focuses on marketing, named Mark […]
W&L Alumna Rebecca Makkai Reads from Her Novel
Washington and Lee University alumna Rebecca Makkai presented the Glasgow Reading at Washington and Lee University on Oct. 26, 2011, when she read from her novel, "The Borrowers." A member of W&L’s class of 1999, Makkai is currently a Montessori school teacher in Chicago. She has had a story published in Best American Short Stories […]
Big Dog, Best Boss
Mike Wienick is called "Big Dog" by many of his employees at QualitySmith.com in Portland, Ore. Now they can call Mike something else — "Portland's Best Boss." A 2002 graduate of Washington and Lee, where he majored in computer science, Mike is president of QualitySmith.com, a website that connects homeowners with contractors. In celebration of […]
Alum Named Alexandria's Business Leader of the Year
Peter Converse, a 1972 graduate of Washington and Lee and president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Commerce Bank, was named 2011 Business Leader of the Year by the Alexandria (Va.) Chamber of Commerce earlier this month. The Chamber’s selection was based on Peter's dedication and exemplary leadership in the business community. From the […]
Lynn Symansky Goes for the Equestrian Gold
When Lynn Symansky talked to the W&L alumni magazine back in 2005, she described her passion for what she called “an extreme sport” — the equestrian pursuit known as eventing. That passion has led the 2005 graduate of Washington and Lee University to a berth on the U.S. eventing team that’s competing this weekend in […]
Bronze Star Medal for Patrick Hall '99
Patrick Hall, a 1999 graduate of Washington and Lee and a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, has been awarded a bronze star medal for his service in Afghanistan from August 2010 through February 2011. According to the citation, Pat's "actions during the deployment single-handedly resulted in more lives saved, more enemy killed, and more […]
Alex Jones Inducted into Prestigious Academy
Washington and Lee alumnus Alex S. Jones, of the Class of 1968, director of the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, was among 177 of the nation’s most influential artists, scientists, scholars, authors and institutional leaders who were inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences […]
Campbell's Book Wins People's Choice Award
Julie Campbell, associate director of communications and public affairs at Washington and Lee University, was honored on Saturday, Oct. 15, when her book, The Horse in Virginia: An Illustrated History, won the People’s Choice Award for Nonfiction at the Library of Virginia’s 14th Annual Literary Awards, in Richmond. At the same event, Lesley Wheeler, the […]
Blue Lab Brewers on WMRA
When Bill Hamilton, associate professor of biology, and Tom Lovell, Class of 1991 and associate director of alumni affairs, appeared on WMRA radio last month to talk about their Lexington micro-brewery, Blue Lab Brewing, the show on which they appeared hadn't even been given a name yet. It was being called "The Not Yet Named […]
Fishing Guide Turned Life Saver
The other day, we blogged about two alumni of Washington and Lee who run a lodge and fly-fishing shop in Idaho and had a close encounter with a grizzly bear. Turns out they’re not the only graduates to be pursuing a career in the wilds of the West, and not the only one to have […]
In Memoriam: Trustee Tom McJunkin '70, '74L
Washington and Lee alumnus Thomas N. McJunkin, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, died at his home in Charleston, W.Va., on Saturday, Oct. 8. He was 62. Tom received his B.S. in business economics in 1970 and his J.D. from the School of Law in 1974. “Tom epitomized the loyal alumnus,” said Washington […]
40 Years of the Anti-Headache Machine
This Saturday night at 8 o'clock, or thereabouts, Doug Harwood, of the Class of 1974, will sit down at the controls of WLUR-FM for yet another Saturday night. Since 1971, the Saturday nights stretch beyond 2,000. He will spend the next four hours playing music that may be accurately described as eclectic, though it is […]
More First Tee Honors for Warren Stephens '79
Back in June, we wrote about President George W. Bush's trip to Little Rock, Ark., to honor Warren Stephens, a 1979 Washington and Lee graduate, for his work on First Tee, the national organization that gives young people free access to golf courses, equipment and instruction. Last month, Warren received yet another honor for his work […]
La chevalière de Philippe Labro
Washington and Lee alumnus Philippe Labro, of the Class of 1958, has been in the news in his native France these past several weeks, largely because of a new documentary on his life, "Philippe Labro, Entre Ombre et Lumiere," which appeared on France 5 television last month. Parts of the documentary were filmed in Lexington […]
Jennifer Strawbridge '01 Named Distinguished Young Alumna
Washington and Lee University's Alumni Association has bestowed its 2011 Distinguished Young Alumna Award on the Rev. Jennifer R. Strawbridge, of the Class of 2001. Announcement of the award was made on Friday (Sept. 30) during the annual Young Alumni Reunion on campus. Rev. Strawbridge is chaplain of Oxford University's Keble College in England, where […]
BEAR!
Two members of Washington and Lee's Class of 1993, now partners in a Idaho fly shop and lodge, had a close encounter with a bear last month, while they were bow hunting for elk in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. According to both media reports and a first-hand blog post, the men, Rich Paini and Jon Stiehl, […]
Légion d'Honneur for Gerry Lenfest '53, '55L
In a ceremony earlier this month at the American Revolution Center in Philadelphia, His Excellency, Ambassador of France to the United States François Delattre, presented Washington and Lee alumnus and benefactor Gerry Lenfest '53, '55L, with the Insignia of Officier de la Légion d’Honneur, commonly known as the Legion of Honor. Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in […]
Mike Allen, Member of the New Establishment
The October 2011 issue of "Vanity Fair" magazine contains its annual list of movers and shakers, "The New Establishment and the Powers that Be: 2011." At Number 39 in the 50-person list of the New Establishment, right in there with Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's founder; Jeff Bezos, head of Amazon; and J.K. Rowling, creator of Harry Potter, […]
JAG Corps Honors W&L Alum Mike Holifield
Navy Cmdr. Michael C. Holifield, a 1989 graduate of Washington and Lee, was nominated for the 2011 Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney Award for outstanding achievement. He received the recognition for the superior performance of his duties as a Navy judge advocate while assigned as staff judge advocate, Navy Region Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla. In 19 years […]
Examining 1960
The Amazon description of G. Scott Thomas's new book, A New World to Be Won, reads this way: "In 1960, Pat Robertson created the Christian Broadcasting Network, an issue of Time magazine describes the drug LSD as a useful 'facilitating agent' for therapy, and smokers in the United States bought nearly one million cigarettes every […]
Mark Farley '88 to Address Deepwater Horizon Catastrophe
Mark Farley, a Houston-based attorney who specializes in environmental issues, will present a public lecture on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, in Northen Auditorium of Washington and Lee University's Leyburn Library. The lecture, "Lessons from Deepwater Horizon and Similar Environmental Catastrophes," is open to the public at no […]
Tom Wolfe '51 Lectures on Modern Art
Best-selling author and journalist Tom Wolfe, a member of Washington and Lee University's Class of 1951, returned to his alma mater for the 60th reunion of his class to give a lecture on "Art, Tenure Art, and the American Art World Today" during the Five Star Festival. Audio only of the Tom Wolfe lecture
Life of an Oyster
The liner notes on David Klabo's CD, Life of an Oyster, describe the music as "a kaleidoscope of a journey through different moments when we are falling in and then falling out of love." David, a 1989 alumnus of Washington and Lee, goes on to list some of his favorite musicians, writers and songwriters, who […]
Personal Reflections on 9/11 by Paul Arpaia '85
Paul Arpaia, a 1985 Washington and Lee graduate, represented the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows earlier this month as part of an Italian-American delegation that traveled to Kabul, Afghanistan, to meet Afghan families of the victims of terrorism and war and the representatives of Afghan civil and international organizations working in the country. Paul […]
Ike Smith '57, '60L Honored by W.Va. Chamber
Congratulations to Isaac N. "Ike" Smith Jr., of the Classes of 1957 undergraduate and 1960 law, who was one of six West Virginia business leaders inducted into the inaugural class of the new West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame. Announcement of the induction, part of the West Virginia Chamber's 75th anniversary, was made […]
It Works for Charlie Sweet '65
Charlie Sweet, of the Class of 1965, has just co-authored the seventh book in the “It Works for Me” series that he has written with Hal Blythe, a colleague at Eastern Kentucky University. This latest edition is titled It Works for Me Creatively. The books all offer shared tips for teaching. Some of the other […]
New Platform for Stacy Morrison '90
Readers of Stacy Morrison, former editor of Redbook and author of the 2010 memoir Falling Apart in One Piece, will be pleased to know that this member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1990 has a new platform. This time it’s online rather than print — she is heading BlogHerMoms.com, an offshoot of BlogHer.com. Stacy will have […]
Entrepreneurial Advice
The Washington Post had a fascinating interview with Washington and Lee alumnus Alex Castelli not long ago. Alex, a member of the Class of 1986, currently heads the 50-person growth-markets practice in the Tysons Corner, Va., office of the Reznick Group, a top 20 national accounting, tax and business advisory firm. He also is a visiting assistant […]
Recent W&L Grad Exhibits Prints in Wilson Hall's Lykes Atrium
Washington and Lee University's Art Department will present an exhibition of prints by recent graduate Michael O'Brien which will be on view from Sept. 6 – Oct. 6 in Wilson Hall's Lykes Atrium. O'Brien will give a brown bag lunch artist's talk on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 12:30 p.m. in Wilson Hall, room 2017. O'Brien […]
Hard Times in Vermont
When blues guitarist and singer Scott Ainslie, of the Class of 1974, saw the normally eight-inch-deep Whetstone Brook in his hometown of Brattleboro, Vt., transformed into a raging torrent as Hurricane Irene passed through on Sunday, he got out his video camera and recorded some remarkable images. Then Scott added his own recording of Stephen […]
Rebecca Makkai on NPR
In June we blogged about Rebecca Makkai, of the Class of 1999, whose first novel, The Borrower, has been widely praised. But it was one of Rebecca's short stories that landed her a spot on a recent edition of NPR's "This American Life." As part of the program's show on Gossip, Rebecca reads a portion of one […]
Booked Up with Bill Buice ’61
Bill Buice, of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1961, and his wife, Stuart, were the subject of a nice recent profile in their local paper, the Shelter Island (N.Y.) Reporter, this summer. The focus is their mutual love of books. The Buices, who live in Shelter Island Heights, N.Y., are both natives of North Carolina. They […]
New Book for Suzanne LaFleur ’05
Suzanne LaFleur, of the Class of 2005, has just published her second novel, Eight Keys, with Wendy Lamb Books, a division of Random House. It tells the story of best friends Elise, who’s lost her parents, and Franklin. As the publisher describes it, “There’s always been a barn behind the house with eight locked doors […]
Out of Retirement
Mike Neer’s retirement lasted 16 months. The former Washington and Lee basketball Hall of Famer, a member of the Class of 1970, is headed back to the hardwood this winter as the new head coach at Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y. In April 2010, Mike stepped down after 34 years as the coach at the […]
Jack Vardaman ’62 Qualifies for U.S. Senior Amateurs
Jack Vardaman, of the Class of 1962, is going to have to postpone his induction into Washington and Lee’s Athletic Hall of Fame. But he has a perfectly good excuse. Jack was scheduled to be among the four inductees during the Hall of Fame weekend Sept. 9-10. He was to be honored for his four-year […]
Alums Together Off-Off-Broadway
Two Washington and Lee classmates from the Class of 2010, both double majors in English and theater, are working together on the off-off-Broadway stage in New York City this month. Jenna Worsham is directing “What the Sparrow Said” at Teatro LATEA. Included in the cast is her classmate Kevin Mannering, who plays the role of […]
Gittin’ Through with Roy Matthews '54
Roy T. Matthews, emeritus professor of history at Michigan State University and a member of the Class of 1954, is the author of a new book, Gittin’ Through. Published by Trafford Publishing, Gittin’ Through is subtitled A Southern Town During World War II. The book follows three generations whose lives were changed by the war: […]
Another Honor for Dick Duchossois '44
Earlier this month at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Richard L. Duchossois, of the Class of 1944, received the The Ellen & Herbert Moelis Equine Savior Award for Philanthropy from Equine Advocates, a national non-profit dedicated to saving horses from slaughter. The award is just the latest in a long list of honors recognizing Dick's impact on Thoroughbred […]
Piggy Nation
When a driver in a Corvette stole his mother-in-law's parking space outside a restaurant, Richard Rosser, of the Class of 1984, knew he had to do something in response. So he created his own nation — Piggy Nation— where there would be no more drivers parking in two spaces, no more dogs pooping on neighbors’ […]
VES Honors Jay Hight '67
Washington and Lee alumnus Jay Hight, of the Class of 1967, spent 36 years as librarian and English teacher at Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg. Earlier this summer, the school honored Jay at its reunion dinner, announcing a commitment to dedicate the renovated school library as The James Aldwin Hight Jr. Library in Jay's honor. […]
Homegrown in Hanover, Pa.
