Why I Give | Craig Cornett ‘80
Student financial support is built from gifts from alumni, friends, parents and other benefactors.
Stories of Consequence Archive (52 Stories)
Team Player
When Jackson Stokes ’25 walked across the stage in May to accept his Washington and Lee University diploma, he was certain that while he was leaving the campus behind, the community would travel with him for the rest of his life.
Fundraising Records Shattered as Campaign Momentum Builds
The W&L Fund, the university’s annual giving program, reached new heights, surpassing its $10.65 million goal with $10,891,247 — the largest amount in W&L’s history and marks a 4.4% increase over last year.
Tackling the Bucket List
Students in the Outing Club’s new pilot Spring Term program had the chance to step outside their comfort zones one more time before Commencement.
Best Practice
Dr. Charles Frankum ’90 lays claim to being one of the few surgeons in the country who flies himself to appointments at rural hospitals.
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.
Teeing Up for the Next Shot
Washington and Lee University and Lexington Golf and Country Club (LGCC) are collaborating to undertake a complete renovation of the club’s golf course and ancillary facilities, which will support W&L’s top-performing golf teams and revitalize LGCC — Virginia’s second-oldest country club — to benefit the Lexington-Rockbridge community.
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.
An Uplifting Legacy
If I can create opportunities for people the way W&L created opportunities for me, I’m happy to do it.
International Exposure
Studying abroad was the best and most impactful educational experience I had. The person I am today was forged in the experiences I had abroad.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Brandon Chalk '00 followed his love for the outdoors all around the world, summiting the highest peaks on each of the seven continents with his wife, Kristine Chalk.
Noteworthy Impact
Burr Datz ’75 has been a pillar of support – and supplier of stories and songs – to the W&L community for five decades.
Learning Environments
We’re so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support that recognizes what John, Nell and others built and helps ensure that top-notch archaeological work will continue at W&L in the years to come
Parents Find Lifelong Connections Through W&L Leadership Council
Richard And Wimberly McPhail P’24 share their journey of giving, leading and forming bonds at Washington and Lee.
Bridging College and Career
As Andrew Barnett ’02 and his wife, Tori, contemplated how they could play a role in the lives of future Washington and Lee University students, they knew they wanted to make a gift that exemplified their values.
From Lectures to Legacies
Washington and Lee University’s faculty are dedicated to helping their students reach their potential.
Preserving Excellence
On Oct. 25, 2024, Billy Webster ’79, chair of Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee, addressed alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends during the campaign launch celebration on campus. Below is an excerpt from his remarks.
Healthy Focus
Cory Allison '94, P'26 hopes to change the way hospitals and doctors approach surgical prep.
Charting New Waters
From rehabilitating its finances to reviving endangered species, Keith Sanford ’80 transformed the Tennessee Aquarium’s future.
Heart of the Matter
Dr. Matthew Sackett ’90, P’18 is on the cutting edge of cardiac treatments.
Bedrock Values
Howard Capito ’68 established the Christopher D. Connors Endowment for Earth and Environmental Geoscience to honor the “living legend” and support student internships in geology and related fields.
Continuing a Legacy of Philanthropy
Hank Ingram '13 recently established the Ingram Family Student Opportunity Endowment to further community-based learning opportunities for W&L students in Rockbridge County.
Living a Legacy
After 38 years in the federal government, Mark Bradley ’78 has made sure to think beyond himself and serve the greater good.
High-wire Act
Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.
On Our Honor
Past presidents of Washington and Lee University’s Executive Committee reflect on how it prepared them for a life of values-driven leadership.
Appreciating the Sweetness of Life
As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Olivia Claire Ball ’09 cherishes the humanity and connection she cultivates with her patients.
Steve Abraham ’80, ’83L Named a Washingtonian of the Year for 2024
As founder and president of Wilderness Leadership and Learning, Abraham has impacted hundreds of youths in the D.C. area.
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.
Historic Gift Allows Washington and Lee University to Adopt Need-Blind Admissions Policy
Alumnus Bill Miller donates $132 million to expand access and affordability.
The Privilege of Service
Clarke family's gift to support Law School financial need
W&L Establishes Lettie Pate Evans Society for Women Donors
The society amplifies women's philanthropic power.
Anonymous Donor’s $2.5M Gift Propels Law School Scholarships
Matching challenge aims to help alleviate student debt.
A Final Act of Generosity
The Brian C. Shearer Scholarship Endowment provides opportunities for future generations.
Legacy of Outdoor Exploration
The Matelich Endowment enhances Outing Club experiences.
Lindley’s Legacy Lives On
Washington and Lee's new student wellness center has inspired generous support.
W&L Annual Fund Soars to $10.4M; Overall Giving Exceeds $66.4M
Generous alumni, parents and friends contributed more than $10 million to W&L’s Annual Fund in the 2023-24 fiscal year, achieving the largest Annual Fund in five years.
W&L Students Learn the Importance of Paying it Forward
The second annual Philanthropy Education Week highlighted the impact donations have on the undergraduate experience.
The Business of Giving Back
Expanding and enhancing the Williams School’s facilities is a priority of the university’s strategic plan, which calls for strengthened interdisciplinary programs like Entrepreneurship as well as increased offerings for non-majors in the Williams School.
Choksi Family Endowment
“I felt from Washington and Lee a spirit of gratitude, like the school was happy you decided to join their community.”
A Fortunate Obligation
Billy Webster ’79 has worn many hats at Washington and Lee throughout the years: student, alumnus, parent, supporter, Trustee and volunteer, to name a few. The stalwart graduate is now taking on, arguably, his most significant role to date — chair of Leading Lives of Consequence, the university’s comprehensive capital campaign.
Honoring a Mentor’s Legacy
Dyson Foundation endows director position at the DeLaney Center.
Giving All Students a Leading Edge
W&L’s Class of 2027 takes part in orientation experiences at no additional cost.
Empathy & Compassion
In May, Mary Hipp ’90 said being a member of the second class of women undergraduates at W&L taught her a lot— although she didn’t realize it at the time.
From Big Law to Foreign Assets
Chrishon McManus ’14L—attorney and competitive swimmer—radiates calm when it counts.
Lives of Consequence: Allyship in Action
Alexis Yee-Garcia ’01 leads the way in generating greater diversity, equality and engagement in Big Law firms.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Hardin Marion and Carter Chandler discuss their experiences as W&L students.
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.
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.
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.
