Leading With Trust
Graham Frankel Smith ’02 never dreamed of a career in public service. She wanted to study journalism in college, which brought her to Washington and Lee University.
Citizenship Archive (30 Stories)
Raising the Bar
Three W&L alumni are continuing their dedication to public service as presidents of their respective state bar associations.
Cultivating Communities of Trust
For Washington and Lee University students, the Honor System is more than a set of expectations to live by throughout their four years on campus — it is a symbol of the values of trust, honor and integrity graduates develop and carry throughout their lives.
Seeing the Whole Picture
Drawing on his own unconventional career path, Hollis Taggart ’71 encourages W&L students to find what brings them joy.
Answering the Call
The Reverend Dane Boston ’08 can pinpoint the exact moment he found his calling in the church, and it was in Fletcher Otey Thomas Professor in Bible Alexandra Brown’s New Testament 101 class at Washington and Lee University.
On Our Honor
In the intricate network that ties W&L graduates together in business and in friendship, the Honor System acts as a uniting thread long after the last non-proctored exam.
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.
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.
From Chance Encounter to Purposeful Path
Now in his second year, Mouton’s W&L experience has fostered his self-assurance, adaptability and global awareness.
Brian ’96 and Katie ’95 Boland on Building a Well-Being Economy
The Bolands have dedicated their time and energy to building a more equitable economic system.
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.
Leading by Example
For Captain Michael Holifield ’89, being a career public servant is about lifting and supporting the people around him to the best of his ability.
Blending Passion with Integrity
For Sam Tannahill ’91, W&L provided a foundation of integrity, leadership and intellectual curiosity that have guided his personal and professional life.
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.
W&L Announces 2025 Distinguished Young Alumni Award Winners
Wilson Hallett ’15 and Jillian Katterhagen ’15 will be recognized during Young Alumni Weekend.
A Courageous Step
As Yuchen Qian ’25 prepares to graduate with degrees in politics and philosophy and a minor in German, he reflects on the many facets that shaped his Washington and Lee University experience and on his less-than-linear path to get here.
American Dream
Tolu Olubunmi ’02 has made her journey to citizenship an opportunity to inspire and serve others.
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.
Charting New Waters
From rehabilitating its finances to reviving endangered species, Keith Sanford ’80 transformed the Tennessee Aquarium’s future.
Living a Legacy
After 38 years in the federal government, Mark Bradley ’78 has made sure to think beyond himself and serve the greater good.
High-wire Act
Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.
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.
An Evergreen Gift
In 2018, Kathelen and Dan Amos established the John Kyle Spencer Endowed Directorship for Environmental Studies — the first of its kind for an interdisciplinary program at Washington and Lee University.
Trust in W&L
Continued support from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation demonstrates the power of endowed giving.
Honoring a Mentor’s Legacy
Dyson Foundation endows director position at the DeLaney Center.
Empathy & Compassion
In May, Mary Hipp ’90 said being a member of the second class of women undergraduates at W&L taught her a lot— although she didn’t realize it at the time.
Under the Baobab Tree
How one W&L graduate empowers women farmers in Africa.
‘Save the Whales’
A passionate conservationist, Niquole Esters ’04 has crafted complex approaches encompassing multiple countries to improve ocean health and benefit local communities.
Community Foundations
Craig Jones has been an active volunteer in his community, particularly the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools.