The Washington Post's Lifestyle sectionis the latest publication to take notice of what is happening in Hanover, Pa., where Washington and Lee alumni Kathryn Sheppard Hoar, of the Class of 1997, her sister, Heather Sheppard Lunn, of the Class of 2000, and Kathy's husband, Oliver, of the Class of 1997, have turned Kathy and Heather's […]
Alcorn '84 Publishes First Book
Charles Alcorn is the managing editor of the American Book Review, a professor of English at the University of Houston and the possessor of a 2006 Ph.D. in English literature and fiction from the University of Houston’s creative writing program. He’s also a former ad copywriter and used to own a cigar company. Now he can […]
Smooth Sailing for Bob Scott '65
Congratulations to Bob Scott, a 1965 graduate of Washington and Lee, who won three prizes last month in the Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race at the helm of his 75-year-old New York 32 Class yacht, the Falcon. Bob, who lives in Castine, Maine, and his crew took the Over the Hill Gang trophy, first in fleet in […]
Alum Heads Fitzgerald Museum
Novelist and Jazz-Age chronicler F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, are sparkling figures in the current Woody Allen movie "Midnight in Paris." They also star in an Alabama museum that's headed by a Washington and Lee alum, Will Thompson. In the early 1930s, the Fitzgeralds and their daughter, Scottie, spent just six months living in Montgomery, […]
An Urban Fantasy from Ashley Mayer
On her website, Ashley Mayer, a 2006 Washington and Lee graduate, lists her jobs: movie-store clerk, trade-show-booth slinger, receptionist, executive assistant, travel-magazine journalist, public-relations writer and marketing consultant. Missing from that list is author. But now Ashley can add that item, having recently published Temp: An Accidental Fairytale, which is described as an urban fantasy. The book features […]
Legion of Merit for Col. Art Kandarian '86
In a ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky., earlier this month, Army Col. Arthur Kandarian, of Washington and Lee's Class of 1986, turned over command of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, which led the surge in Afghanistan during the past year. During the ceremony, Art received the Legion of Merit; his wife, Faye, was […]
New Coaching Post for Dannelly
Former Washington and Lee women's basketball captain Bethany Dannelly, of the Class of 2005, has just been named an assistant coach at Colby College, in Maine. Bethany still holds the career records for assists (459) and steals (197) as the Generals' point guard. She never had fewer than 84 assists and 42 steals in a […]
Jane Judges the Royals
If you are a royal watcher, this has been a few months to savor, what with Prince William marrying Kate Middleton and Prince Albert of Monaco marrying Charlene Wittstock. Washington and Lee alumna Jane Lee, a 2009 graduate, has it all covered with her video report for Forbes Lifestyle. Jane is an associate editor and producer of Forbes […]
Fit to a T: Honoring Cy Twombly
Two young alumni of Washington and Lee recently paid their respects to the late Cy Twombly ’53 in a most appropriate way — by seeing his art in person at two of the world’s great museums. Two days after Cy’s July 5 death, siblings Matt Null (Class of 2006) and Andrea Null (Class of 2010) began a family […]
W&L Alum Did Something
When the devastating tornado tore apart his hometown of Joplin, Mo. in May, Washington and Lee alumnus Brent Beshore, of the Class of 2005, felt helpless. He was miles away in Columbia, Mo., but he wanted to do something. And he did. Brent created a Facebook page, Joplin, MO Tornado Recovery, that was designed, in […]
Sexiest Startup CEO
Business Insider website has just named the country's sexiest startup CEOs, and Washington and Lee alumnus Ross Hinkle, of the Class of 2001, is No. 8 on the list. Ross is the CEO of Liveset, which started up last year and presents live concert events for the Web and mobile devices in what it describes […]
A W&L Face at Facebook
When she was communications director for the House Democratic Caucus in 2007, Sarah Feinberg, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1999, described her résumé as a “bit schizophrenic" in an interview with Politico. The latest entry on that packed résumé is a new position at Facebook, where she will be focusing on communications about […]
Catering with a Conscience
Readers of the Roanoke Times on Sunday, July 10, may have noticed a familiar face and name in the Business section — Jenny Elmes, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1991. She made the news for her status as an environmentally conscious caterer. The Q&A explains how she decided to make her business, […]
New Editor in Arkansas
Congratulations to Washington and Lee alumnus Lindsey Millar, of the Class of 2002, who has been elevated to editor of the Arkansas Times, a weekly alternative newspaper in Little Rock. A native of Searcy, Ark., and a history major at W&L, Lindsey has written for the Times since 2007 after holding previous positions at the […]
Cy Twombly ’53, 1928-2011
Famed artist Edwin Parker "Cy" Twombly Jr., who died today in Rome at the age of 83, attended Washington and Lee for only one academic year — 1949-1950. But he and the University (and the city of Lexington, too) had a much deeper history than that single year suggests. Born and raised in Lexington, Cy […]
Alumna, W&L Knitters Comfort Nairobi Kids
Paige Smith, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 2006, is spending the summer in Nairobi, Kenya, working with impoverished children. In her luggage are handmade gifts for the kids from a Lexington organization that includes many W&L employees, and from the mother of a new graduate. Paige made her first visit to Africa last […]
A Politico to Watch
Congratulations to Justine Sessions, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 2005. National Journal, an online publication that covers the political scene in Washington D.C., has named her to its list of “Hill People” to watch. Justine is the majority communications director for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Justine Sessions '05 […]
Duffee '83 in Sudan
If you are in Lexington today (Wednesday, June 29), you can hear Larry Duffee, a 1983 graduate of Washington and Lee, give a presentation about Sudan. Larry, who lives in Fredericksburg, Va., sold his food-supply business to become an Episcopal missionary. He has been stationed at the headquarters of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, in Juba, […]
Alumna's First Novel Draws Raves
Rebecca Makkai '99 Sharp-eyed readers of the July issue of “O: The Oprah Magazine” may notice a familiar name in the magazine’s summer reading list: Rebecca Makkai. Don’t recognize her? By the end of the summer, you probably will, as this 1999 graduate of Washington and Lee University is poised to make a big name […]
Art That's All in the Family
While she was a student, Julia Pleasants, of Washington and Lee’s Class of 2008, belonged to the dance club and helped found the W&L Repertory Dance Company. An English major, she recently learned the business side of the dance world when she did a press and marketing internship with the famed Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, in […]
A Journalist's Homecoming
Sometimes you have to leave a place–or a job–to discover that's where you are meant to be. At least that's what journalist Kat Greene, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 2008, recently discovered. Kat always wanted to be a reporter. As she wrote last fall on her Facebook page, which the Talking Biz […]
Alum Takes the Pulpit at Historic Church
A historic Presbyterian church in Germantown, Tenn., has a new pastor, and he’s a W&L alumnus. The Rev. William Gray Jones, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1992, now leads the 800-plus members of Germantown Presbyterian Church, which dates to 1838. Its Evans Chapel, built in 1851, is Germantown’s oldest public building. "It […]
Next Stop, Medical School
Good luck to Allison Lemon, a brand-new graduate of Washington and Lee. This week, she is competing in the famed Roanoke Valley Horse Show, but it may be a long time before the former captain of W&L’s riding team sees the inside of a show ring again. As the Roanoke Times explains, Allison has been riding since […]
NY Times Highlights Alum's Business
A new concept for legal assistance, LawyerUp, promises to provide legal assistance within 15 minutes when urgent legal help is required. A recent story in the New York Times (registration required) described the new service, which was co-founded by Alex Ruskell, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1994. Billed as "America's First Urgent […]
Maryland Bar Honors W&L Alum Hamp Tisdale '74L
During its annual meeting in Ocean City, Md., earlier this month, the Maryland State Bar Association honored Judge John H. (Hamp) Tisdale, of Washington and Lee's Law School Class of 1974, with the 2011 Anselm Sodaro Award for Judicial Civility. Hamp has been associate judge of the Frederick (Md.) County Circuit Court, 6th Judicial Circuit, […]
On the Electrifying 100
Washington and Lee alumnus Reuben Munger, co-founder of a company designed to bring green-tech automotive solutions to market, has just been named one of the "Electrifying 100" by Automotive News magazine. The 100 people comprise the magazine's assessment of the key players driving vehicle electrification. Reuben, a member of the Class of 1995, is CEO of […]
Law Alum's Documentary on Henry Clay Airs
"Henry Clay and the Struggle for the Union," a documentary on Henry Clay and his role in the events that led up to the Civil War, is airing this month on Kentucky's PBS affiliate, KET. The hour-long program was written and is hosted by Kent Masterson Brown, a 1974 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of […]
Teaching the Blues
Last month, on his way home to Brattleboro, Vt., after performing and teaching at Washington and Lee, blues guitarist Scott Ainslie, of the Class of 1974, took a detour—all the way to Clarksdale, Miss. His destination was the Delta Blues Museum, where he dropped off more than 100 instructional DVDs — the bounteous beginning of […]
Retiring Attorney
After four terms as commonwealth's attorney for Shenandoah County, Va., Washington and Lee law alumnus Albert T. Mitchell, of the Class of 1967, has announced he won't seek re-election in November. Al was appointed to the position by the judges of the 26th Judicial Circuit in 1999 and then was elected to the position in […]
Retiring Surgeon
Dr. Charles Niemeyer, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1962, suffered two broken legs before he was 10 years old. That, says his wife, Carolyn, is what led him to his chosen profession: orthopedic surgeon. “He’s wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon since he was 7-years-old,” she told the Gaston Gazette. Charlie is […]
Warren Stephens '79 Honored by President Bush
Washington and Lee alumnus and trustee Warren Stephens, of the Class of 1979, and his wife, Harriet, were honored in their hometown of Little Rock, Ark., last week by none other than former President George W. Bush. The occasion was the 10th anniversary of The First Tee of Little Rock Jack Stephens Youth Golf Academy. President […]
Roscoe B. Stephenson Jr. '43, '47L Dies at 89
In the eight years that Washington and Lee alumnus Roscoe B. Stephenson Jr. served as judge of the Alleghany County Circuit Court, his decisions were never reversed. That is surely one of the reasons that Stephenson was elevated to the Virginia Supreme Court in 1981. He served as a justice for 16 years before retiring […]
Another 40 Under 40 Honoree
Last month two Washington and Lee alumni, David Foster, of the Class of 1998, and Paul E. Wright, of the Class of 1995, were named to Philadelphia Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list. That caused us to start looking for other examples of alums who have been so honored recently. So far, we have located one […]
An Alum Reaches Out to Home
Anyone who has seen the images of devastation from Joplin, Mo., cannot help but be affected by the magnitude of the disaster caused by Sunday's tornado. For one Washington and Lee alumnus, Brent Beshore, of the Class of 2005, the scenes are personal. Joplin is Brent's hometown. It's where he was born and raised, and […]
Ohio State Coach Goes with a Pro
College football fans know who Jim Tressel is. And they probably know that the embattled former Ohio State coach is charged with hiding information about players receiving impermissible benefits and with lying to the NCAA about his knowledge of those violations. They may not necessarily know, however, Gene Marsh, the man who will be sitting beside Tressel when the […]
W&L Alum Named Fort Lauderdale City Manager
Lee Feldman, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1984, was named the city manager of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., this week. Lee, who was selected from a competitive field of 90 candidates, will oversee 2,500 employees and a $600 million budget. Based on his track record, Lee is up to the challenge. He goes to […]
Fallen But Not Forgotten
This week the Wheaton edition of the Chicago Tribune related the story of Washington and Lee alumnus James Howard Monroe, of the Class of 1966, whose Medal of Honor will soon have a new home in a Chicago area middle school that bears his name. Known as "Jimmy" or "Jimbo" by his family, Monroe was […]
The DA
The Ledger-Enquirer newspaper in Columbus, Ga., published a major feature story this weekend on the first female prosecutor of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit — Washington and Lee alumna Julia Slater, a 1993 graduate of the School of Law. The story was based, in part, on a guilty verdict that Julia had won in a 25-year-old […]
2 of Philly's 40 Under 40
Later this month, the Philadelphia Business Journal and the Fox School of Business at Temple University will honor 40 people under the age of 40 for their professional accomplishments and community involvement. Two of the 40 winners are Washington and Lee alumni: David Foster, of the Class of 1998, and Paul E. Wright, of the Class of […]
Athletic Hall of Famers
Four alumni who distinguished themselves on the fields, courts and courses of W&L compose the 24th class to be inducted into Washington and Lee's Athletic Hall of Fame. They will be honored on Sept. 9 at the annual Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and then will be introduced at halftime of the Generals' football game on […]
Milliken Plant Named for Ashley Allen '65
Ashley Allen, a 1965 graduate of Washington and Lee, spent his entire working career with Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, S.C. When he retired in 2008, Ashley was president and CEO of the textile and chemical company, which is probably best known for its carpet but has a varied portfolio of products. A chemistry major at […]
Law Grad Competing on The Bachelorette
When ABC-TV's popular series The Bachelorette begins its new season on May 23, one of the bachelors will be West Lee, a 2007 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law. West is one of 25 who will vie for the affections of Ashley Hebert, the 26-year-old bachelorette from Philadelphia who was a former […]
A Bright Light on Broadway
Congratulations to Rob Ashford, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1982, for the two Tony nominations he received Tuesday. The director of the current Broadway revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” won nods for best direction of a musical and best choreography. And there’s more — two of his stars were […]
Retiring from The Hill
Congratulations to David R. Dougherty, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1968, who has announced his retirement as headmaster of The Hill School, a 160-year-old prep school in Pottstown, Pa. David will step down in June 2012, which will be his 19th year as the school's headmaster. He made the announcement last month. […]
Another Good Draft for Law Alumnus
Sports agent Malik Shareef, a 2006 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, had an interesting few days last week as he waited to see where one of his clients, Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams, would go in the National Football League draft. In a story published this past Saturday, The Washington […]
Hall of Fame Realtor
Steve Van Amburgh, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1975, will be inducted into the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors Hall of Fame next month. Steve is the chief executive officer of KDC Real Estate Development and Investments. He manages that firm’s strategic planning, coordinates all new business development efforts and oversees […]
On Target
In the two years since he graduated from Washington and Lee, Isaiah Goodman has been establishing his career as a business analyst for Target at the company's headquarters in Isaiah's home state of Minnesota. Isaiah's video is prominent in a series on the Target website that features members of the Target team talking about their careers. In his […]
W&L Law Alumna Leads American Inns of Court
Throughout her 28 years as an officer-lawyer in the U.S. Army, Brigadier General (Ret.) Malinda Dunn, a 1981 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, has broken ground in several areas. She was, for instance, the first female staff judge advocate of the 82nd Airborne Division, with which she did two tours; she was […]
Say, Isn't That the Colonnade?
More than one Twitter user wondered aloud (or is actually "aloud" when you Tweet?) about a scene from Sunday night's episode of "The Cleveland Show" on Fox. During one of the bizarre asides that are routine in the animated series, the scene flashes to a college commencement ceremony in front of a familiar-looking set of […]
Another W&L-Atlanta Fed Connection
Soon after we noted the recent appointment of Washington and Lee alumnus T. Lee Robinson, of the Class of 1985, to the New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta last week, readers brought to our attention that a second W&L alumnus is also serving in an advisory capacity to the Atlanta Fed. […]
Tracking Labor Issues
Anyone who has been following the largest class action suit in history, Dukes v. Wal-Mart, has likely heard the views of Washington and Lee alumnus Gerald "Jerry" Maatman. The 1978 graduate, a senior partner at Seyfarth Shaw L.L.P., in Chicago, has filed a brief with the Supreme Court in support of Walmart on behalf of Costco […]
W&L Alum Advising Atlanta Fed
Earlier this month, the Mobile Press-Register posed five questions to Washington and Lee alumnus T. Lee Robinson. One was what he'd be doing if he weren't president of OHC, Inc., a hardwood lumber importer. Lee's answer? He'd want to teach history at his alma mater. A 1985 graduate of W&L, Lee was recently named to the […]
More on Liz
Our blog post about the visit that Elizabeth Taylor made to Lexington with then-fiancé John Warner, of the Class of 1949, generated lots of traffic and a few comments about a less-publicized visit to the Beta house. But here's a story about the couple that we hadn't heard until it popped up last week in […]
Greensboro's Atticus Finch
One night last month, members of the Greensboro, N.C., Bar Association gathered for the organization's annual meeting and honored 18 of their group with induction into the Herb Falk Society. Membership in the society is based on the amount of pro bono work that the attorneys have done during the previous year. Anyone who has […]
The Collector
Washington and Lee alumnus Bill Falvey, a member of the Class of 1969 and a Memphis physician, had always been intrigued by the comic book versions of classics known as Classics Illustrated. Featuring such titles as Moby Dick, Hamlet and The Iliad, the series began publication in 1941 and produced 169 issues by 1971. The […]
Alumni Take Over Magazine's Pages
The April/May 2011 edition of Garden & Gun magazine includes feature stories about not one, but two, Washington and Lee alumni. "Appalachian Spring" is the story of the Southern Highlands Reserve, a private native-plant garden and research center founded by Robert Balentine, of the Class of 1979, and his wife, Betty. Robert confesses in the […]
Worlds Collide
Last week, the @wlunews Twitter feed received this message from Sam Perkins, of the Classes of 1980 and 1983 Law: "Did you see this political cartoon by John Cole (W&L '80) re: Michael Krancer (W&L Law '83)? Worlds collide…" Earlier, Sam had tweeted this: "My W&L undergrad classmate creates political cartoon re: W&L Law classmate […]
Recognition for a Rodney Dangerfield
In his 30-year legal career, Washington and Lee alumnus Rob Wendt, of the Class of 1978, has specialized in issues involving the environment, mental health patients and the disabled. He has become a specialist in Social Security disability issues. Rob recently described his work this way to a reporter for a major feature in The […]
Teaching Manners
As captain of Washington and Lee's 1988 national championship tennis team, David McLeod, of the Class of 1988, was a competitor whose name is etched in the Generals' record books for career singles wins (70, tied for 6th) and doubles (59 with Bobby Matthews, 1st). He and his teammates were the first alumni to be inducted as a team into […]
Alum's Company Tackles Traumatic Brain Injuries
When it comes to traumatic brain injuries, the time it takes for a patient to get treatment is especially critical. Accordingly, BrainScope, a company whose CEO is Washington and Lee alumnus Michael Singer, of the Class of 1984, has developed Ahead EU-100, a new tool to quickly assess brain function, and introduced it in the United Kingdom. A news release issued by […]
South by South…Lex?
As music, film and business leaders flocked to the annual South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, last week, business administration professor Amanda Bower was staging her own convergence of creative types on a smaller scale right here in Lexington. In an effort to introduce students to potential career paths in advertising, marketing and promotion, […]
W&L Alum Teaching in Japan Experiences the Earthquake
Washington and Lee graduates John Henzel '10 and Beth Valentine Henzel '11 are living in Japan, where John is teaching English as part of the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). The Henzels live in Osato, which is about 16 miles north of Sendai, the Japanese port city nearest the epicenter of last week's earthquake. […]
W&L Authors at Virginia Festival of the Book
The Virginia Festival of the Book opens today in Charlottesville, and four authors with Washington and Lee connections will be talking about their latest books. The festival runs through Saturday and is sponsored by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. The W&L authors, their books, and their lecture times: Julie Campbell, associate director of communications and […]
W&L Alumna and March Madness
If you happen to be among those who watch the NCAA Divison I Basketball Tournament, a.k.a March Madness, on your computer, you are likely to catch Washington and Lee alumna Kaylee Hartung, of the Class of 2007, doing the studio show at halftime of games over the next three weeks. Kaylee, an associate producer for […]
All in the Family
For Lyle Smith, banking is a family affair. Earlier this year, Lyle, a member of the Class of 1993, was named managing director and chief investment officer of United Bank's Wealth Management Group, which manages more than $5 billion in client assets. It's based in Charleston, W.Va. He is now the fourth generation of his family […]
Alum's New Book Examines Carter and Religious Right
J. Brooks Flippen, a member of the Class of 1982, has just published his third book. Scheduled for formal release on March 15, Jimmy Carter, the Politics of Family, and the Rise of the Religious Right is being published by the University of Georgia Press. Brooks is a professor of history at Southeastern Oklahoma State […]
O. Henry Prize Winner
Congratulations to Matthew Neill Null, a member of the Class of 2006 and a Creative Writing Fellow at the University of Iowa. Matt's story, "Something You Can’t Live Without," is among the 20 stories selected for publication in the PEN/O. Henry Prize Stories 2011: The Best Stories of the Year. An English major at W&L, Matt […]
BUBBA Branches Out
Now that his company boasts the No. 1-selling frozen burger in the land, Washington and Lee alumnus Billy Morris, of the Class of 1981, is taking a new step by opening four new restaurants in his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla. According to a story in the Florida Times-Union last week, the new Original BUBBA Burger […]
W&L Alum Named Bosch Foundation Fellow
Washington and Lee alumnus Richard M. Kyle, of the Class of 2007, a third-year student in the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, has been named a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow for 2011-12. In that capacity, Richard will intensively study German as well as attend seminars with key German and European decision makers. He was one of 20 […]
Top Entrepreneur
Ted Kingsbery, of the Class of 2009, was named one of the top entrepreneurs under 25 in a contest presented by BroBible.com and reported on Sawyer Speaks, the online media company that focuses on entrepreneurs. Ted is head of business development at Shark Branding, the company founded by Daymond John, who founded FUBU and appears on […]
Running to Cure Alzheimer's
This past President’s Day weekend, if you were lucky, you took a brief vacation to a warmer clime. Alex Appel, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 2006, spent Saturday in Florida, but it wasn’t exactly a vacation — he competed in, and won, the Iron Horse Endurance Run, a 62-mile race. (Yes, you […]
Nabors Service in Birmingham
Fourteen Washington and Lee students are spending their Washington Break this week in Birmingham, Ala., on an alternative break trip organized by the Nabors Service League and members of the Birmingham Alumni Chapter. According to Jenny Davidson, coordinator of the Campus Kitchen and advisor to both Volunteer Venture and the Nabors Services League, the students will […]
Emeritus Trustee Drew Baur Dies at 66
Andrew N. "Drew" Baur, a trustee emeritus at Washington and Lee, died on Sunday morning, Feb. 20, in Jupiter, Fla. He was 66. Drew, a member of W&L's Class of 1966 and a history major, was elected to the board in February 2005 and took the oath of office in October 2005. He retired from the […]
More Celebrations in Bardstown
There was another celebration in Bardstown, Ky., yesterday with Washington and Lee alumnus Max L. Shapira, of the Class of 1965, who operates Heaven Hill Distilleries. Back in December, we wrote about the 75th anniversary of Heaven Hill on the day that it filled its 6 millionth barrel of bourbon. On Wednesday, Max cut the ribbon […]
New Memoir by Mark Richard '80
"Say you have a 'special child,' which in the South means one between Down's and dyslexic." So begins "House of Prayer No. 2," the new memoir by Washington and Lee alumnus Mark Richard, of the Class of 1980, that was released today amid a flurry of positive reviews everywhere from Sunday's New York Times Book […]
Cowboys, Jets & Walt Michaels
An interesting connection occurred last week in Houston, where Washington and Lee's Board of Trustees was holding its winter meetings at the Houstonian. Turns out that the board of the University of Wyoming also happened to be meeting at the same hotel, and the two universities share a bit of a history. In 1951, W&L and […]
Brain Freeze! Alumnus' Record Label Releases Benefit DVD
Peter Homans, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1972 who has blended his musical and business skills, is practically a walking advertisement for a liberal arts education. In the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of the alumni magazine, we wrote about his PARMA Recordings, which had just released “Tendrils,” a CD containing music by Peter; Byron […]
Book Burning Targets Alumnus
Authors want their books to garner notice: good reviews, robust sales, enthusiastic readers. Having one’s book burned in protest, however, isn’t usually on the wish list. Erik Curren, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1987, found this out last week, when his 2006 book, Buddha's Not Smiling: Uncovering Corruption at the Heart of Tibetan […]
Cliff Holekamp '96 Honored
Ten years after the St. Louis Business Journal named Cliff Holekamp, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1996, as one of its 30 Under 30 honorees, the same publication has tabbed him one of its 40 Under 40. The honorees — all younger than 40, as you might guess — were chosen by a panel […]
A Rising Star
Congratulations to Timothy R. Moore, a 1997 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, who was recently named to the 2011 Rising Stars list by North Carolina Super Lawyers magazine. The Rising Stars selection process involves a rigorous evaluation of candidates by Law & Politics, a publication of Key Professional Media Inc. No […]
Think June. Think Nashville.
What better time than Groundhog Day to begin thinking of summer? And thinking of summer for Washington and Lee alumni means thinking of the next Alumni Road Trip. This year, it's to Nashville, from June 16-18. It's not too early to begin planning for the Alumni Road Trip to the Athens of the South. The […]
Gavin Dean Honored by The State
Gavin Dean, a 2000 graduate of Washington and Lee, has been named one of the "20 under 40" honorees by The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C. The 20 young professionals are, according to the newspaper, "making an impact on the community and also show great promise for tomorrow." Gavin is senior project manager for Aetna […]
More Honors for Darracott Vaughan '61
Washington and Lee alumnus Dr. E. Darracott Vaughan Jr., a member of the Class of 1961 and one of the world’s foremost urological clinicians, researchers and educators, has received another major award for his outstanding contributions to the science of urology. Darracott, professor emeritus of urology at Weil Cornell Medical School, will receive the Ramon […]
Ross Singletary '89 on CNBC's Closing Bell
In case you missed it, a Washington and Lee alum was featured on CNBC's "Closing Bell" with Maria Bartiromo this week. Ross Singletary, of the Class of 1989, is managing partner with Arcus Capital Partners in Atlanta. An economics major, Ross appeared on the national show on Wednesday, Jan. 19 (probably pure coincidence that it […]
Creative Hall of Famer
"Life is measured only superficially by heartbeats, breaths and brainwaves. Life is doing. It's learning and it's engaging and it's thinking." So said Washington and Lee alumnus Mike Hughes in a fascinating piece that ran on the front of the Richmond Times-Dispatch's Metro Business section earlier this month. Here is a link to the article […]
Fashioning a Career
Inslee Haynes, a 2008 graduate of Washington and Lee, was in the spotlight last week when The Fashion Magpie blog published a glowing feature about her work and her blog from the We Love DC website. Inslee, an art history major at W&L, has been running a fashion-illustration business since 2005, as she explains on […]
Ted DeLaney on WMRA's “Virginia Insight”
On Monday, Jan. 17, at 3 p.m., Ted DeLaney, chair of the History Department and the Harry E. and Mary Jayne W. Redenbaugh Term Professor of History at Washington and Lee University, appeared on NPR affiliate WMRA’s “Virginia Insight” to examine the legacy of the Civil War 150 years later. DeLaney, who is a 1985 […]
He's Golden: Virginia Delegate Lacey Putney
Congratulations to Lacey E. Putney, who on Jan. 12 kicked off his 50th year as Bedford County’s representative to the Virginia House of Delegates. The anniversary makes the member of Washington and Lee’s undergraduate Class of 1950 and law Class of 1957 one of the longest-serving legislators in the U.S. We blogged about his last […]
Keeping Babies Healthy
Whether they've known it or not, parents who pay close attention to nutritional guidelines for their babies set by the American Academy of Pediatrics have benefited from the expertise of a Washington and Lee alumnus. Dr. Frank R. Greer, a member of the Class of 1968, is the former chairman of the AAP's nutrition committee, […]
Remembering Ryan Bowe '99 with a Race
Last March we blogged about a new movie, "Hood to Coast," about the race called "The Mother of All Relays" — a 197-mile run from Mount Hood to Oregon's Pacific Coast. The movie follows four of the relay teams, including Team R. Bowe, which was running in honor of Ryan Bowe, of W&L's Class of […]
NFL Playoff Connection
James Urban '96 with Michael Vick during training camp With the National Football League playoffs beginning this weekend, it's a fitting time to note the work that Washington and Lee alumnus James Urban, of the Class of 1996, has been doing as the quarterback coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. When W&L sports information director Brian Laubscher visited […]
W&L Law Grad Named to NLRB
President Obama has nominated a Washington and Lee law alumnus, Terence F. Flynn, of the Class of 1990, to fill an open position on the five-member National Labor Relations Board. According to a story on Bloomberg, Terry becomes the second Republican on the NLRB and replaces Republican Peter Schaumber, whose term expired in August. Terry […]
A New Kick Out of Soccer
In 16 years of practice as a partner with the Seattle-based law firm Lane Powell, Jeffrey Gingold, a 1971 Washington and Lee graduate, has specialized in health care and insurance regulation. Now he has added a new specialty–professional soccer. Last month, Jeff became one of only 83 Americans to hold a soccer players' agent license. […]
Resolve to Return
Welcome in 2011 by signing up for Alumni Weekend 2011! Scheduled for May 12-15, the event is for the classes of 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, and 1996. The Alumni Office has blocked hotel rooms and will notify alumni when these rooms are released for reservation. At the end of January, alumni will […]
Temple Cone's New Book of Poems
Temple Cone, of the Class of 1995, has published his second collection of poems. The Broken Meadow, which was published this fall, won the 2010 Old Seventy Press Poetry Series Contest. We wrote about Temple's first collection, No Loneliness, in 2009. Three of Temple's poems have also been nominated for the Pushcart Prize by the […]
Farmer Matt
By day, Matt Strickler, of the Class of 2003, puts his Washington and Lee public policy major to work as the legislative assistant to Virginia State Senator Ralph S. Northam, a Democrat who represents District 6: the counties of Accomack, Mathews and Northampton and parts of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. But in his spare time, […]
All in the Family
In a time when many daily newspapers are closing their doors, the Columbia Daily Tribune in Columbia, Mo., is staying open, and in the family. First published in 1901, the paper has been owned by the Waters and Watson families since 1904 and is currently owned by W&L alumnus Hank Waters, of the class of […]
Iowa Connection
As new Iowa Governor-elect Terry Branstad fills positions in his new government, it's clear that we'll need to establish a Washington and Lee alumni chapter in the state capitol in Des Moines. First, Gov.-elect Brandstad announced that he is retaining Donna Mueller, a 1979 graduate of the W&L School of Law, as chief executive officer […]
Six Million Barrels
Earlier this month, Heaven Hill Distilleries, in Bardstown, Ky., celebrated its 75th anniversary on the same day that it filled its six-millionth barrel of bourbon. Presiding over the celebration was Heaven Hill president Max L. Shapira, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1965. Max is the third generation of his family to own […]
It's the Real Thing
For Washington and Lee alumnus William Frank Barron Jr., things always did go better with Coke. A member of W&L's Class of 1952, Frank belongs to a family that was the Coca-Cola bottler in Rome, Ga., for 85 years. His grandfather started the company in 1901, and, according to "Your Friendly Neighbor": The Story of […]
Who Is Alexis Hawley?
The answer: A Washington and Lee law alumna who competed on "Jeopardy!" earlier this month. The question: Who is Alex Hawley, a 2009 graduate of the W&L School of Law? She finished second on the "Jeopardy!" program that aired on Dec. 15, 2010. An associate in the Labor & Employment Practice Group of Seyfarth Shaw L.L.P., in Chicago, […]
Decorating Hermés
When Hermés New York began looking for a different design for the holiday windows of its Madison Avenue store, they turned to Washington and Lee alumnus Charlie Baker, of the Class of 2004. Charlie's work, which uses twigs and felled trees from the beaches of Long Island, is featured in an article in Thursday's New […]
Two Stars for Tony
An announcement from the Department of Defense last month included the news that Tony Ierardi, of the Class of 1982, has been promoted to the rank of major general (two stars). A business administration major, Tony was a member of W&L's ROTC unit and was commissioned at his graduation. He has held a wide variety […]
Alum Receives Award for Gifted Curriculum
Michael Clay Thompson, a creator of curriculum in poetics, writing, grammar and vocabulary, and a member of Washington and Lee University’s Class of 1969, has received the Richard W. Riley Award from the South Carolina Consortium for Gifted Education. “The award reflects the unique place Thompson’s language arts curriculum has come to have in gifted […]
Alumnus Takes VP Helm at Wilderness Society
The Wilderness Society, the organization that works to protect public lands, now has a W&L alumnus as one of its top executives. Fred Silbernagel, a member of the W&L Class of 1976, is the society’s new senior vice president for finance and administration. He comes to his new post after 14 years at the Brookings Institution as […]
National Recognition
Congratulations to Kelly B. Herd, of the Class of 2003, who has won a national prize for her Ph.D. dissertation in marketing. Kelly will complete her degree at the University of Colorado's Leeds School of Business next May and is set to join the faculty at Indiana University. She won honors in business administration at W&L. […]
By the Numbers
Next time you see a story based on polls or polling and distributed by the Associated Press, be sure to check the byline. There's a good chance it will have been written, in whole or in part, by Jennifer Agiesta, a 2000 Washington and Lee alum. In late August, Jennifer began her new position as deputy […]
Connecting Via the Human Touch
It’s a given that Washington and Lee alumni love to get together long after graduation, whether they’re seeing classmates on campus during reunions, or meeting alumni of all generations in their communities at chapter events. A new twist on that tradition has a singular purpose: to connect the women of W&L through informal gatherings around the country. […]
W&L Alums Team Up
Two generations of Washington and Lee theatre majors will team up next week for a performance in New York when Jenna Worsham, a 2010 graduate, directs a performance of The Nebraska Dispatches featuring Christopher Cartmill, a 1984 graduate. We wrote about Chris's memoir, The Nebraska Dispatches, earlier this year. Chris and Christine Marie Brown adapted […]
Law Alum Speaks Out About Stutter
Eddie Neufville, a 2003 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, describes what it's like to live with a stutter during an interview that aired on the NBC Nightly News this week. "You feel a knot in your stomach and you feel like your chest is very compressed and your heart is racing," is […]
W&L Alum Rob Rain in Afghanistan
A little more than three years ago Rob Rain, of the Class of 2007, was conducting honor hearings as president as Washington and Lee's Executive Committee. Today he is leading weekly shuras with Afghan elders as part of his deployment in the Helmand Province. First Lt. Rain is a platoon commander with the 81 Millimeter […]
Art and Fiction
Comedian, actor, author and art collector Steve Martin's new novel, "Object of Beauty," has an interesting Washington and Lee connection. The novel is set in the New York City art world. Martin is a renowned art collector in his own right. The W&L connection (actually, there are two) is the presence in the novel of […]
Drive Safer Sunday is Today
Today (Nov. 28) is Drive Safer Sunday, the sixth annual national observance of an event created in memory of Cullum Owings '03 by Road Safe America, an advocacy group founded by Cullum's parents and brother, Pierce '06. At the end of the 2002 Thanksgiving vacation, Cullum and Pierce were driving back to Washington and Lee […]
W&L's Connection with the First Macy's Parade Telecast
The following post is a reprise of the one we published on Thanksgiving two years ago, but we thought the story should be retold, and we invite you to forward it to W&L alumni, or others, who might not have seen it. Happy Thanksgiving! When you’re comfortably seated in front of your televisions on Thanksgiving […]
Tom Wolfe '51 Honored by National Book Foundation
Tom Wolfe, of the Class of 1951, became the 20th recipient of the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation last week during the National Book Awards ceremony in New York last week. Previous recipients of the award included Joan Didion, Maxine Hong Kingston, Norman Mailer, Toni Morrison, John Updike, […]
Saving a Ship
At a news conference in Philadelphia later today, the results of a feasibility study to save one of the world's fastest passenger ocean liners will be unveiled. The SS United States, built in 1952 and withdrawn from service in 1969, set a transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage when it sailed from New York […]
Remembering Adam and Kristin
A group of alumni and friends gathered at the Hotchkiss Alumni House earlier this month to honor two of their classmates, Adam Burchett '02 and Kristin Shelton '04, who died in a tragic automobile accident a decade ago. The accident inspired a student-led initiative that created the Traveller Safe Ride Program. Those who returned for […]
Chris Coffland Continues to Inspire
A year after he was killed in Afghanistan, Washington and Lee alumnus Chris Coffland's story continues to resonate in several different ways. Chris was a member of the W&L Class of 1988 and co-captained the 1987 Generals' football team. He had joined the Army Reserve a month before he turned 42, the enlistment cut-off date. An […]
Loyal West Virginian
At halftime of last Saturday's football game between West Virginia University and the University of Cincinnati, in Morgantown, Judge Frederick P. Stamp, a 1956 Washington and Lee alumnus, was honored with his wife, Joan, as "Most Loyal West Virginians." The recognition was part of WVU's 63rd annual Mountaineer Week. Judge Stamp, who had a private practice in […]
Wiman Profiled in “Poets & Writers”
Christian Wiman, the editor of Poetry magazine, is the subject of an elegant profile, “The Resurrection and the Life,” in the current issue of Poets & Writers Magazine. The occasion is the publication of Every Riven Thing, his fourth book and his third collection of poetry. Christian is a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of […]
Serial Entrepreneur
An article in the Nov. 2, 2010, edition of Youngentrepreneur magazine refers to Washington and Lee alumnus Brent Beshore as "a 27-year-old serial entrepreneur." It's an apt description of the 2005 graduate, who has been cited in the What's News blog once before, after being profiled in the Columbia, Mo., Business Times. The Youngentrepreneur article […]
Inverting Utopia with Sculptor Bob Trotman
This past weekend, the North Carolina Museum of Art, in Raleigh, unveiled “Inverted Utopias,” an exhibition by Bob Trotman, a 1969 alumnus of Washington and Lee. The exhibition runs until March 27, 2011, in a new gallery that showcases North Carolina artists. Trotman’s exhibition comprises works from the NCMA, private collections and the artist himself. […]
Charley McDowell '48, 1926-2010
Shortly after the news broke on Friday that Charles R. McDowell Jr., Washington and Lee Class of 1948, had died from complications of a stroke, several of his former colleagues on the Richmond Times-Dispatch were retelling stories about Charley and summing up his role as a newspaperman for almost half a century. One especially apt assessment in today's […]
Law Grad Inducted into Aviation Hall of Fame
Albert M. Orgain IV, a 1971 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, may be known first for his success as a trial lawyer. He is a principal with the Richmond firm Sands Anderson, and is listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers of Virginia, among others. But Al is equally […]
Another W&L Cruciverbalist
Back in May, we noted that a Washington and Lee alumnus, Bob Doll, of the Class of 1974, had just published his fourth New York Times crossword puzzle of the year. Now it turns out that we can boast of another, newer crossword constructor among the W&L alumni body. Neville Fogarty, who graduated in May, was the author […]
“60 Minutes” Horse Whisperer
Viewers of the Oct. 31 edition of “60 Minutes” enjoyed the profile of Zenyatta, the unbeaten racehorse who is aiming to win her 20th and final race on Nov. 6, at the Breeder’s Cup Classic. One of the CBS staffers who created the story, as much with her equestrian skills as with her journalistic talents, is […]
New Mosbacher Memoir Released
In the foreword to "Going to Windward: A Mosbacher Family Memoir," President George H.W. Bush writes this about Washington and Lee alumnus Bob Mosbacher: " made life in Houston, life in Washington — life, period — more enjoyable and meaningful for Barbara and me than mere words can describe. Simply put, we hate to think […]
W&L's Mad Man
Big news in the ad world yesterday centered on a Washington and Lee alumnus. Andrew Keller, a 1992 graduate, has been named the CEO of Crispin Porter & Bogusky, one of the country's premier ad agencies. We've noted Andrew's work before in What's News, noting an interview that he did with Creativity in 2009 and […]
New Names for the Benefactors' Wall
In 1983, when the University created the Honored Benefactors' Wall in Washington Hall, the idea was to include the names of those individuals whose gifts to Washington and Lee had exceeded $1 million. The wall contained 15 names when it was first unveiled. Last Thursday, Oct. 21, the University added six more names during a ceremony as […]
New Award for Nobel Laureate Joseph Goldstein '62
Washington and Lee alumnus Joseph Goldstein along with his longtime collaborator Michael Brown has been named winner of the inaugural Earl and Thress Stadtman Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The two scientists won the 1985 Nobel Prize in Medicine and the National Medal of Science in 1988 for […]
Alumna Honored by New York City YWCA
Megan Taylor, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1996, will be honored next month at the YWCA of New York City's 37th Annual Salute Luncheon. Megan, chief operating officer of private wealth management in the Investment Management Division (IMD) of Goldman, Sachs & Co., will join the Academy of Women Leaders Class of 2010 during […]
Charting a Diverse Course for the Law
Formed in May 2009, the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) held its first annual meeting in Washington earlier this month. Its first executive director, Washington and Lee alumnus Robert J. Grey Jr., of the Law Class of 1976, concluded that the higher-than-expected attendance showed how important the new initiative is to the profession. “This attendance level […]
Honors for Tom Wolfe '51
To the surprise of no one, Washington and Lee alumnus Tom Wolfe '51 was named one of literature's 10 best-dressed authors by Flavorpill, a culture guide for New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and London. Here's what the Flavorwire wrote: "The 'man in white' has perhaps the most idiosyncratic style, having, since 1962, […]
W&L Law Alum Named Volunteer of the Year
Kevin White, a 2004 graduate of the School of Law, has received the Pro Bono Clearinghouse Volunteer Service Award from the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation. Kevin is an associate in the Richmond office of Kaufman & Canoles, where he practices corporate and public finance law. According to the announcement, Kevin provided 58 hours of pro bono […]
End of an Era in Fredericksburg
Josiah P. Rowe III, a member of Washington and Lee University’s Class of 1948, is retiring from 60-plus years in the family business: newspapers. On Oct. 14, the Fredericksburg (Va.) Free Lance-Star announced that he will retire at the end of the year and become publisher emeritus. Joe and his brother Charles (W&L Class of 1945 […]
It's Only Natural
Boyle Investment Co., a Memphis-based real estate investment company with Washington and Lee connections, made headlines recently by donating 290 acres of land to the Wolf River Conservancy. The non-profit land trust, based in Memphis, is charged with conserving and enhancing the Wolf River corridor and watershed as a sustainable natural resource. Bayard Boyle Jr., […]
Music and Medicine
Dr. Quinn Peeper, a member of the Washington and Lee Class of 1982, is an ob-gyn with a busy practice in New Orleans. He also has a flourishing musical career. He and partner Michael Harold are well known around New Orleans for their piano performances. They are bringing their talents to Quinn’s alma mater on […]
Life is a Stage for Beach Vickers
Beach Vickers, a 1972 W&L graduate, told the Charleston Gazette recently that he used to stage plays for neighborhood kids on his grandmother's back porch in nearby Montgomery, W.Va. Admission was 5 cents, and the cast almost always included a couple of dogs. Beach, a journalism major and former newspaperman, is now living in Los […]
Hall of Famers
The Washington and Lee Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its 23rd class last month. Former basketball coach Verne Canfield, former lacrosse player Don Carroll ’76, former football, lacrosse and wrestling athlete Robert Hull ’96, and former soccer, lacrosse and basketball player Karin Treese Bauer ’99 were the four honorees. • Verne Canfield served as the […]
Alum's Nebraska Dispatches
When Christopher Cartmill, Class of 1984, returned to Washington and Lee in the spring of 2009 as the Flournoy Playwright, he produced five plays in six weeks. Included in that lineup was The Nebraska Dispatches, a solo performance by Cartmill based on a research trip he had made to his home town, Lincoln, Neb. He […]
Del Clark '90 Loses Battle with Cancer
Sad news from Oregon last week, when Del Clark, of the Class of 1990, lost his long battle with cancer, at the age of 41. Del was the subject of an earlier blog item when The Oregonian newspaper featured him. A lawyer in the Portland suburb of Sherwood, Del was not only a city councilor but also had […]
Law Alum Helps Investors Join Forces
Washington and Lee law alumnus Talcott Franklin, of the Class of 1995, was the subject of a couple of articles in the financial press last week. The focus was on the clearinghouse that he created to allow investors in residential mortgage-backed securities that went bad to pool their claims and, as Bloomberg BusinessWeek reported, "potentially […]
Picking Up (Basketball) Where He Left Off
Hamill Jones, a 2004 Washington and Lee alumnus and former captain of the Generals' basketball team, will soon be starting his second season as head varsity basketball coach of his prep school alma mater, St. Christopher's School, in Richmond, Va. His first team finished 9-9. Hamill is also teaching history there. But his St. Christopher's job […]
Judging Corporate Boards
The Atlanta Journal Constitution published an engaging question-and-answer session with Washington and Lee law alumna Lizanne Thomas, of the Class of 1982, last week. The primary topic was corporate governance, an area in which Lizanne has a wealth of experience. She not only practices and teaches in the area, but she also has hands-on experience. Lizanne […]
New Book Studies Alum Who Ran for President
By day, Garland Tucker, a member of W&L’s Class of 1969, is the president and CEO of Triangle Capital Corp., a specialty finance company in Raleigh, N.C. By night, however, he is the author of a new book, The High Tide of American Conservatism: Davis, Coolidge and the 1924 Election (Emerald Book Co.). He focuses […]
Journalist Charley McDowell Adds to the Archives
Famed journalist Charley McDowell, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1948, has a special place in the history of W&L, for he grew up on campus as the son of Charles McDowell, professor of law, and Catherine McDowell, secretary to the law dean. During his illustrious 49-year career with the Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper, […]
Alums' Self-Proclaimed BroFest
Readers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution were already acquainted with the writing of Washington and Lee alum Jeremiah McWilliams, a staff reporter for the newspaper. But they were more accustomed to seeing his byline under stories about such Atlanta-based companies as Coca-Cola, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (based in Atlanta — really), or Great American Cookies. Then, one […]
Still Practicing Law at 95
The Clovis, N.M., News Journal, published a wonderful piece last week with Washington and Lee law alumnus Lynell Skarda of the Class of 1941. The story calls Lyn the oldest practicing lawyer in New Mexico. He turned 95 last month. Lyn followed his late brother, Langdon, a 1938 law school graduate, to W&L, and his […]
Running for Stuart
Former Washington and Lee tennis stars Robby (Class of 1994) and Chris (Class of 1996) MacNaughton are teaming up on Nov. 7 to run in the ING New York City Marathon, part of a group raising funds for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The MacNaughtons have a personal reason to support this cause: Stuart, the three-year-old […]
W&L Alum Treating Nationals' Strasburg
Washington Nationals fans should be heartened to know that when pitcher Steven Strasburg has surgery on his prized right arm in Los Angeles on Friday, a Washington and Lee alumnus is assisting in the operation. Dr. Wiemi Douoguih, of the Class of 1992, is medical director for the Nationals and will be working with orthopedic surgeon Dr. […]
W&L in the Governor's Office
Last month, when Randy Minchew, a member of the Washington and Lee Law Class of 1984, was named deputy counselor and advisor to Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, he joined fellow W&L alumnus Mike Reynold, of the Class of 2002, as a member of the McDonnell administration. Mike has been there since last November, serving as assistant […]
Alumnus Ted Le Clercq's Role in Katrina Recovery
For Washington and Lee alumnus Ted Le Clercq, this week's fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina marked the successful completion of a significant campaign through which he has helped one of New Orleans' great streets return to its previous grandeur. A member of W&L's Class of 1986, Ted was the guiding force in the effort to […]
Still Winning
Ginny Wortham, of the Class of 2007 and a member of the Generals' 2007 NCAA Division III national championship tennis team, is still competing and winning national championships. Earlier this month Ginny teamed up with her mother, Lindsay, to capture two titles at the USTA Mother/Daughter Grass Court Championships in Newport, R.I. The Worthams won […]
Money Management for Young Adults
When Drew Catanese of the Class of 2004 got his first high school teaching job, he found the process of selecting health insurance plans and 401Ks and home mortgage plans a puzzle for which he was not prepared. "I remember thinking, 'I'm a college-educated adult, and I have no idea what all this is about,'" […]
A Very, Very, Very Long Walk
Erin Tainer, a 2007 Washington and Lee alumna, stepped off from Springer Mountain, Ga., on March 27, bound for Mt Katahdin, Maine. On foot. That's a 2175-mile walk known as an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Erin's most recent blog post was on July 29, and she estimated then that she was 600 miles from her destination. […]
Emmy Nomination for W&L Alum
Congratulations to Geoffrey Campbell, a 1998 Washington and Lee alumnus who was nominated for an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Culinary category as producer of the Food Network series “Tyler’s Ultimate.” Geoff has been producing shows for the Food Network since July 2007 and has a variety of the network’s programs to his credit, including […]
Col. Bertolini '86 Commanding Key Army Unit
This summer, as U.S. combat advisers from the Army's 162nd Infantry Brigade began returning from their respective employments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Washington and Lee alumnus Mark Bertolini, of the Class of 1986, the brigade's commander, was on hand to greet them at Ft. Polk, La. (See the photo.) Col. Bertolini took over command of […]
On Memory and Memories
David Elmes, emeritus professor of psychology, has made a habit of calling upon his former students as a resource for the next generation of psychology majors. During the spring semester of 2009, he put together a course called Applications of Psychology Sciences, in which 11 alumni and alumnae with graduate degrees in psychology and allied […]
Alumna Honored by Roanoke YWCA
Cabell Youell, a 1999 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, was practicing corporate law in Roanoke when she began volunteering with the Saint Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation, an organization that trains service dogs who help children and adults stricken with a broad range of disabilities (autism, cerebral palsy, joint and muscular […]
Music for Kids of All Ages
What are the odds that two Washington and Lee alums who graduated six years apart would wind up creating albums of children's music? With the release of Why Does Gray Matter? … And Other Brainy Songs for Kids, Roger Day, of the Class of 1985, now has four albums. His latest features songs about the […]
IDEA's Future Brighter
In January, we blogged about an Automotive News report that predicted that Bright Automotive, the Indiana-based electric hybrid vehicle company of which Washington and Lee alumnus Reuben Munger is chairman and CEO, was about to sign an agreement with a major automaker. On Tuesday, Bright and General Motors announced the new agreement under which GM […]
Divorcing Gracefully
M. Marcy Jones, a 1995 alumna of the Washington and Lee School of Law, has become a leading proponent of graceful divorces. She knows that that very phrase is apt to be greeted with rolled eyes. Here's what she wrote on a recent blog: "When most people hear the words “graceful” and “divorce” in the […]
Calyx Online
Lost your Calyx in your last move? The University Library has felt your pain. This week, it has posted online more than 110 years' worth of Washington and Lee's student yearbook, all digitized. Here is the library's gateway page for the online Calyx: http://library.wlu.edu/details.php?resID=1848. Once you find the volume you want, you can browse it […]
Mike Pressler '82 Leads U.S. Lax to Title
Congratulations to Washington and Lee alumnus Mike Pressler '82, who coached Team USA to a 12-10 victory over Canada in the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championship on Saturday in Manchester, England. The victory avenged a loss to Canada in the 2006 world championships. It was the ninth time Team USA has won the […]
NY Times on Alumna's NOMA Exhibit
Another update on a recent blog post: Earlier this week we published an item about the work that Cristin J. Nunez, Class of 2005, had done on an exhibition that she co-curated at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). The exhibition, which opened on Saturday (July 24), is titled "Ancestor and Descendants: Ancient Southwestern […]
Baseball, Sushi and Apple Pie
Graig Fantuzzi's days as a record-setting outfielder for the Washington and Lee baseball team are behind him, but his love of the sport has clearly not diminished. That helps explain what the 1996 W&L graduate (and class valedictorian) was doing cutting up raw tuna alongside Boston Red Sox pitcher Hideki Okajima at a Japanese restaurant […]
Alumna to Unveil Exhibition at New Orleans Museum of Art
Cristin J. Nunez, of Washington and Lee University’s Class of 2005, is thrilled to see two years of work come to fruition this Saturday, July 24, with the opening of "Ancestors and Descendants: Ancient Southwestern America at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century," an exhibition she co-curated at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). […]
More on the Summer of BP
Earlier this month, we blogged about the stories that four Washington and Lee journalism interns — two seniors and two May graduates — have been reporting this summer on various aspects of the BP oil spill. We just found that they are not the only W&L journalists writing on the subject. There's at least one […]
Balloon's-Eye View
Each July 4, the Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club, which holds its weekly meetings in Evans Dining Hall on the Washington and Lee campus, joins forces with BB&T to stage the Fourth of July Balloon Rally. Colorful hot air balloons lift off from the Virginia Military Institute Parade Ground and float lazily (usually) over Rockbridge County. […]
Alumni and the Kagan Confirmation Hearings
Two Washington and Lee alumni played roles in this week's confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan — one at the witness table, the other in the photographers' gallery. Jack Goldsmith, a 1984 graduate, was a witness in the hearings on Thursday. Jack is the Henry L. Shattuck Professor of Law at Harvard University […]
McClung Opens Own PR Firm
After six years as a spokesman for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, most recently as deputy chief of staff, Washington and Lee alumnus Brian McClung, of the Class of 1995, has left that position to start his own public relations company, McClung Communications and Public Affairs, L.L.C., in Minneapolis-St. Paul. As a column in MinnPost.com, noted, […]
Alum on ACFR Executive Committee
Frank M. Young III, a 1963 Washington and Lee alumnus, has been named to the executive committee of the Washington, D.C.-based American Committees on Foreign Relations (ACFR). Frank is chair of the International Law and Immigration Practice Team of the Haskell Slaughter Young & Rediker, LLC.. ACFR is as a nonprofit association dedicated to facilitating […]
Chronicling Bonnaroo
Earlier this month, two Washington and Lee alumni turned their cameras on the music festival, Bonnaroo. Taylor Crothers of the Class of 1993 has been documenting the work of musicians such as Dave Matthews since the early 1990s and was one of the two official photographers at Bonnaroo, the four-day mega-music festival in Manchester, Tenn., […]
W&L Alum's Key Role in Frugal Millionaire Story
Washington and Lee alumni from the late '60s and early '70s who are careful viewers of ABC's “World News with Diane Sawyer” might have seen a familiar face there on June 9: Guy Glenn '67, '71L. He was interviewed for a story about the frugal millionaire Verna Oller, who left $4.5 million to her hometown […]
Big Appetite
Author Sam McLeod, known to his Washington and Lee law school classmates as Steve Johnson of the Class of 1981, has just published his newest book, Big Appetite: My Southern-Fried Search for Life. It's his fourth book, following a trilogy Welcome to Walla Walla, Bottled Walla and Blue Walla. The next edition of the W&L […]
A Successful NightOwl
Andrea Wallack planned to pursue a career in biochemistry after her graduation from Washington and Lee in 1989. But plans change, and today Andrea is the CEO of NightOwl Document Management Services, the company she founded when she was only 24 and already managing director of two affiliated companies, Miralex and archiving company, ImageXe LLC. […]
Good Scout
Todd Brown, a 1985 graduate of Washington and Lee and a 23-year resident of Culpepper, Va., just received a major award from his home community — the 11th annual Good Scout Award. The Piedmont District Boy Scouts of America give it to residents who embody scouting principles through their work and community service. Todd moved […]
Bronze Gators
Tallahassee artist W. Stanley (Sandy) Proctor, of Washington and Lee's Class of 1961, has forged a impressive reputation in the art world, including election to the Florida Artists Hall of Fame (joining such other luminaries as Ernest Hemingway, Ray Charles, Tennessee Williams, and Zora Neale Hurston). He began as a painter and stone carver, and […]
Rapids Return
The Rockbridge Rapids, the summer league baseball team that calls Washington and Lee's Smith Field home, are well into their second season in the Valley League. Washington and Lee alumni Jim Crothers '66 and Ken Newman '71 are the team's president and general managers, respectively. The Rapids are composed of college players from around the […]
More Honors for Reggie Aggarwal '94L
In May, Reggie Aggarwal, a 1994 graduate of W&L's School of Law and founder and CEO of Cvent, was honored by the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), which presented him its Distinguished Corporate Achievement Award. This latest recognition comes a year after Reggie was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year […]
Hoops and Hope
PeacePlayers International aims to use the game of basketball to unite and educate children and their communities, and Washington and Lee alumna Marina Vasilara, of the Class of 1995, is managing director of PeacePlayers International in her home country of Cyprus. According to the PeacePlayers' website, the program that Marina manages in Cyprus hopes to […]
Racing in Florida
Loranne Ausley, a 1990 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, is racing in Florida. Not only is she running to become the state's chief financial officer, one of three members of the Florida cabinet, but she also competed in the North Florida Olympic Triathlon as part of an unusual campaign fund-raising effort. Loranne […]
W&L's CBS Connection
A Washington and Lee journalism student and a W&L journalism alumna have connected in the Washington bureau of CBS News this summer, and the initial result is a story, both print and video, on how music is helping New Orleans to heal. Alicia Budich, who will be a senior at W&L in the fall, is […]
“Jeggings” and the Economy
Washington and Lee alumnus David Stovall Jr. of the Class of 1969 was always headed for the retail sales business. That's one of the takeaways from a wide-ranging Q and A with David, the president and CEO of Jacksonville-based Stein Mart, that appeared in the Financial News & Daily Record (Jacksonville, Fla.) earlier this month. […]
W&L Alum Confirmed as U.S. Attorney
The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Washington and Lee law alumnus R. Booth Goodwin II (Class of 1996) as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. Formerly an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the office since 2001, Booth was nominated by President Obama in January. In announcing the confirmation, both West Virginia U.S. senators cited […]
Brewing in Birmingham
As Hatton Smith tells the story, he got his start in the family business, Royal Cup Coffee, by decree: "My mother forced my brother to hire me." He joined the company in 1973, right after graduating from Washington and Lee. That is one of the stories you'll find in an entertaining and informative piece about […]
This is a Job?
Max Adler is on a road trip. He's playing 60 golf courses in 60 days and writing about his travels for Golf Digest. And — they're paying him. This isn't the first time that Max, a 2004 graduate and former member of the Generals' varsity golf team, has combined his writing and playing skills to […]
Commencement Connections
It's that Pomp and Circumstance time of year, and several Washington and Lee connections are cropping up in commencement exercises here and there. • W&L alumnus Tom Wolfe, of the Class of 1951, was the principal speaker at the University of Alabama-Huntsville last Friday. He told the graduates that America is "in astonishingly good shape." […]
W&L's Cruciverbalist
Washington and Lee alumnus Bob Doll of the Class of 1974 had always been a fan of crossword puzzles. About five years ago he decided to try his hand at constructing the crossword puzzles that he's always enjoyed solving. And he's been more than a little successful at it. If you're a New York Times […]
W&L Alum Leading Afghan Surge
On the final day of his four-day visit to the United States last week, Afghan President Hamid Karzai visited Fort Campbell, Ky., where one of the people he met was Col. Arthur Kandarian, a 1986 Washington and Lee graduate who commands the U.S. Army brigade that will lead the coming U.S.-led offensive in Kandahar. Art […]
Courtney Penn Featured in Roanoke Times
This morning's Roanoke Times has a major feature piece about Washington and Lee alumnus Courtney Penn of the Class of 1992. Courtney is a special assistant to the president at Roanoke College, but today's feature is all about Courtney's six years of service on the Roanoke School Board. As the story notes right up front, […]
Broadway Leads Va. Employment Commission
John R. Broadway Jr., a 1974 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, is returning to government service in the administration of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. John had been named to a four-year term as head of the Virginia Employment Commission. As the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, John "takes over the agency at a […]
W&L's Sanders Leads New Elementary Program in South Carolina
W. Ansel Sanders, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 2004, is embarking on another fascinating chapter in his work as a young leader in public education. Ansel is program director for the A. J. Whittenberg Elementary School in Engineering, which will open this coming fall in Greenville, S.C. After graduating from W&L, Ansel […]
New Alumni Dashboard
If you haven't noticed it already, please take a look at the newly created Alumni "dashboard" on the wlu.edu website. Click here to go to the page, which combines information tailored to individual alumni under the Colonnade Connections heading on the right site. Alumni with login information will be able to search the directory, submit […]
Vote Early, Vote Often
Christopher Rucker, a 2009 Washington and Lee graduate who is an admissions counselor at W&L, describes himself this way: "I'm Button-Down collar, Four-in-Hand tie, regular button cuff, Slim cut, two button suit, Classic black toe cap shoes, Silver with Leather Strap Watch, iPhone, Mac, Mix and Match, Something Practical kind of guy." Actually, that probably […]
Hall Brothers Honored by William & Mary
The College of William & Mary is honoring brothers Channing and Lesslie Hall, Washington and Lee alumni who are lifelong Williamsburg, Va., residents, with the college's annual Prentis Award. The Prentis Award is given to those people whose civic involvement benefits the community and the College. The award is named in honor of the Williamsburg […]
Jack Goldsmith Elected to AAAS
Washington and Lee alumnus Jack Goldsmith of the Class of 1984 has just been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious honorary societies. Jack is the Henry L. Shattuck Professor of Law at Harvard University. He was among 229 leaders in the sciences, social sciences, […]
Carnegie Mellon Honors Chad Ellis '03
Chad Ellis, a 2003 Washington and Lee graduate and currently a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, has been named the recipient of CMU's Graduate Student Service Award, which recognizes "service to his fellow students at Carnegie Mellon, and to his colleagues around Pittsburgh and the nation." Chad, a chemistry major at W&L, […]
A Canceled Check
During last weekend's School of Law reunion, returning members of the Class of 1960, back for their 50th, received special recognition during a Saturday morning gathering in the Millhiser Moot Court Room. Once they had been received a commemorative medal and greetings from W&L President Ken Ruscio and Law Dean Rodney Smolla, one of the […]
A Must Read
Denizens of pre-renovation Reid Hall from the mid-1980s can certainly relate to much of the portrait of Mike Allen (Class of 1986) that is painted in the fascinating cover story on Mike and Politico in the New York Times Magazine. You can read that piece online today, and it's worth every minute you spend. Here […]
W&L and Purchasing Power
Purchasing Power, an Atlanta-based company that has been ranked on Entrepreneur magazine's list of the Top 100 fastest growing companies, has added to its Washington and Lee connections with the announcement that Chad Delp of the Class of 1993 is the new chief financial officer. At Purchasing Power, Chad is joining fellow W&L alumnus Keith […]
W&L Alumna One of 15 Visionaries
Robyn O'Brien, the 1993 Washington and Lee alumna who has been labeled "food's Erin Brockovich" by the New York Times, earned another significant honor this month when Planet Green, part of the Discovery Channel, named her one of its 15 visionaries — people who are providing "big ideas that will shape our world going forward." […]
One of 40 Under 40 in Charlotte
Congratulations to Brian Clarke, a 1999 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, who was named one of the Charlotte Business Journal's 40 Under 40 last month. The annual feature in the special publication of the Charlotte Business Journal identifies 40 people under the age of 40 who are "making major strides in […]
W&L Basketball Great Mike Neer Retires
As a basketball player at Washington and Lee in the late 1960s, Mike Neer was part of some of the most successful teams in Generals' history. As a coach at the University of Rochester for 34 years, Mike led one of the most successful programs, on any level, in the country. Last week Mike announced […]
An Alum's Letter to Jackie
Within seven weeks of President John F. Kennedy's assassination on Nov, 22, 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy received more than 800,000 letters of condolence. One of those letters, dated Nov. 25, 1963, came from a Washington and Lee student—James S. Legg Jr. of the Class of 1965. And now Jim's letter is one of about 250 that […]
Honor and Taxes
Readers of The New York Times may already be aware of the story in Wednesday's Business section about Washington and Lee alumnus Charlie Freret (Class of 1970), his federal income taxes and the Honor System. If you haven't read the whole story, here's the link. The bottom line is this: Charlie discovered a flaw in […]
President Ruscio Talks Science with Journalists, Fellow Presidents
Washington and Lee President Ken Ruscio and 10 other college and university presidents from around the country participated in Arizona State University's 10th annual Science and Science Policy Round Table, in New York last week. This was the second year that President Ruscio joined the select group for a wide-ranging discussion with national journalists. This time, […]
Former Rector's Widow Receives Congressional Medal
In Washington last month, about 200 women who served during World War II as Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPS, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor given by Congress, in a ceremony on Capitol Hill. And one of those pioneering women was Patricia Nuckols, the widow of the late Marshall Nuckols, '33, '35L, […]
Sudden Death Win for Rick Woulfe '76L
Rick Woulfe, a 1976 graduate of the W&L School of Law, is managing partner of Bunnell Woulfe, P.A., in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 2009, Rick was named one of Florida's Super Lawyers and was also recognized as a Top Lawyer in the 2010 South Florida Legal Guide. Rick knows his way around a golf course […]
Cy Twombly '53 and The Louvre
Washington and Lee alumnus (Class of 1953) and Lexington native Cy Twombly has become only the third contemporary artist selected to create a permanent work for the Louvre. His contribution is a painted ceiling for the Salle des Bronzes, and he is the first artist given the honor of decorating a Louvre ceiling since Georges […]
Fast Start for Clark Finney '06
Clark Finney, a 2006 graduate of Washington and Lee, with a degree in business administration and two years on the Generals' lacrosse team, has just received the prestigious Most Promising Commercial Salesperson of the Year Award from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). Clark, an associate with Cushman & Wakefield, received the award […]
Stacy Morrison '90 Falls Apart in One Piece
Stacy Morrison's memoir, "Falling Apart in One Piece," was published this week by Simon & Schuster, and she appeared on the TODAY show on Tuesday morning to talk about it with Al Roker. (Click here to watch the video and read an excerpt). Stacy is editor-in-chief of Redbook magazine, and the book is about her […]
Bravos for Lawyer-Tenor Nick Leitch '84, 87L
Powell (Nick) Leitch of the Classes of 1984 and 1987L is an attorney practicing in the defense of medical malpractice and products liability claims for LeClairRyan law firm in Roanoke. That's Nick's day job. But Sunday and last night, he was on stage at the Shaftman Performance Hall in Roanoke's Jefferson Center where he was […]
Law Grad Running (and Walking) for Alabama AG
Giles G. Perkins, a 1992 graduate of the W&L School of Law and Executive Committee president in the 1991-92 academic year, is a candidate for attorney general in Alabama this year. To launch his campaign earlier this month, Giles joined marchers on the 51-mile walk between Selma and Montgomery to recreate the voting rights march […]
Team R. (for Ryan) Bowe Featured in Documentary
Hood to Coast is billed as the largest relay race in the world. The race features 1,000 teams with 12,000 runners and covers 197 miles from Mount Hood to the Oregon coast. A new documentary film about the race, also titled "Hood to Coast," follows four of the relay teams, one of which, Team R. […]
W&L's John Cimina '02 Named Top Naval Flight Officer
Capt. John Cimina, a 2002 graduate of Washington and Lee, has just received the 2010 winner of the Robert Guy Robinson Award from the Marine Corps Aviation Assocaition as the 2010 Naval Flight Officer of the Year. The award is named in honor of Marine First Lieutenant Robert G. Robinson, who earned the Medal of […]
Mackenzie Brown's Story
When we last wrote about Mackenzie Brown, a 2009 graduate, she was headed to Uganda to teach at BULA (Better Understanding of Life in Africa) Children's Home. Her hometown television station in West Virginia had done a story about her upcoming adventure. That was last July. Mackenzie arrived in Uganda in August and found the […]
Scott Ainslie Plays Robert Johnson
Eric Clapton has called Delta blues legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Robert Johnson "the most important blues musician who ever lived." Washington and Lee alumnus Scott Ainslie would no doubt agree. Next year is the 100th anniversary of Johnson's birth and the 25th anniversary of his recordings, and Scott has created a […]
A Homecoming for Wood Selig '83
Old Dominion University — and all of Tidewater, it seems — are welcoming Norfolk native Wood Selig back to the area with open arms. The 1983 Washington and Lee alumnus, who came to W&L from Norfolk Collegiate, has taken over as the athletic director at Old Dominion after 11 years at Western Kentucky. Prior to […]
W&L Alumna Nominated as Chair of ABA's House of Delegates
Linda Klein, a 1983 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, was nominated in February as chair of the American Bar Associations' House of Delegates. Linda is managing shareholder in the Georgia offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, and of the firm's board of directors. The chair of the ABA House […]
Saving Soulsville
If Washington and Lee alumnus Charlie Santo has his way, the area in Memphis known as Soulsville is going to be revitalized through an unusual program called the Memphis Music Magnet. Santo, a 1996 W&L graduate, is currently an assistant professor of City and Regional Planning in the School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy […]
Two W&L Alumni Physicians Respond to Haiti Crisis
Two members of Washington and Lee's Class of 1997, Dr. Anthony "Mazz" Mazzarelli and Dr. Sacha Montas, were among the first responders to earthquake victims in Haiti last month. Anthony heads up the emergency medicine unit at Cooper University Hospital in Newark, N.J. Sacha is a fourth-year resident in the department of emergency medicine at […]
Lost and Found
Senior Robert Claiborne always believed he would be reunited with the W&L class ring that he lost in the snow between Newcomb Hall and Morris House. It flew off his finger when he returned fire during a brief snowball battle on Feb. 2. Elizabeth Knapp ‘90, associate dean of the College, happened along when Robert […]
An Era Ending
Sometime in the next several weeks, the White Family Era in Washington and Lee men’s basketball will end when the Generals finish their season. After seven seasons of having a member of the family on the floor, Zac White will play his final game. Fans hope it will come later rather than sooner, as the […]
“The Guiding Light” Is Off, But Alumnus is Still On
Long-time viewers of the recently departed CBS soap opera “The Guiding Light” who are still undergoing withdrawal may not have realized that they were watching a Washington and Lee alumnus in one of the show's key roles. Grant Aleksander (Grant A. Kunkowski in W&L's Class of 1982) played Phillip Spaulding on the series, which left […]
Alum Joins National Higher Ed Organization
A Washington and Lee alumnus, Edward G. "Ned" Moore, has moved from directing one of the state's most successful, statewide, private higher-education consortiums to a national stage. A 1972 alumnus, Ned has been appointed an executive director of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE), the national office for state associations that focuses on consortial […]
Fantastic Fantasy
The third edition of the anthology Best American Fantasy has just been published and features what Publisher's Weekly calls "20 eclectic and exceptional stories that graft fantasy with realistic fiction." Included among the authors is none other than Stephen King. But two of the 20 stories are by writers with Washington and Lee ties. Chris […]
Inspiring Tweets
A Feb. 8 article in Forbes Woman identifies 20 Inspiring Women to follow on Twitter, and a Washington and Lee alumna is on the list. We blogged about the work of Robyn McCord O'Brien of the Class of 1993 last April. Robyn is the founder of the AllergyKids Foundation, which supports and inspires parents and […]
Staging a Race for the Ages
Washington and Lee alumnus Charles Cella's name was prominent on national and international sports pages this week: his race track, Oaklawn Park, in Hot Springs, Ark., will be the center of the thoroughbred horse racing universe in April when the world's top two horses meet in the Apple Blossom Invitational. Among other outlets, The New […]
Del Clark's Renewed Cancer Battle
When Del Clark graduated from Washington and Lee in 1990, most of his classmates were well aware of the battle he had fought with cancer during his undergraduate career. As his classmate and roommate Todd Peppers recently recalled, during his sophomore year Del had a cancerous brain tumor and a prognosis of a year to […]
Microfinancier
Washington and Lee alumnus Drew McWay returned to his alma mater this week to give a presentation about his new venture, Dvelo.org, a platform to connect investors with communities in the developing world. Drew is a 2008 W&L grad who won one of the 100 Projects for Peace and used his $10,000 grant to partner […]
Introducing the Rule of Law
Almost a year ago, Mike Pace, a 1984 Washington and Lee Law graduate from Salem, Va., asked his daughter what she was learning in her seventh grade civics class. She mentioned the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the amendments, and the structure of government, but when Mike asked about the rule of law, she wasn't […]
W&L Alumna's Film Chosen for Festival
As a graduate student in the Columbia University Journalism School in 2009, Jessica Hopper, a 2008 Washington and Lee graduate, joined forces with Columbia classmate Pracheta Sharma to form a film company called Brown Girls Production. Now, they are celebrating their first film's selection for screening at this year's Women's International Film Festival (WIFF). "Behind […]
Alumna Flies High
If you happened to go to Washington and Lee's dance concert over the weekend and then happened to watch Sunday's Grammy Awards telecast, you would have seen clear similarities between one of the aerial dances performed by W&L alumna Sharon Witting of the Class of 1991 and her partner, Andrea Burkholder, and the much-discussed Grammy […]
Patrick Hinely Photo in NY Times Magazine
Two photographs by Washington and Lee photographer Patrick Hinely '73 are featured in a slide show accompanying a feature story about jazz pianist Fred Hersch in the current issue of the New York Times Magazine. The article is titled "Giant Steps: The Survival of a Great Jazz Pianist," and Patrick has two of the slide […]
Working Simply in Charlotte
This month's issue of Greater Charlotte Biz magazine features alumna Carson Tate's company, Working Simply. Here is a link to the article. Carson, a 1998 graduate who majored in psychology, is president of Working Simply, which she founded in 2003 and has developed into an award-winning consulting firm that specializes in partnering with organizations, teams […]
Robert Mosbacher '47, '84H Dies at 82
Robert A. Mosbacher, a member of W&L’s undergraduate class of 1947 and law class of 1949, who served as secretary of commerce for President George H. W. Bush and as general chairman of Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign, died Sunday in Houston. He was 82 and had suffered from pancreatic cancer, according to the various […]
W&L Alumna Records with Porterfield Rose
Lovancy Ingram, a 2001 alumna, is part of a relatively new instrumental group called Porterfield Rose, which was formed in late 2008 and has just released its first CD, Echoes of Rose. A journalism and mass communications major who lives in Washington, D.C., Lovancy served as assistant concertmaster for the University Shenandoah Symphony Orchestra. Porterfield […]
Studying Sleep — Or Lack of It
A story in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette earlier this month focused on the research being conducted at Hendrix College in Conway by Jennifer Peszka, a 1994 Washington and Lee graduate and an associate professor of psychology and head of the department at Hendrix. Jennifer received the M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from Southern Mississippi and […]
All About the Shirts
An article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch last month reported on Washington and Lee alumnus Paul S. Trible's new venture — an online store selling men's shirts offering "European quality, English fit and American style; all at an attainable price." Paul and his business partner, Paul Watson, planned Ledbury while they were in Oxford, pursuing M.B.A. […]
Alum's Bright IDEA Moving Forward
A story in Tuesday's edition of Automotive News reports that Bright Automotive, the Indiana-based company of which Washington and Lee alumnus Reuben Munger '95 is chairman, is set to sign an agreement with a major automaker for the company's plug-in hybrid vehicles. Bright Automotive made a big splash last April when it unveiled the prototype […]
Burr Datz '75 Moves to New Position
Burr Datz ’75, director of leadership development and coordinator of religious life at Washington and Lee since 2000, has been named the campus minister for Lexington's St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. His last day in his W&L position was Dec. 31, but he's still going to be much in evidence around his alma mater since he'll […]
W&L Trustee, Alumnus Named Sewanee President
John M. McCardell Jr., a 1971 graduate of Washington and Lee and a member of the Board of Trustees since 2008, was named today as the vice chancellor and president of the University of the South-Sewanee. John is president emeritus of Middlebury College in Vermont, where he served from 1992 to 2004. Sewanee's announcement, including […]
Getting Fit with Jennifer Galardi
If you are worried about gaining a few unwanted pounds as the holidays approach, a Washington and Lee alumna has created a gift that might just be what you need. Jennifer Galardi of the Class of 1996 has just produced a new DVD called "Ballet Body" and subtitled "5 'Feel-Good' Workouts." Jennifer and the new […]
Major Award for Gerry Lenfest
Gerry Lenfest, Washington and Lee alumnus and benefactor, was the recipient Saturday of the Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement from The Pennsylvania Society, a non-profit, charitable organization founded in 1899. Lenfest, '53, '55L, was recognized at the 111th annual dinner of The Pennsylvania Society at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. He joins an impressive […]
More than Two Decades in KD Country
Anyone from Western Pennsylvania or even anyone who has spent some time traveling through Pittsburgh over the last two decades has probably seen and heard a Washington and Lee alumnus who has become a fixture on KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh's CBS affiliate. Dave Crawley of the Class of 1969 celebrated two decades with the station in April […]
Alumni Battling Childhood Cancers
Back in November Stephen R. Chance of the Class of 1989 and his family stopped by Lexington on their way back to Atlanta from Philadelphia. Stephen decided to show his family around his alma mater. As he walked across the footbridge, he spotted a banner for St. Jude Childrens' Research Hospital from the University's group […]
New Alumni Association Blog
If you're looking for the latest news of Washington and Lee's alumni chapters, there's a great new on-line resource available. The Alumni Association's blog features a comprehensive calendar of chapter events plus links tothe individual blogs being maintained by 16 different alumni chapters. Be sure to have a look. Chances are you'll find a W&L […]
Presidential Warmup
Only moments before the network TV cameras went live from Eisenhower Hall at West Point for President Obama's speech on Afghanistan last night, a Washington and Lee alumnus stood at the podium where the president would stand and addressed the Corps of Cadets and gathered dignitaries. Col. James T. (Ty) Seidule, a 1984 W&L history […]
Alumna Wins Marshall Memorial Fellowship
Anna Schleunes, a 1991 Washington and Lee alumna and currently assistant city attorney for the city of Charlotte, N.C., is one of only 54 individuals from around the nation to be awarded a prestigious German Marshall Fund’s Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) for 2010. Anna, a politics major at W&L and a member of Chi Omega, […]
Remembering Todd Smith
It's been a little more than 20 years ago now that Todd Smith was killed in South America, apparently by cocaine traffickers. And it's been a little more than 26 years ago that Todd graduated from Washington and Lee after majoring in English and serving as co-editor of the Ring-tum Phi. But a column in […]
W&L Law Grad Is Virginia's Business Person of the Year
Shawn Boyer, a 1997 graduate of Washington and Lee's School of Law, says that "…you can never let your mind go to, ‘What if it doesn’t work?’” And Shawn certainly put that maxim in motion, creating SnagAJob.com in August 1999 and then riding the roller-coaster of good dot-com times and bad to that point that […]
Poetry and W&L Poets
Here's some recent news about two Washington and Lee poets: First, today's Poem of the Day on Poetry Daily is "Shades" by R.T. Smith, editor of Shenandoah and writer-in-residence at W&L. The poem was originally published in the Sewanee Review, and you can read it here. Meanwhile, the blog, Savvy Verse & Wit, has an […]
Hotchkiss Heads University Development Office
Julie Hotchkiss, a 1989 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law, has just been named director of development at the Oregon State University-Cascades in Bend, Oregon. The appointment is effective in early January. OSU-Cascades is the first branch campus in the Oregon University System. Julie has been working in nonprofit development for more […]
Drive Safer Nov. 29 in Memory of Cullum Owings '03
On the Sunday following Thanksgiving in 2002, Cullum and Pierce Owings were driving from their home in Atlanta back to Lexington where both were students at Washington and Lee. The brothers were three miles from the Lexington exit on I-81 north when their car was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer. Cullum, a senior business […]
Overheard in a Chat Room
Back in late October when the Virginia gubernatorial race was in its final stages, the Washington Post held a live chat during which Post polling analyst Jennifer Agiesta, a 2000 alumna of Washington and Lee, joined a fellow staffer in answering questions from readers. We just happened across the transcript of that chat recently and […]
Chris Coffland ’88 Buried at Arlington
Chris Coffland, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1988 and a captain of the 1987 Generals' football team, was killed Friday (Nov. 13) by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
W&L in Sunday's Washington Post
In case you missed it, Washington and Lee was well represented in Sunday's Washington Post. W&L law professor Robin Fretwell Wilson authored an opinion piece on page C-7 that examined the bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia. She's co-editor of the book "Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty: Emerging Conflicts." You […]
W&L's World's Fastest Nudist
Kyle Overstreet '02 was unmasked in a New York Times blog on Thursday as the actor who played the world's fastest nudist in a marketing campaign for Zappos.com. Kyle, a psychology major at W&L and a fullback on the Generals football team, landed the part of the nude runner who streaked around New York "clad […]
Still Playing Handball on an International Level
Ollie Cook, a 1960 graduate of Washington and Lee, recently advanced to the quarterfinals in his age group, 70 and above Singles Diamond Master Division, of the Waterford Crystal World Handball Championships in Portland, Ore. Ollie, 71, an attorney who is currently of counsel with the Peabody, Mass., firm Smerczynski & Conn, was one of […]
Familiar Face on WSJ's News Hub
If you haven't begun watching the new Wall Street Journal video feature, the News Hub, you're missing the anchoring skills of Washington and Lee alumna Kelly Evans, Class of 2007 and an economics writer for the Journal. Considering this is a newspaper and not a TV network, The Hub is a pretty ambitious undertaking, not […]
W&L Alumna Named Finalist for National Book Award
Back in April we blogged about the poetry of Washington and Lee alumna Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon of the Class of 1993. Now we can report that Lyrae has just been named a finalist for the National Book Award in Poetry for Open Interval, her latest book of poems. On the National Book Foundation Web site, […]
Catching Up with Kate Shellnutt '08
Kate Shellnutt, a 2008 graduate of Washington and Lee, is currently pursuing her master's degree at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, and she's found a particularly interesting way to combine her two undergraduate primary interests — journalism and religion. In fact, you may have read one of Kate's stories in a major newspaper already. In […]
What Ever Happened to…?
Some of us remember watching Kevin McClatchy on the basketball court, not the stage. During his undergraduate days at Washington and Lee, McClatchy, a 1985 graduate, was a guard who captained the Generals in the 1984-85 season and majored in journalism. That was then. Now he's a veteran of stage and screen with an impressive […]
A One Man Band
Scott Broom's particular brand of reporting is generally known as "backpack journalism"— the notion being that a reporter carries everything from a pencil to a laptop to a video camera and takes a story from start to finish with the tools in his backpack. Scott's been doing just that with a great deal of success […]
W&L Alum Inaugurated As College of Idaho President
The College of Idaho is inaugurating Washington and Lee alumnus Marvin Henberg as its 12th president today in Caldwell, Idaho. No doubt, those who knew Marvin during his student days when he was known as Swede and served as student body president and won a Rhodes Scholarship would be quick to tell the folks at […]
Listening to the Newspaper
Bruce Rider of the Class of 1966 is an inveterate letter-to-the-editor writer. And he gets published a lot. Until recently, it wasn’t always easy for Bruce to read his own letters once they were printed, because of his deteriorating eyesight as the result of damaged retinas. But now that Bruce has an Amazon Kindle, he […]
Writer William Hoffman '53 Dies
William Hoffman ’53, the acclaimed fiction writer and the recipient of a 1995 honorary degree from Washington and Lee, died on Sept. 13, in Farmville, Va. He was 84. Among his 14 novels, four short-story collections, one play and numerous published stories is the novel Tidewater Blood, which won the Hammett Prize for literary excellence […]
And the Winner Was…
Michael Applebaum, a 1990 Washington and Lee alum, won an Emmy Award last weekend when the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honored the creative arts in a ceremony in Hollywood. Applebaum is a veteran cinematographer who has been behind the camera for seven seasons of The Survivor and had previously been an Emmy nominee […]
Scratching An Overseas Itch in Rwanda
What, exactly, is Washington and Lee alumnus Brian Castleberry of the Class of 2004 doing in Rwanda? He figured you might ask. So his fascinating blog, titled A Thousand Hills and a River, has a page devoted to "What Am I Doing Here?" The short answer is that Brian, who majored in economics and mathematics, […]
Rebecca Makkai's Stories Featured
Rebecca Makkai, who graduated from Washington and Lee in 1999, will have the second of her stories featured in the "Best American Short Stories" anthology this fall. Rebecca's story, "The Worst You Ever Feel," was selected for Best American Short Stories 2008, the volume that Salman Rusdie edited. Next month "The Briefcase" will appear in […]
Missouri Mad Men
We're guessing that Washington and Lee alumnus Brent Beshore (Class of 2005) doesn't necessarily have three-martini lunches a la Don Draper of Mad Men. But an article in the Columbia (Mo.) Business Times suggests that Brent's early success as an adman is mindful of TV's Draper, the creative director of Sterling Cooper. In Brent's case, […]
Washington Post Profiles W&L Law Alum
Jonathan Keiler is a 1984 graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law. After four years as an Army Judge Advocate General officer and then moved to a private law firm in Bethesda, Md., before he changed course altogether and began teaching social studies at Bowie High School in Prince Georges County, Md. Earlier […]
W&L Alum's First Book of Poetry Published
No Loneliness, the first book of poetry by Washington and Lee alumnus Temple Cone of the Class of 1995, has just been published by FutureCycle Press, which awarded Temple its first annual FutureCycle Poetry Book Prize. Although this is his first book of poetry, Temple is the author of five chapbooks of poetry and has […]
Two Decades of Coaching
About five days after Mark Zavatsky graduated from Washington and Lee in 1987, he started teaching summer school back at his secondary school alma mater, the Linsly School in Wheeling, W.Va. He's still there, teaching math but also coaching the golf team. As a feature article in the Wheeling Intelligencer and News-Register noted this week, […]
Keep Tabs on W&L Twitterers
Are you on Twitter? Two Washington and Lee alumni are currently Tweeting from their respective news desks in Atlanta, and their Tweets are both worth following. Tricia Coughlin Escobedo of the Class of 1995 is a news writer at CNN where she writes mostly about international news. (You can also sample her non-Tweet writing by […]
Another Alum Nominated by Obama
Robert J. Grey Jr., a 1976 graduate of W&L's School of Law and a current member of the Board of Trustees, has been nominated by President Barack Obama to the board of the Legal Services Corporation. Announcement of the nomination was made on Thursday in a news release from the White House. Robert, who is […]
A Gathering of Generals
Tyler Suiters, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1991, has a blog called "Energy on Capitol Hill" where he posts items dealing with his work as a reporter and anchor for Clean Skies News, which covers events and trends at the intersection of energy and the environment. Tyler's work can be seen both […]
New Grad Heads to Uganda
Mackenzie Brown graduated from Washington and Lee in June with a major in environmental studies and a minor in poverty studies. She headed back to her home town of Kingwood, W.Va., but only for a couple of months while she prepared for her big adventure — a year running an after school program at St. […]
Organizing Volunteers for the Land of the Incas
Anne Spencer Olivo, a member of Washington and Lee's Class of 1997, met her husband, Juan Carlos, in Peru in 2003. Together, they began volunteering with various Peruvian organizations — an orphanage, a women's homeless shelter, a hospital. Eventually they would move from Peru to the States, working at Bard College at Simon's Rock, where […]
Barbecue Redux
Remember John Snedden? He's the Class of 1981 premed major turned barbecue chef extraordinaire that we blogged about in December. In honor of mid-summer and the weekend, we couldn't help but bring John back for an encore. And that's because the latest feature stories about him and his Washington, D.C. , restaurant Rockland's Barbecue and […]
Wolfe on the Moon Landing
If you missed Sunday's New York Times' essay by Washington and Lee alumnus Tom Wolfe (Class of 1951) on the moon landing and its meaning to NASA's space exploration plans, it's a must read. "One Giant Leap to Nowhere" opens with this memorable lead paragraph: "WELL, let’s see now … That was a small step […]
Discovering Fig Tree Notes
The current edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education has a Short Subject that refers to a campaign by three West Virginia environmentalists to find a new nickname for the Mountain State as a way (tongue-in-cheek) to call attention to their campaign against strip mining and mountaintop-removal mining. One of those environmentalists, the Rev. Jim […]
Mini-Reunion for Stonewall Country
When Stonewall Country returned to Lime Kiln Theatre this month for a 25th anniversary run, Washington and Lee was well represented in the production. The musical retelling of Stonewall Jackson's life premiered at Lime Kiln in the summer of 1984. Don Baker of the Class of 1968 was artistic director at Lime Kiln then and […]
Another Win at the Cascades
Jack Vardaman, a 1962 Washington and Lee graduate, was a freshman on the W&L golf team when the Generals won the 1959 Virginia Intercollegiate championships. That tournament was held on the famous Cascades Course at the Homestead in Hot Springs, Va. (Sam Snead launched his career on the course, which has been named one of […]
W&L Alum Meriwether Lewis: Suicide or Murder?
Was it suicide or murder? On Wednesday Washington descendants of Meriwether Lewis held a news conference in which they continued to push the federal government for permission to exhume Lewis's body for scientific investigation. Lewis, who hailed from Albermarle County, attended Liberty Hall Academy in the 1790s. He joined William Clark for their famous 8,000-mile […]
Law Grad Novelists
The latest issue of the Washington and Lee School of Law Magazine reports that Melissa Warner Scoggins of the Class of 1981 has published her first novel. It's titled Journeys of Choice, Joanna's Crossroads. (You can read the story about Melissa's new book on the Web-based version of the Law School magazine. Just go to […]
NCAA News Profiles W&L's Goodman
Isaiah Goodman, who just graduated from Washington and Lee last month, is the cover story on the NCAA News at the moment. The NCAA News is an online magazine that the national organization publishes, and you'll find Kevin Remington's photo of Isaiah hanging from a wire on the wall of Wilson Hall prominently displayed on […]
Dashiell '80 Wins Major Broadcast Award
Joe Dashiell, a 1980 Washington and Lee graduate, was presented with the George A. Bowles Jr. Award for Distinguished Performance in Broadcast News by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters on Friday (June 27) at the organization's annual meeting in Virginia Beach. The Bowles Award goes annually to the broadcast reporter or news director in Virginia […]
Update: Meredith Attwell Baker Gets the Nod
As expected, President Obama said Thursday that he was going to forward Meredith Attwell Baker's name as his nominee to a Republican seat on the Federal Communications Commission. The probability of that nomination had been widely reported, including on our page earlier this week. In the Reuters story announcing the president's decision, Texas Sen. Kay […]
Just 10 Spots Behind Oprah
Each June the Chicago Web site Newcity Lit, which is part of Newcity magazine, publishes a list titled "Lit 50: Who really books in Chicago." The list is designed to be a pecking order of the most important writers and publishers in Chicago. So it's not necessarily any great surprise that Oprah Winfrey is No. […]
Another Cy Twombly Exhibit
Last month we cited the new Cy Twombly (Class of 1953) exhibit opening at the Art Institute of Chicago. But if you're summer travels don't include the Windy City, you can also see a major retrospective of Cy's work in Vienna this summer. "Sensations of the Moment" is at the Museum Moderner Kunst and comprises […]
Guggenheim for Filmmaker Henry Hills '70
Henry Hills of the Class of 1970 has been making films since the mid-1970s when he was in San Francisco, studying filmmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute. He's made 22 experimental films, several of which are in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Archives du Film Experimental […]
Memphis Piano Man
John Boatner(Karen Pulfer Focht/The Commercial Appeal photo) If you've ever been to The Peabody, a historic hotel in downtown Memphis featuring the famous march of the Peabody Ducks every day, you might have heard Washington and Lee alumnus John Boatner, Class of 1961, performing on the grand piano. Millburn Noell Jr. (Class of 1951) sent […]
Pursuing Honor
When Charlie Myers, a 1967 Washington and Lee graduate, wanted to introduce an honor code to the high school where he was teaching, he knew where to go. According to a feature article that appeared recently in the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, Myers is retiring this year from his current position as teacher of history, government, […]
Sculpting Business as Usual
Even the still images on the Charlotte Observer Web site make artist Bob Trotman's latest exhibition seem dramatic and eerie. In person, it must be an incredible exhibition at the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte. The exhibition, titled Business As Usual, is not unfamiliar to members of the Washington and Lee community. Bob, a […]
Close, but…
Remember Max Adler? The 2004 Washington and Lee alumnus was the subject of a blog item way back in March when he announced that he was launching a bid to earn a spot next month's U.S. Open golf championships at Bethpage Black in New York. Max, a former member of the W&L golf team, is […]
W&L Lax and the Wall Street Journal
OK, so Kelly Evans gets yet another shout-out on the W&L News Blog. This time Kelly, economics report for the Wall Street Journal and a member of W&L's Class of 2007, has a video report on the surge in lacrosse's popularity in which she talks about her college lax experience and her current club experience […]
Thinking Big
If you haven't already stumbled upon the Web site that Sean McManus of the Class of 1999 runs as executive, you need to make a point of finding it. The site is called Big Think, and it bills itself as "a global forum connecting people and ideas." Big Think encompasses a broad range of topics, […]
The Book(s) on Scouting
Earlier this week Alvin Townley's second book on scouting and its impact was published, and it's already got one pretty impressive review on Amazon. All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning has called Spirit of Adventure "a compelling story about a new generation and America's future." In his first book, Legacy of Honor, Townley, a member of W&L's […]
Hall of Fame Speech
If you were among the fortunate alumni in Lee Chapel Saturday morning, then you already know that former Sen. John W. Warner of the Class of 1949 presented a once-in-a-lifetime moment when he responded to being presented The Washington Award. If you weren't there, then you are in luck because Sen. Warner's remarks are available […]
Rave Reviews for John Pipkin's Debut Novel
"Gripping and profound." “Witty, bawdy, philosophical, touching, and humorous." "Audacious, wondrous." And those are just a sampling of the adjectives being used to describe Woodsburner, the debut novel of Washington and Lee alumnus John Pipkin of the Class of 1989. Scheduled to be released on April 28, Woodsburner covers a single day in the life […]
More Poems A Day
Last week we brought news that Shenandoah Editor R.T. Smith had his poem,"Storm Warming," selected as Poetry Daily's featured poem on April 16. We turned the page — or clicked the browser link too fast — because just one day later a Washington and Lee alumna, Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon, was similarly honored when her poem, […]
Fulbright Honors W&L Alumus John D. Maguire
The Fulbright Association is honoring Washington and Lee alumnus John D. Maguire of the Class of 1953 with its Lifetime Achievement Medal. Maguire, president emeritus of the Claremont University Consortium and director of the Institute for Democratic Renewal,, will receive the award on May 12 in Washington. He's in an impressive group of four recipients. […]
Teaching for America
Casandra (Casie) Pedroza majored in neuroscience at Washington and Lee and was on a premed track when she made a trip to Texas to work with Hurricane Katrina victims. Things changed. The 2007 graduate may yet make it to medical school. But for the moment, you can see Casie's picture and read a story of […]
Alumna Fighting Food Allergies
When her daughter had a violent reaction to eggs and was diagnosed with a food allergy, Robyn McCord O'Brien, Class of 1993, says she wanted to tattoo a warning across her daughter's forehead so that people would be aware of the danger that certain foods posed for her. That was the start of Robyn's work […]
Art for Your Wall by Katie Wall
Katie Wall, a 2005 Washington and Lee graduate who majored in biology and studio art, has recently unveiled a new Web site that has a some striking examples of her art work. After W&L, Katie went to the Savannah College of Art and Design to get an M.F.A. and also worked for SCAD as media […]
